Vernon watched his brother while Joshua was having an inner battle within him. Joshua knows what his brother was up to. He knows that it is not necessary to join an alliance with the De Luca as they have The Wayland Kingdom behind them to back them up. But he didn't want to ruin his brother's effort to bring peace among the two feud families-not forgetting his sister too. He has to be strong and stop them from breaking the rules but it's hard, he loves his siblings so much and he always ends up giving in to them. And deep down inside, he also wants peace to be amended for once and for all. To be honest, The De Luca mafia clan is the most respected mafia with no illegal deeds just like them.

If it was not for the blood feud they shared for generations. They would have been alliance and become the strongest clan in the world.

"Nonno will never approve it," Joshua said after much battling inside him.

"He's not the Don," Vernon snapped.

"But he is the maker of the Absolute," Joshua said sharply. "He and Marcus," he added. Then Matteo entered inside and addressed them.

"Don, Antonio De Luca has been released from the prison some minutes ago." He informed and both the brothers snapped their head towards him.

"How? Wasn't he sentenced for life?" Joshua asked in bad-tempered.

"Francis De Luca was spotted in Fairfield some days ago. He must have talked the matter with the head of the crime department." Matteo notified. "He is bringing his brother back to their home country."

"Guess the family missed him dearly that they went to the extent of doing something not-so-profession." Joshua snarled and leaned against his chair.

"We would have done the same thing if we were in their place," Vernon uttered to which Joshua threw a death glare at him.

"Good thing he is out, we can kill him now," Joshua said in a menacing tone. "-and avenge our parents' death." He added looking straight into his brother's eyes.

"Matteo, you can leave now," Vernon said looking at Joshua. Matteo bowed at them before leaving the kitchen. "You'll only make things complicated for our sister if you kill Antonio." he seethed and glared at his brother.

"That bastard-Antonio killed our parents right in front of me." He glared back and leaned forward over the table.

"God, damn it! Joshua!" Vernon growled. "If you go and avenge, we will lose our sister-again. Both the families have blood feud to pay-nothing has happened till now because no blood has been spilt for years-fortunately. Do not let the old past affect the present." He snarled. Vernon has forgiven and forgotten everything the moment Anna came into their life. Nothing matters now but except his sister's safety. But the same thing doesn't apply for Joshua, he was still having a hard time to forgive and forget. His parents were shot right in front of his eyes and he vividly remembers everything-how mercilessly Antonio has put the bullet into them.

"You will not do anything-for Tessa's sake," Vernon said as he lowered his voice.

"I won't but I can't guarantee-" Joshua said under his gritted teeth and looked away.

"You will." Vernon pressed in a stern voice. Joshua threw him a bitter glance and didn't say anymore. Vernon straightened in his position and huffed. He doesn't like to argue with his older brother but sometimes Joshua can be uncontrollable and he has to put him in line. "Are we cool?" he asked glancing at his brother, tapping his finger on the table.

"Stop tapping, you're only making me angrier," Joshua said in annoyed but there was a tad of amusement in his voice. Vernon chuckled at him. He knows that Joshua can never stay mad for long to him or their sister. He loves them so much and he will do anything to make them happy.

"We have to discuss matters with Nonno and Zio about those two clans-and about the alliance," Joshua said and stood up from his place. "Meet me in my study in ten minutes," he said and left the place at once.

And exactly after ten minutes, Vernon was standing in front of the study door. He entered inside without a knock and saw his Nonno, Zio and brother-they were all there sitting on the couch. He went and settled himself on the couch beside Joshua.

"Now that Vernon is here, let's start the matter. What is it that you both wanna talk about?" Reginald asked as he glanced at his grandson.

Joshua and Vernon have explained about the incidents happened-including the California incident in full detail. Michael grew in raged as he listened while Reginald was showing no expression and was stilled in his position-listening.

"We have to do something about those two clans-" Michael gritted out as he roughly raked his hand through his hair.

"What do you suggest we do then?" Reginald asked calmly looking at Joshua.

