I wake up, completely groggy. I open my eyelids, which feel like they weigh a ton, and see Ezio sitting in the corner of the room. His features are drawn, and despite his tired eyes, his face shows a mix of deep anger and concern.

"Hey," I articulate weakly.

Alerted by my voice, he turns his head towards me and rushes to my bedside.

"May ! How are you feeling ?"

"Like I've been run over by a truck," I attempt to joke with a smile.

Too worried about my state, Ezio doesn't react.

"And Andy, have you heard anything ?"

"Yes, she recovered faster than you and is doing better."

"How long have I been asleep ?"

"You've been in this bed for 48 hours. You have multiple injuries, fractured ribs, and a concussion. Those bastards didn't miss you."

"I won't miss them either. But unlike them, when I'm done, they'll be dead."

"May, stop."

"What do you mean ?"

"You just woke up and you're already talking about revenge. I was so scared when I found you lying on the pavement that night, I don't want to go through that again."

"Ezio, I'm truly sorry for scaring you, but you can't ask me not to seek revenge. From now on, I'll accept your protection conditions, but I will see this through to the end. They've gone too far for me to give up. Please understand me."

Ezio sighs, lowering his head, then looks at me.

"We'll talk about all this later. For now, rest. Your treatment is heavy, and you look really tired. Regain your strength slowly; the rest can wait."

He kisses my forehead and holds my hand. Soothed by his touch, I close my eyes and fall into a deep sleep.

After a few days, I regain my strength, feeling better as time passes. I decide to finally get out of this bed, which surely has the imprint of my body. I sit on the edge and take my time to avoid dizziness. During these few days, my only outings were a few steps around the room, but I quickly got exhausted and had to lie down again. I stand up slowly, my head spinning a bit, but the sensation quickly fades. I head to the bathroom and remove my clothes and bandages. My body is still covered in bruises, my face no longer swollen, with only scars on my brow and lip as evidence of my assault. On my back, a few lacerations have reopened from the blows and are healing again.

I really look frightening and pitiable in this state.

I abandon my reflection for the shower. The hot water cascading over my skin makes me feel better already. After washing, I get ready and go downstairs.

I search for Ezio but don't see him anywhere until I hear raised voices coming from his office. Behind the door that I push open, I find him standing, one hand resting on his desk and the other pointing angrily at his father. Even from behind, Raphael looks furious, contrasting with Isabella's apparent disdainful calm. When they hear the door slam behind me, everyone turns in my direction.

"May ! What are you doing up ?" Ezio asks, worried, approaching me.

Once he's close, he gently takes me in his arms and kisses my forehead, his hands on my cheeks. I take his wrists and, looking at him, I reply:

"I feel better."

"Perfect, you can hear what I have to say," Raphael thunders.

"Father, give her a break. She just recovered."

"I don't care. She wants to be part of the mafia; she needs to prove she deserves it. She's been resting long enough, now she faces the consequences."

I look at Ezio and smile, then turn to Raphael.

"I'm listening."

"As we feared since your arrival in our lives, your notoriety preceded you. You're on the front page of the newspapers because of your assault."

With these words, he throws a newspaper at me with the headline: 

"May Torre, assaulted in the street and left for dead on the pavement."

Heart racing at the news, I briefly read the article. I quickly realize they have nothing concrete, just hypotheses, and certainly nothing related to the mafia. Relieved by this, I look up and lock eyes with Raphael.

"There's nothing in there linking us. They don't even know Ezio was there."

"But don't you understand? During that assault, words were spoken; it was in the middle of the street. Anonymous witnesses could very well have heard everything. Plus, we had to bribe a paparazzi who had a photo of Ezio picking you up like the trash you are. Everything could have blown up if we hadn't covered for you!"

"I forbid you to talk to her like that!" Ezio interjects.

"Stay in your place, son. You've disappointed me enough. This is between her and me."

"They didn't have my face; it could have been anyone," Ezio retorts.

"This photo, with analyses, could have led them to us. I want nothing, not even a back, not even a finger, nothing of you in a photo with her, understood?" he explodes, his face inches from Ezio's, who holds his gaze.

"Look, Raphael, I understand your fury, but nothing has come to light. There will be other news stories. I'll answer questions vaguely or lead them astray, and we won't hear about it again like all these kinds of incidents."

"It's only a matter of time before everything blows up in our faces. This is your last chance. Another headline about you related to our business, and you're dead! And believe me, that's not a threat to be taken lightly."

I smile, not acknowledging his threat, and approach him, maintaining eye contact.

"I'm not afraid of you, Raphael. I don't know if it's just my notoriety that bothers you or if there's something else, but understand this: I will not let you trample me like this. With or without your approval, I will avenge the Condore family. You are a powerful man; good for you, but I assure you I have the stature to join the mafia, and I am a woman of my word. I'm not the type to hide behind a man to do the dirty work for me."

With that, I cast a meaningful look at Isabella.

"Either you're with me or against me, but remember that the tabloid press remains your number one enemy. Only God knows what a dangerous weapon it can become if I turn it against you, and believe me, I know how to use it if you stand against me. So instead of seeing us as your enemies, see us as an asset that can work to your advantage if you want. See me as an ally who can help you finish the Condore family. The ball is in your court, Raphael, but don't underestimate me; that would be your greatest mistake."

I slam the newspaper against his chest and leave, slamming the door. Trembling with rage, I head to the terrace to get some fresh air and release all the tension and fear accumulated during our exchange.

Daring on the surface, it's quite the opposite within me. Despite my mask, Raphael scares me more than I want to admit. Well, not him exactly, but the means he could use to destroy me.