CHAPTER 298
Ellis's gaze remained steady, her voice resolute. “These encounters I had with Vittorio, all the chance meetings... were they all part of the plan?”
Rocco stared at her, recognizing the need for transparency. “Yes, Ellis. However, you need to understand that the Moli di acqua plan was designed to protect you and Donna. Vittorio only did what was necessary to maintain the disguise.”
Ellis processed this information, the complexity of the situation becoming increasingly clear. Her encounters with Vittorio, the night at the Happy Hour, the connections he seemed to have forged, everything was carefully orchestrated to ensure their safety.
“Does that mean,” she murmured, “Vittorio was trying to keep us away from Angelo Messina and Jácomo Grecco, that he was trying to keep us hidden?”
Rocco nodded, his eyes meeting hers. “Exactly. The last thing he wanted was for you and Donna to be on Messina and Grecco's radar. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect you. He made sure to control every detail.”
Ellis remained silent for a moment, contemplating the implications of everything she had learned.
“Vittorio couldn't control everything,” Ellis began, her voice laden with conflicting emotions.
Rocco, still lying down, looked at her with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean by that?”
Ellis's breath grew heavier as she prepared to reveal something she carried as a burden. “I'm pregnant, Rocco. Vittorio's child.”
The words echoed in the room, heavy and loaded with a mix of emotions. Rocco was momentarily silent, absorbing the enormity of the news.
“My God, Ellis... that's,” he murmured, his expression revealing compassion. “I'm sorry you're going through this alone.”
Ellis lowered her gaze, joy, and sorrow intertwining in her heart. “It should be a moment of pure happiness, but instead, I'm dealing with Jake's disappearance and Donna's kidnapping.”
Rocco raised an eyebrow, surprised and concerned. “How did all this happen?”
Ellis sighed, her shoulders carrying the weight of recent events. “Jake was taken from the Amorielle house in Pedesina. And Donna, she was kidnapped at Angelo Messina's house in Sicily.”
Rocco shook his head, stunned by the succession of events. “How did Donna end up at Angelo's house?”
Ellis nodded, understanding the need to clarify the complex connections behind these unexpected events. “It's a long story, Rocco.”
Rocco, now patient and willing to listen, encouraged her. “As you can see, I have plenty of time.”
Ellis gathered the courage to narrate the intricate web of events that had led to the current situation.
The Villa Monforte was in a dense silence as Don Angelo Messina gathered his men in front of the majestic house in Sicily. Holding his characteristic solid gold club, Messina stared at his team, loyal men ready to fulfill his orders.
“It's time to go after the traitors, Vittorio Amorielle's men,” declared Messina with determination. “I don't want anyone dead. Just bring them to me.”
The men nodded, understanding the seriousness of the mission entrusted to them. With that, they departed, ready to execute their leader's orders. As they moved away, Gian approached Messina, holding a cell phone.
“There's a call for you, Don Angelo,” Gian informed, handing the phone to the boss.
Messina took the phone, his expression serious. “What do you want?”
On the other end of the line, the nurse in charge of Rocco shared the information as per Angelo's instructions. Ellis had questioned Rocco about Vittorio, and Angelo wanted to know what was said.
“Rocco informed Ellis that he couldn't save Vittorio,” the nurse reported. “The only thing he remembers is returning to the warehouse, and something falling on her.”
Angelo processed the information, his expression serious. “And how did Ellis react?”
The nurse conveyed the truth in Ellis's reactions, her expression reflecting genuine concern. “She believed him. Expressed concern about a charred body having all negative DNA results.”
Angelo fell silent for a moment, pondering the revelations. “All results, you said?”
“Yes, all tests were negative, but due to Vittorio's paternity, something like that,” the nurse clarified.
Angelo, revealing little of his own emotions, continued his inquiries. “Was there any more information?”
The nurse hesitated before answering. “Ellis mentioned the pregnancy, Jake's disappearance, and Donna's kidnapping at her home.”
Angelo assimilated the information, his mind calculating the implications of this new piece on the chessboard. “Alright. Thank you for the information.”
The nurse, with her duty fulfilled, asked, “What do you want me to do with Rocco?”
“Delete him,” was the succinct response before Angelo ended the call.
The phone was hung up, leaving the nurse facing the task unfolding as a consequence of Angelo Messina's order.
Turning after the call, the nurse found herself in front of Ellis Barker, silent and insightful. Surprise flashed on the nurse's face, who hadn't noticed Ellis approaching.
“I didn't hear you coming, Miss Barker,” the nurse commented, trying to hide her discontentment.
Ellis, with a calculated smile, approached. “Sorry, I just needed to thank you for taking care of Rocco.”
The nurse, not revealing her true intentions, humbly replied, “I'm just doing my duty.”
Curious, Ellis asked, “What's your name?”
“Holly,” the nurse answered, maintaining formality.
“Thank you, Holly,” Ellis said, expressing gratitude as if she knew the name would have some significance.
Holly smiled, unaware of the twist that was about to happen. She continued on her way towards Rocco's room, but before she could proceed, Ellis stopped her with words carrying a veiled threat.
“There's one more thing I need to thank you for,” hinted Ellis.
Holly turned to face her, noticing a subtle change in the atmosphere. It was when she saw Ellis holding a gun in her hand. Shock registered in her eyes as she tried to understand what was happening.
“What is this?” Holly asked, surprise giving way to apprehension.
Ellis, smiling coldly, explained, “Just a thank you for telling everything to Angelo Messina. By the way, you won't have to deal with him.”
Before Holly could react, two shots echoed in the hallway. The cutting sound reverberated through the mansion as the nurse fell to the floor, a victim of her own choices.