"I'm going to make an alliance with the De Luca and take down our enemies together," Joshua stated straightforward and stared at his grandfather and uncle for their outburst but they didn't show any. Michael was lost in his own thought while Reginald looked at Joshua with no emotion. Vernon tensed beside Joshua looking at their silence.

"Do you think the De Luca will agree for the alliance?" Reginald asked making both the brothers to glance a glint of a surprise to each other.

"I have talked with their Don-he has yet to seek approval from his Nonno just like us," Vernon answered.

"So you want my approval for the alliance," Reginald pointed out and both the brother nodded at him. "Then I have to abolish the Absolute to make an alliance with the sworn enemy." Both the brothers snapped at each other in shock before looking back at their Nonno.

"I want to meet the Don of the De Luca before I called out for The Covenant," Reginald said as he rested his forearm on the armrest of his wheelchair and intertwined his fingers in front of his stomach. "Tell Leonardo to meet me soon." With that said, he turned his wheelchair and rolled out of the study.

"Zio, what is happening to Nonno?" Joshua asked as he was still taking his time to accept what just happened now. Reginald has simply agreed to make alliance-without any objection. Something was off.

"He's just trying to make things better for his grandchildren," Michael answered with a smile but it didn't reach his face. Then he nods at them as a leave-taking and strolled out of the study.

"You thinking what I'm thinking," Joshua jerked his eyebrows and looked at Vernon.

"They're hiding something," Vernon said after a nod in an assertion.

***

Leo received a call last night before boarding on the plane from Vernon-informing him about the meeting with Reginald. They were now on their private plane flying back to Germany. He leaned against his seat and watched Anna and Val who was sitting opposite to him-sleeping. He has to protect her and Valentino as well-the kid has become a part of his world. He is willingly ready to accept Valentino as his own son and take him in custody when everything is over. But he doubts Joshua will let him do that after all, he is his blood father.

"Papa," Val sleepy voice shook him from his reverie and Leo turned towards him.

"Yes, buddy," He said softly. Then Val gently left his place and came in front of him. He lifted up the little kid and placed him on his lap. "What happened? You had a bad dream, son," he said softly in a lower voice so that he won't wake up Anna.

"What will happen now once we get back home?" Val asked looking up at him. "Will you come to visit me and momma?"

"Yes, I will," Leo answered.

"I know I'm not my momma's son," Val said quietly making Leo creased his brows in concern.

"Why would you say that?" he asked softly.

"I know Zio is my Papa. People think I won't understand but I hear everything and I understand everything." Val said in a sad tone.

"Listen to me, Val. Your Momma is your Momma and I am your Papa. You don't know how much lucky I am to be your Papa." Leo smiled at him and pulled him gently over his chest. "Don't let your Momma know anything about it, okay!" he said softly to which Val nodded at him over his chest. "You're a very smart kid." He chuckled softly and stroked him gently. "We still have time. Go to sleep, my son." He placed a soft kiss on top of his head and continued to stroke him gently.

After some minutes, Val was sleeping soundly over his chest. Anna shuffled on her seat and let out a deep sighed in her sleep. Leo smiled and kept staring at her until his eyes became heavy and sleep took over him.

The morning came and they have already arrived in Berlin Airport. Vernon was here to received Anna and Val while Alesso and Nicolo were here to escort their brother. Their cars were parked adjacent to each other. Alesso and Nicolo leaned against their hood of the car while Vernon leaned against his car. All of them were staring at the entrance of the airport and no one initiate to utter a word.

"When did you guys arrive?" Vernon asked after an eternity of silent waiting.

"Last night," Alesso answered, his eyes still fixed at the entrance. "Can't risk sending our Don alone into the enemy's zone." He added in amusement.

"Don't worry. We are taking our truce seriously this time." Vernon said under his chuckle.

"Anna is the reason why our truce is lasting for long," Nicolo said as he smiled sincerely in the opened air. Vernon threw an agreeing glanced at Nicolo and smiled.

"There they come," Vernon straightened up from his position and both the brothers mirrored and smiled widely looking forward.

