CHAPTER 293
The shocking revelation hung in the air for a moment. Rocco looked at Vittorio, wordless, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation.
Vittorio finally broke the silence. “This will be your penance. To be forgiven, you will have to play this crucial role in the plan. And, Rocco, choose the right moment to reveal the truth. The moment I decide to banish you from the family will be the right time to expose your betrayal.”
Rocco nodded, aware of the magnitude of what was being asked. “I will do whatever it takes, Don Vittorio. And I already apologize for what I will tell you when the time comes.”
Vittorio looked at Rocco with a mix of sadness and determination. “You will have the opportunity to redeem yourself, Rocco. Make it worth it.”
The room was now permeated with the weight of decisions made and truths revealed. The Moli di Acqua Plan was in motion, and Vittorio Amorielle was preparing to face the challenges that lay ahead.
***
The luxurious interior of Angelo Messina's private jet exuded a refined and discreet atmosphere. Ellis Barker was sitting in a comfortable chair, listening attentively to every word Messina shared about the plan devised by her ex-husband, Vittorio Amorielle. The revelation that Vittorio had included her death in the plan, orchestrating it, elicited a serious expression on Ellis's face.
“How do you know this?” Ellis questioned, her eyes fixed on Messina.
Messina tilted his head, smiling almost intriguingly. “Who do you think told Vittorio about the Moli di Acqua Plan, Ellis?”
Ellis raised an eyebrow, suspicious. “And how can I be sure you're not just trying to manipulate me? Why should I believe you?”
Messina sighed, as if slightly surprised by Ellis's distrust. “Ellis, we've moved past that stage. I just want you to see who Vittorio really is.”
Ellis reflected for a moment, then spoke with conviction. “Even if Vittorio really did this, today I understand his reasons. He didn't actually kill me, let alone Donna.”
Messina smiled, as if appreciating the maturity Ellis had gained over the years. “You've changed, Ellis. You're no longer the same person who, back then, would have been terrified to discover that the man she loved was capable of putting her life at risk to uphold the family legacy.”
Ellis crossed her arms, maintaining her firm posture. “Maybe I have changed, Angelo. Maybe I'm capable of much more than Vittorio ever was.”
Messina raised an eyebrow, curious. “Do you really believe that?”
Ellis, without hesitation, affirmed. “Yes, because Vittorio never considered joining the kind of people you associate with. I, on the other hand, don't mind.”
Messina chuckled softly. “You're more flexible than Vittorio, that's undeniable. Not even he would have thought of having Kenji Ito's men take care of Rocco.”
Ellis showed no remorse. “Extreme measures are necessary. Having Kenji Ito's men eliminates one less person with an interest in pursuing the Amorielle and me. Besides, it allowed me to know when you lied to me, Angelo. I know we're not going to Japan to see Kenji Ito, because he's in New York.”
Messina admired Ellis's cunning. “Touché, Ellis.”
Ellis didn't let her guard down. “So, who are we going to see, Angelo?”
Messina smiled, revealing his game. “Fumio, the Saiko-komon of the Sumiyoshi-kai family.”
Ellis's eyes narrowed with curiosity and suspicion. “Why visit Fumio?”
Messina enigmatically replied, “You'll find out soon, Ellis. But know that this trip has bigger purposes than it appears.”
Ellis absorbed the information, assessing the growing complexity of the situation. “Alright, Messina. But be aware that I have my own interests and limits. I'm not a pawn in your game.”
Messina nodded, respecting Ellis's determination. “Understood, Ellis. In the world we're about to enter, everyone has their role to play.”
***
Angelo Messina's jet landed in Tokyo, marking the beginning of a complex journey into the heart of Japan. Messina, well-acquainted with the intricate ways of the Yakuza, chose a peculiar destination for their first stop: the Minato district, where the headquarters of the Sumiyoshi-kai family was situated.
Instead of heading directly to the family's residence, Messina led Ellis Barker to the Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, a renowned high-end restaurant known for serving fresh and delicious tofu. Located in an old traditional Japanese bathhouse, the restaurant exuded a unique and authentic atmosphere.
Entering the establishment, Messina approached one of the attendants and, in Japanese, uttered words that remained incomprehensible to Ellis. “Fumio to hanashitai koto ga aru node, kawarini denwa shite moraemasu ka?”
The attendant, with a respectful expression, replied in Japanese: “Hai, Messhīna-san, anata no yōkyū wa meireidesu.”
Ellis, confused, turned to Messina. “What the hell did you say?”
Messina smiled mysteriously. “Soon, Ellis, you will know.”
They sat at the table, waiting for the unfolding of events. Fumio, the Saiko-komon of the Sumiyoshi-kai family, made his discreet entrance. His presence exuded authority and respect in the Yakuza underworld.
He questioned Messina's presence directly, without beating around the bush. “What are you doing here, Angelo-san?”
Before Messina could contemplate a lie, Fumio made a crucial observation. “Don't lie. I don't deal well with lies, I tolerate a maximum of three. Be careful with your answers.” He looked at Ellis and then Messina, as if reading secrets between the lines.
Messina, showcasing his ability to handle challenging situations, responded calmly. “I came to visit an old friend.”
Fumio, with a discerning look, immediately exposed the lie. “Lie number one.” He pointed to Ellis. “This is Ellis, once married to Vittorio Amorielle and now allied with the Yamaguchi-gumi.”
Ellis, surprised by the revelation, stared at Messina for explanations. Messina, aware of the consequences of his actions, tried to maintain composure. Fumio pronounced, “You are only entitled to two more lies, or you will face the consequences.”
The gazes intertwined, and Messina and Ellis understood that they now had only two more lies before facing the implications.
Fumio, still staring at Messina and Ellis, spoke with calculated calmness. “Now, Ângelo-san, explain exactly why you are here. Be careful with your words, as each one of them can seal your fate.”