CHAPTER 291
YEARS AGO...
Vittorio Amorielle sat in his office, within the imposing family mansion, lost in thought. Eleonora appeared at the door, wearing a simple white dress that made her look ethereal. She entered uninvited, knowing that Vittorio needed the solitude of his office at that moment.
Vittorio looked up as he sensed Eleonora's presence and furrowed his brow. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Eleonora took a step forward, approaching her façade of a husband. “I came to fetch my husband for the party. Everyone is waiting for you downstairs.”
Vittorio stared at Eleonora with a penetrating gaze. “You know this marriage isn't real, Eleonora. I'm marrying you only to protect you from Jácomo Grecco.”
Eleonora bit her lip, frustration visible on her face. “I know that, Vittorio. But it doesn't mean we can't bring a little lightness into our relationship. We can turn life's lemons into delicious lemonade.”
Vittorio remained skeptical and retorted, “I hate lemonade.”
Eleonora looked into Vittorio's eyes with a glint of sadness. “I'm trying, Vittorio. Trying to be the wife you need me to be, even if it's not real.”
Vittorio got up from his chair, and approached Eleonora. He held her face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes. “You need to understand once and for all that I already had a wife who was exactly the way I needed. You don't have to play this role, so please, don't try.”
Eleonora lowered her gaze, caressing Vittorio's hand on her face. “I know, but sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be better for us to try to be a family. I know this was the choice we made, but I see no reason not to try.”
At that moment, Vittorio made a decision. “Eleonora, call Rocco. I need to talk to him.”
Eleonora agreed, “All right, Vittorio. I'll call him.”
Eleonora nodded, turned, and left the office, leaving Vittorio alone with his thoughts and the impending difficult decisions he would have to make to protect the Amorielle family.
***
As Don Vittorio contemplated the shadows dancing around the room, the door to his office opened silently, and Rocco, his trusted right-hand man and capo, entered. His eyes were deep and sharp, always ready to serve his Don.
Rocco approached with respect and asked in a soft voice, “Don Vittorio, what do you desire?”
Vittorio averted his gaze from the gardens and met Rocco's eyes. “I was thinking about Jácomo Grecco,” he admitted frankly. “I don't like living in this uncertainty, Rocco. We know that all men are monitoring every move of Tommaso Grecco's former followers, but we still haven't located Jácomo.”
Rocco nodded gravely, understanding Don's concern. “We are vigilant, Don Vittorio. We won't allow Jácomo to attempt anything against you or your family. Our men are watchful.”
Vittorio rubbed his temples, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. “I know that, Rocco, but we can't just wait. At some point, Jácomo will come seeking revenge for Tommaso's death, and what worries me the most is Ellis.”
Rocco inclined his head, concerned. “Ellis is safe in Seattle, married to John Smith. I doubt Jácomo would risk approaching her in those circumstances.”
Vittorio sighed, looking at a photograph of Ellis on his desk. “You may be right, Rocco, but the uncertainty gnaws at me. We can't underestimate Jácomo. We need to be prepared for any eventuality.”
Rocco studied his Don for a moment before asking, “What do you propose, Don Vittorio?”
Vittorio looked into Rocco's eyes and replied with determination, “We need to gather all the family members and devise a plan. We must be united and ready to face any threat that Jácomo poses.”
Rocco nodded. “I understand. How do you plan to assemble the family?”
Vittorio smiled slightly and rose from his chair. “Prepare the family jet for Pedesina. We will convene a meeting at the family country house, away from prying eyes. Everyone must be there, and we need to formulate a solid plan to ensure our family's safety.”
Rocco approached Vittorio, ready to carry out his orders. “Understood, Don Vittorio. I will make the preparations immediately.”
As Rocco left the office to fulfill his Don's orders, Vittorio remained, aware that danger loomed. The meeting in Pedesina would be the first step toward a plan that would secure the Amorielle family's safety. The threat of Jácomo Grecco loomed over them, and the unity of the Amorielle family would be the key to facing whatever challenges the future might bring.
***
The private jet of the Amorielle family cut through the skies toward the small town of Pedesina, Italy. On board were Don Vittorio Amorielle, his wife Eleonora, and Rocco, his loyal capo. The atmosphere on board was tense, as everyone shared the concern about the threat Jácomo Grecco posed to the family.
As the plane landed, the picturesque, mountainous landscape of Italy unfolded before them. Pedesina was an ancestral refuge for the Amorielle family, where generations had grown up and forged strong family bonds. As they disembarked, they were warmly greeted by eager relatives.
Vittorio's aunt, Carmela, was the first to embrace him, tears of happiness in her eyes. “Vittorio, my dear! You've finally returned to us!”
Vittorio's cousins, Alessandro, Carlo, Marco, Giovanni, Luca, and Sofia, approached next, greeting him with smiles and affectionate hugs. They were like siblings to Vittorio, and the joy of seeing him again was evident on their faces.
Vittorio looked at his mother, Antonietta, who stood on the mansion's balcony. Her eyes lit up at the sight of her son and daughter-in-law. “Vittorio, Eleonora, what a surprise to bring you back to Pedesina. What has brought you here?”
Eleonora smiled, embracing her mother-in-law tenderly. “Antonietta, we have wonderful news. We got married, and we're expecting a child.”
The news spread quickly among Vittorio's relatives, and the Pedesina mansion filled with celebration. Hugs, laughter, and congratulations were exchanged as everyone shared in the couple's joy.
However, Vittorio's serious expression soon made everyone understand that the meeting had a darker purpose. He gestured for everyone to follow him to the mansion's living room, where he could share his concerns.
Alessandro, Vittorio's eldest cousin, who shared leadership of the family, was the first to question. “Vittorio, you've brought us all here. What is the reason for this meeting?”
Vittorio took a deep breath, aware that he needed to share the truth. “It's about Jácomo Grecco. The threat he poses to our family.”
Alessandro scratched his beard, thoughtful. “Jácomo is a dangerous man, Vittorio. But how can we protect the family? He's in hiding, and we don't know when or where he'll strike.”
Vittorio nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “That's exactly why I called this meeting. All of you have skills and connections that can be useful.”
Carlo furrowed his brow. “What are you proposing, Vittorio?”
Vittorio continued, “I'm proposing we implement the Moli di acqua plan.”