"Alesso, Nicolo," Anna smiled widely looking at them and hugged them one after the other. Leo looked at Vernon and gave him an appreciative nod to which he returned.

"Go to your Zio, son, I'll come to visit you later," Leo said softly and put Val on his feet. Val waved at him animatedly and grinned widely before going to Vernon.

Anna went towards Vernon and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much, Vernon." She said softly before pulling away. Then she diverted her gaze towards Leo, "I don't know what kind of business do you have here but please be careful-all of you," She pleaded darting between the brothers.

"We will," Leo nod at her and gave Vernon a knowing glance. They haven't told her about the meeting. It is best not to tell her anything now for the time being.

"Tessa, let's go," Vernon gestured strolling towards the car door. Anna reached for Leo and placed a quick peck on his lips, "Please be careful, you are mine and you owe me your life." She whispered softly before turning away. She got inside the car and waved at them. Val popped out his head from the window and waved at them as well. Vernon got inside and started the engine and drove off.

"We'll be going in the evening while Anna's away with her work," Leo informed while his brothers nod at him. They got inside the car and drove off.

"Papa's home, Zio brought him back yesterday," Nicolo informed.

"How's our family?" Leo asked and they know what exactly he was talking about.

"Fiona has long forgiven him but Sarah and Jasmine are still having a hard time to forgive and forget. They became quiet after Papa arrived. Fiona is still trying to convince them." Alesso answered, his eyes fixed on the road.

"Will Anna forgive him?" Leo asked solemnly. He remembered the different side of Anna from five years ago. If he hadn't intervened that moment, she would have probably shot his father back then. Hatred and anger were clearly seen that day for his father. Will she still react the same if she sees him now? Leo shut his eyes tightly and shook off his thought.

"I don't know," Alesso's voice was filled with worried and beside him, Nicolo tensed as well.

"We just have to wait and see what happens when the time comes,"

***

After resting for some hours at home, Anna decided to go for her work. When her eyes caught Layla standing by the reception, she quickly wore a fake stern look and strolled towards her.

"Good afternoon," Anna crossed her arms over her chest and stood in front of her. Layla gave her a sheepish smiled. "You drugged me." She accused her in an amused tone.

"I was just following orders," Layla mused with a sly smile.

"Since when did you become part of the force?" She narrowed her eyes at her.

"Since the day I joined this hospital," Layla answered cheekily while Anna chuckled at her. "How was your weekend, dear?"

"It was good," Anna smiled and blush a little.

"Good or fantastic," Layla tilted her head and raised a teasing eyebrow at her.

"I don't know," Anna ignored her and turned on her heels.

"You and I gonna have a nice chat later," She heard Layla saying out loud behind her. She waved a hand and scurried away, blushing.

***

Leo and his brothers drove in towards the De Luca's Mansion. As their car drove over their driveway, the securities became vigilant and bored their eyes on their car. Leo parked the car in front of the entrance on the driveway and got out of the car. Alesso and Nicolo followed suit.

"Take their weapons away," Matteo ordered his men. Alesso sighed and rolled his eyes over while Nicolo snorted out loud.

"No need for that," Vernon said sharply and walked out of the house.

"So much trust on us, I'm honoured," Alesso jested with a smile.

"I trust my sister's choice of people." Vernon shrugged off and gestured them to come in. Vernon led them to the common hall where Joshua was already seated.

On seeing Leo, Joshua stood up from his place and strolled towards him. "I should have killed you seven years ago," he simply said, there was no hatred or anger or threat seen in his tone. "-then my sister would have never met you." He continued.

"Guess I was lucky back then-guess it was written in my fate to meet your sister," Leo replied in a bit of amusement. Beside him, Vernon chuckled softly and rolled his eyes over.

"You won't be lucky again," Joshua said and simply raised his eyebrows before shoving his hands in his pant pockets. "If anything happens to my sister because of you, I will kill you-and this time I won't miss my shot." He warned and jabbed his finger at Leo's heart.

"I will give myself to you. I don't see a life without her." Leo stated firmly looking at him. Joshua stared at him for some seconds before looking over his shoulder.

