CHAPTER 308
The private jet of Rang Bone touched down smoothly on the Milan runway, bringing Ellis Barker back to the city that had once been the stage for both happy and painful memories. As the plane's stairs descended, Ellis stepped down with determination, her eyes fixed on the black SUV awaiting her. Rang Bone followed, and the moment his feet touched the ground, Ellis turned to him, expressing her gratitude.
“Thank you for everything,” Ellis said.
Rang smiled, responding with his typical calmness, “Always at your service, Donna Barker.”
Ellis entered the vehicle, and the driver set off through the streets of Milan. The journey led them to the majestic Casa Atellani, the mansion Vittorio had introduced her to on her first visit to the city. The imposing mansion spanned five floors, with the first-floor housing the living room, dining room, library, and office.
Upon entering the living room, Ellis was greeted by the striking presence of a sculpture: two intertwined children pointing upward. She approached, touching the sculpture, as memories of the day she and Vittorio visited Fondazione Prada echoed in her mind. It was during that visit that they made a bet, marked by this sculpture now becoming a silent witness to their journey.
Donna's voice, Ellis's daughter, broke the silence of the space by exclaiming, “Mom, you're here!”
Ellis turned, and her eyes met Donna's. The warmth of an emotional embrace united mother and daughter, dispelling the longing accumulated during Ellis's absence.
“Missed you so much, my girl,” confessed Ellis, stroking Donna's black hair.
The girl responded, equally emotional, “Me too, Mom. Me too.”
In the emotionally charged atmosphere, a small and cheerful “hello” emerged. Jake Amorielle approached, radiating genuine joy.
Ellis bent down, extending her arms in a welcoming gesture, and Jake didn't hesitate to run toward her. Ellis's arms enveloped the boy, sealing the reunion with affection and tenderness. It was a moment of reconnection, of family coming together after a period of challenges and uncertainties.
“Hi, my little one,” murmured Ellis, planting a gentle kiss on Jake's forehead.
A smile played on Ellis's lips as she asked the children if they had behaved well during her absence.
“You behaved, right?” she inquired, looking alternately at Donna and Jake.
The two exchanged mischievous glances, and finally, Donna replied with an innocent expression, “Yes, Mom. We behaved very well.”
In the background, a female voice, full of humor, interrupted the conversation.
“Well, they did everything but behave.”
The owner of the voice, Sofia Amorielle, Vittorio's cousin, entered the room with a mischievous smile. Ellis stood up and approached, embracing Sofia warmly.
“Thank you for taking care of the children, Sofia,” expressed Ellis sincerely.
“I did it with love, Ellis. So, how did it go?”
Ellis smiled, an expression of peace and satisfaction reflected on her face.
“I did it. Messina is no longer a threat.”
A male voice echoed in the room, pronouncing words of pride.
“I'm very proud of you, Ellis.”
Ellis turned and faced Alessandro Amorielle, Vittorio's cousin, whose gaze reflected genuine admiration.
“I'm the one who's proud of you, Alessandro,” she replied, acknowledging everyone's crucial involvement. “You played a great role in all of this. In fact, all of you did.”
“I just followed the script,” Alessandro joked. “Messina had infiltrated every corner of the mansion in Pedesina. It was thanks to your guidance that we managed to neutralize him.”
As they talked, more members of the Amorielle family entered the room, each bringing their own energy. Lucas, Carlo, Marco, and Giovanni, Vittorio's cousins, entered with enthusiasm, excited to hear that Ellis had triumphed over Angelo Messina.
“Ellis, you were amazing!” exclaimed Carlo.
“We had no doubt you would succeed,” added Marco.
The room filled with laughter, hugs, and congratulations. Ellis's achievement was not just hers; it was a shared triumph for the entire Amorielle family. Together, they faced challenges, overcame betrayals, and emerged stronger than ever.
“Now, the Amorielle family can rest in peace knowing we have a true heroine among us,” said Giovanni, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Carlo, with his warm smile, added, “Vittorio would be so proud.”
***
MONTHS AGO...
The night sky was obscured by tension hanging over the warehouse as Sofia Amorielle, along with her brothers Giovanni and Luca, nervously awaited the reappearance of Vittorio, Rocco, Ellis, and Donna. They were positioned a few meters away, silently observing the structure. The night was laden with a sense of imminent danger.
Suddenly, flames began to devour the warehouse, spreading rapidly and creating a curtain of smoke. Sofia's heart raced as she saw the fire gaining strength, exchanging worried glances with her brothers inside the car.
“This isn't right,” murmured Sofia, her voice filled with apprehension.
Giovanni replied, maintaining apparent calmness, “Vittorio was clear. We only leave the car when he and Rocco appear with Ellis and Donna.”
Sofia watched the flames consume the warehouse. “The fire is too high. Something went wrong.”
Luca, sitting beside Sofia, nodded in agreement. “Let's stick to the plan. They must be on their way.”
Minutes crawled like hours, and anguish grew with each passing second without a sign of Vittorio and the others. The sight of the warehouse being consumed by flames was a terrifying scene.
“Screw the plan,” said Sofia, finally making an impulsive decision. “I'm going in.”
She opened the car door and stepped out, followed by Giovanni and Luca. Luca caught up with her, gripping her arm firmly. “Sofia, we don't know what's happening. We might be watched. We can't risk it.”
Sofia stared at Luca for a moment, her expression reflecting determination. “What if they need help? I can't just sit here waiting.”
Before Luca could respond, a breathless figure emerged from the shadows. It was Rocco, and on his shoulders were Donna and Ellis, both unconscious. Sofia ran towards them, her heart pounding.
“What happened?” Sofia asked, her voice filled with concern.
Rocco, struggling to speak, replied, “I need to go back. Vittorio is injured.”
Sofia's face twisted in anguish. “Injured? What happened in there?”
Giovanni, who had approached, said decisively, “Sofia, take Donna. We'll take care of Ellis.”
Sofia picked up Donna in her arms, feeling the weight of the small unconscious girl. Carefully, she placed her in the car. Giovanni and Luca carried Ellis and settled her in the vehicle next to Donna.
Giovanni looked at Sofia and said seriously, “Stay here. We'll be back.”
The two brothers bravely returned towards the burning warehouse, disappearing into the darkness. Sofia's heart beat fast, her mind filled with fears of what could happen. Sitting in the car, holding Donna, she waited anxiously, her eyes fixed on the flames consuming the place where those she loved were fighting the unknown.