Chapter 297

The silence in the room was broken by the click of the gun being holstered as Ellis Barker observed Holly's body on the floor. Cold and calculated, she didn't show any remorse for the events she had just set in motion. It was at that moment that Kenji Ito, the Yakuza leader, entered the room, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him.

“If you didn't like the nurse's work, you could have fired her. There was no need to send her to meet her maker,” remarked Kenji, his impassive tone contrasting with the surprise lingering in the room.

Ellis, showing no sign of hesitation, replied, “Holly was a Messina informant. I caught her passing on my conversation with Rocco.”

Kenji approached Holly's body, his gaze surveying the scene. “It seems nurses aren't what they used to be.”

Ellis, maintaining her composure, expressed a formal regret, “I apologize for the disruption caused.”

Kenji cast a sharp look at Ellis. “That's the least of our problems now. Depending on what Holly told Messina, you and Rocco might be in danger.”

“I was aware of that,” admitted Ellis. “That's why I need one more favor from you, Kenji. I need you to relocate Rocco to a safe place.”

Kenji considered the request, crossing his arms. “And what about you?”

“I will return to Sicily,” answered Ellis. “Now more than ever, I need to stay on Messina's tail.”

Kenji nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. “Understood. But before that, you have a visitor.”

Curious, Ellis asked, “Who?”

Kenji Ito gestured towards the entrance, and Ellis walked over to find a man with his back turned, his presence carrying a familiar weight. It was Alessandro Amorielle. Ellis Barker's eyes met his, and the dark scenario unfolding around her gained a new layer of complexity with his arrival.

When Kenji left, leaving them alone, a palpable tension filled the room.

Ellis fixed her gaze on Alessandro, determined. “What exactly are you doing here?”

Alessandro, remaining calm, replied, “I came to seek help in finding my nephew, Jake Amorielle. But it seems there's already someone from the family taking care of it, isn't there?”

“Yes, and that someone is me. Vittorio isn't here to lead the search, and I'll do whatever it takes to find Jake. I don't need permission for that,” retorted Ellis.

“I understand, but I believe the family's command is now under my responsibility. It would be better for you to step away from Amorielle matters,” stated Alessandro, firm in his position.

Ellis' expression remained impassive. “I know, you made it quite clear in Pedesina that I wasn't part of the family, that I was separate from Vittorio, your cousin.”

Alessandro didn't waver before the sharp words. “I'm glad you understand your place now. Perhaps you should leave. Kenji Ito's partnership is with the Amorielle family and the Don.”

Ellis raised an eyebrow, challenging. “Who is the Don of the Amorielle? Vittorio is missing.”

Alessandro, with a calculated smile, responded, “I've taken on the position.”

“It's not that simple,” retorted Ellis, her voice firm. “In New York, the Commission's approval is necessary for such decisions.”

Alessandro inclined his head. “I'll summon the Commission and resolve this.”

Ellis stood her ground, not backing down. “I'd be pleased to schedule a meeting with the Commission.”

Alessandro, perceiving Ellis's determination, nodded. “Very well, we'll do that. But once everything is settled, and I'm recognized as the new Don, you'll step aside.”

“If you think I'll step back and leave Jake stranded due to hierarchy issues, you're mistaken. The Commission will decide who leads the Amorielle, and I'll be there to ensure the search for Jake continues,” asserted Ellis, displaying determination.

Alessandro, composed, replied, “Alright, then I'll arrange a meeting with the Commission. But after that, you must step away from our affairs.”

“I have no intention of stepping away as long as Jake is missing. And the Commission will know that,” insisted Ellis, not backing down.

“I'll schedule a meeting with the Commission,” announced Alessandro, firm in his position.

“Very well,” replied Ellis, resolute.

Alessandro, with a calculated smile, continued, “Send my regards to Kenji before you leave.”

Ellis, without hesitation, responded, “With pleasure.”

Alessandro left the room, and Kenji returned, accompanied by a staff member carrying a tray of drinks. The Yakuza leader, noticing Alessandro's absence, inquired, “Where is he?”

Ellis took the lead, explaining, “Alessandro went to arrange a meeting with the Commission. He plans to discuss who will take over as the Don of the family while Vittorio is missing.”

Kenji expressed concern. “This will complicate things. If Alessandro officially becomes the Don, my partnership and loyalty will be with him, not with you.”

Ellis nodded with understanding. “I know.”

Kenji, sincere, said, “I'm sorry.”

Ellis, however, showed no sign of being disheartened. She took a sip of whiskey, turned to Kenji, and said, “Don't be sorry just yet, Kenji. I have an ace up my sleeve.”

Intrigued, Kenji asked, “What ace is that?”

Ellis, with an enigmatic smile, revealed, “Ângelo Messina.”

Kenji's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. “Messina? What does he have to do with all of this?”

Ellis explained, “Alessandro isn't the only one with connections in the Commission. Messina is the chairman of the Commission. If things start to turn against me, I can call upon Messina. He has his own interests in this situation, and I can offer something in return.”

Kenji, now intrigued, asked, “And what would you offer Messina?”

“Power, Kenji. The power to control the Amorielle family is undoubtedly the most valuable thing to him,” stated Ellis, with determination in her eyes.

Kenji contemplated Ellis's revelation. “Are you willing to ally with Messina?”

Ellis, unwavering, affirmed, “If it ensures my position and Jake's safety, yes.”

Kenji's expression changed as he immediately understood the game Ellis was willing to play. “Messina might be a powerful card, but he's also a risk. He has his own loyalties.”

Ellis nodded, aware of the dangers involved in getting involved with Messina. “I know. But right now, he's the only option I have to maintain our alliance. If Alessandro takes control, things will change, and you'll have to pick your side and stand against me, and I can't allow that.”

Kenji sighed, acknowledging the truth in Ellis's words. The complexity of alliances and rivalries was becoming even more intricate. “Are you willing to trust Messina to keep our partnership?”

Ellis locked eyes with Kenji, her determination unwavering. “I'm willing to trust Messina enough to ensure our interests are aligned. The choice isn't easy, but in this game, we need to make risky moves.”

Kenji understood the logic behind Ellis's decision, even if it meant aligning with a man like Ângelo Messina. “Let's see how the cards unfold.”

Ellis, rising, toasted with her whiskey. “To the twists, Kenji. May our moves be calculated, and may fate be on our side.”

Kenji, raising his glass, toasted as well. “To the twists, Ellis. May luck favor you.”