"Your brothers can wait here. I'll take you to Reginald." Joshua said and turned away. Leo gave his brothers a nod and followed behind Joshua.

***

Leo entered inside the study and saw Reginald sitting by the table, his back facing him. There was only two of them.

"Have a seat, Leonardo." Reginald turned on his wheelchair and gestured him towards the chair. Leo gave him a nod before sitting on the chair. "How's your Nonno doing?" he asked to which Leo looked at him through his lashes.

"He's doing fine," Leo answered courtly. He wanted to cut to the chase and ask him the reason why he was called here but he decided to let him take his time.

"You took my granddaughter with you in the Philippines." Reginald said making Leo crease his borrows in confusion. "Vernon's not aware of my knowing-I know everything that's going on." He added.

"You and Marcus are the same." Leo muttered, "Assigning spies on your children," he added bitterly.

"You'll know once you become a parent," Reginald said calmly.

"Unlike you and Marcus," Leo retorted but softly. "I will not go on destroying my children's life because of some old rivalry."

"We were young hot blood back then. We did all the illegal things together. When Liliana chose Marcus, I was heartbroken, angry and left alone. I cut all ties from my best friend and we became enemies. Marcus stops doing the illegal deeds, love has changed him. He even started to intervene in my business and stopped me from doing illegal works. We always end up fighting and shedding blood. The hatred grew undeniably strong and we established The Absolute." He explained his history with his grandfather. Then he looked at Leo with sad and guilty eyes, "But it was that moment-twenty-one years ago-I realized what I had done wrong. Marcus was out with his family in the park-you were there too. I was there too for some business and that's when we cross path. Things got heated and I shot Marcus. I was not planning to kill him. I just wanted to give him some shit and attempted to shoot for his bicep but unluckily Liliana got in between and the bullet went through her heart." He said out of guilty and glared at his both hands in front of him.

Leo fisted his hands under the table and controlled himself to stay calm. It was that moment when his twin sister was shot too. In the middle of the war, a bullet found its way and killed her and he couldn't do anything. He simply sat there crying under his sister dead body.

"That's when I realized my crime. I stopped doing illegal works and stayed low. But karma followed me then-your family ambushed my territory and killed my son and daughter-in-law-nineteen years ago. I was in grief but I was not angry." He continued.

"Many blood has been spilt between our families. I only wanted my granddaughter to be found and leave for once and for all. But fate has been playing with us. Both of you were bound to each other before we even knew it and I know now that nothing good will happen in separating the both of you again." He said making Leo snapped at him.

"I want to make things right for what I did wrong. Tell Marcus to set for The Covenant." Reginald stated, making Leo watched him in surprised. The Covenant is only set when new rules are to be amended. But anything can go wrong during the Covenant. "Yes, I'm going to end the Absolute."

"I think you should first talk with Marcus about it and make things right between the two of you. You cannot take the risk of calling in for The Covenant." Leo suggested. "If fortunately, the matter is solved between you two, it will be better if you aware both the party about the reason behind calling in for The Covenant. People die inside if things don't go accordingly." He warned.

"Well, you're right." Reginald agreed. "Set me a meeting with your Nonno as soon as possible." He said and Leo nodded at him. He was happy that Reginald has decided to take down the Absolute but was confused at his sudden decision. He had told him that he wants to make things better for his children but Leo has a hunch that there was more to it.

"That is all I wanted to talk to you," Reginald nodded at him.

"I'll take my leave," Leo stood up from his position and turned.

"Leo," Reginald called him out to which he turned back, "If things are amended between our families, promise me that you will keep the alliance till your last breath. Promise me that you will protect my family alongside your family-promise me that you will never let the bond between our families break." He said in a pleaded voice. Leo could feel a sense of farewell in his voice but he didn't say anything.

"I promise you, Nonno." He said sincerely. "I will protect our families until I breathe my last."

"Thank you, Leo." He gave him a smile. Leo nod at him as a leave-taking and strolled out from the study.

Always Smile,

Happy Virus,