With Salva at the wheel, we head to the Bartoni manor. Paola still lives in the family home with her father, who is overly protective and refuses to let her face the world alone until she finds a husband. Given the recent revelations, that doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon.

We arrive at a magnificent manor, nestled in a secluded forest away from civilization. Large wrought-iron gates open before us, and we drive six hundred meters before reaching the building. Constructed entirely of white stone, its façade is clean and imposing due to its height. The pointed dormer windows accentuate the sense of grandeur and intimidation. A grand staircase leads to the manor's entrance.

We knock on the door using a heavy iron ring, each knock echoing throughout the house.

After a few minutes, a maid opens the door.

"Welcome to the Bartoni estate. Whom should I announce to Don Bartoni ?"

"We're here to see Paola, not her father." Ezio retorts.

"Sorry, but Paola isn't here."

"Do you know where she is and if she'll be back soon ?"

"Not the slightest idea; we haven't seen her for two days," she explains.

We exchange a perplexed glance before Salva's voice cuts through the air.

"I think I know where she is. Thank you, Kiara," he declares, nodding at the maid.

We follow suit before falling in line behind Salva, already prepared to rev the engine.

"Can I kno..."

"Buckle up, you'll find out soon enough," he asserts, pressing on the accelerator.

Minutes tick by before our driver finally parks in an austere alley.

"What are we doing here ?" Ezio questions.

"Follow me."

We follow him to a door that leads to a hall serving several apartments.

"Come on, it's on the first floor."

Having climbed the stairs, we find ourselves in front of a wooden door that opens to Paola's radiant face.

"Salva ? May, Ezio? What are you doing here ?"

"That's what we should be asking you," retorts Ezio, his gaze wandering.

"Come in, don't just stand there."

We accept the invitation without argument.

"So you remembered the address," Paola states, closing the door.

"Even after all this time, every route is etched in my memory," Salva smiles.

"Yes, it has been a few months now."

"Since Valentina's death, because that's when I stopped working for her," he reveals, eyes lowered, lost in thought.

Ah, that explains the card !

"You worked for Valentina ?" Ezio exclaims.

"I don't mind a little under-the-table work now and then," he smiles, shrugging.

"As if you need it with your salary," Ezio laughs.

"A little bonus never hurts," he concludes.

"Come on, have a seat; you're not going to stand in the entrance," Paola interjects.

We comply and exchange pleasantries and updates before Ezio spontaneously asks:

"Paola, what did you do last night ?"

" What do you mean ?"

"I know you showed up drunk at my father's place."

"Oh, that's nothing, just an accident. she evades with a pout."

"Nothing ?! My father came to our place this morning with Isabella. They want us to put you out of commission, and by that, I mean kill you. Do you still think it's nothing ?"

Paola is stunned by Ezio's words.

"I... I'm sorry, I didn't think it would go that far."

"That's underestimating my father. I'll try to reason with him and avoid any unnecessary deaths, but you must assure me you won't act like this again because I can't save your ass every time. You're not a child anymore, damn it, think before you act, especially when it's to threaten the fiancée of a mafia baron !"

Paola nods like a child being scolded. After a few minutes of silence, she recovers and changes the subject.

"Let's talk about your revenge, May. What did you have in mind ?"

"Not much, to be honest. An infiltration. Either get recruited as an intern or find a way to sneak in discreetly. I must admit I'm not sure what would be feasible since I don't know the place or the household's routine."

"I think the intern ploy would be more effective, but you'll need to disguise yourself because they know what you look like and also hide your belly to maintain credibility."

"I don't think Mario would be very keen on being treated by an intern."Ezio worries.

"It doesn't matter. The internship is just a cover to get May into the property and gain access to the room. Once inside, everything will be different. " Paola retorts.

"Okay, so let's say May manages to get inside undercover, gains access to the room, and then what ?"

"I kill him." I conclude confidently.

"Mario is connected to a heart monitor. It's an automated device that monitors his heartbeat. When you kill him, May, it will detect the lack of a pulse, alerting everyone in the house. This will allow you, Ezio, to enter the estate without being seen as everyone will be preoccupied with Mario's situation." Paola explains.

"Andrea and Salvatore will be with me."

I glance at the person in question and shiver at the thought of his presence. Still uncertain about his true loyalty, I remain hesitant about involving him in the plan.

"Don't bring more people; otherwise, you'll be spotted too quickly. There are two guards at the entrance, but they'll be on their way to check on Mario. There's also a guard permanently stationed outside his room. May, you'll need to act quickly and be prepared to retaliate as he will enter the room the moment he doesn't hear the machine's beeping anymore."

"I'll train you to be swift and precise; they are formidable and very responsive. Everything could hinge on that moment, but I want you to wear a bulletproof vest." Ezio insists.

I nod in agreement.

"It has to be a day when the whole family is gathered. I want to kill two birds with one stone and end it all at once."

Ezio tenses at my words, far from reassured about how the events might unfold.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, May. You don't know who you're up against or what they're capable of."

"Then teach me. You know I won't let this go; the idea is rooted in my mind and won't leave. Brief me on what you know about them, their defenses, their attacks, and prepare me as best you can. I have no better offer for you. Either you help me anticipate this confrontation as much as possible, or you stay away from it all."

Ezio sighs, then stands, scratching the back of his head, visibly frustrated.

"I need some air."

We continue our conversation, leaving Ezio leaning against the window.

"If you want everyone to be there, you'll need to wait a month. Mario and his sons have taken to gathering at the end of each month for a sort of monthly review. If you strike then, you can be sure everyone will be present."

"Damn it, May, you'll be four months pregnant. I can't let you do this; it's too dangerous for both you and the baby." Ezio exclaims.

"Ezio, please drop it. We've already discussed this; nothing will change the plan."

With clenched fists, he crosses his arms and purses his lips. Head down, he remains on the sidelines for the rest of the conversation, too angry at the turn of events.

We finalize the details of the confrontation and then leave.

After long minutes of driving in heavy silence, I decide to address the elephant in the room.

"Ezio, I know this costs you immensely to accept my conditions, and that you're filled with fear, but this revenge is important to me, and I know I'll never feel right or safe as long as they're alive. Do you understand ?"

He remains silent for a few minutes, clenching his fists, powerless against my determination.

"I know that no matter what I say, you'll stick to your decision. I know you're capable of succeeding, but it doesn't erase my doubts or my fear that you'll fail, and if that happens, it will be irreversible; I'll lose you and the baby forever. You're both far too precious to me to even consider that possibility."

"Then help me prepare as best as possible, to put all the chances on my side. I told you I wouldn't take unnecessary risks despite the existing dangers. I'll take the necessary precautions for my safety. I can't promise you more than that."

"I know, May, I know. I just need to process your decision, and then it will be easier, if that makes sense. In any case, you can count on me to train you and protect you."

I smile at him and take his hand to kiss it in gratitude.

"Salva, take that route, please."

"What are you doing ?"

"A little detour to clear our minds."