I stand frozen, speechless at the scene before me. At that moment, the elevator doors open, and Ezio steps out, his eyes on me. Seeing my expression, he shifts his gaze to the couch and immediately turns away.

"What the hell are you doing ?!"

Isabella scrambles to get dressed, while Raphael rises calmly. Unable to bear the sight, I avert my gaze.

"Oh, Ezio, don't be so prudish. You were gone, we were bored, so we found our own way to pass the time, didn't we, baby ?"

I hear a slap and assume Raphael has punctuated his sentence by smacking Isabella's rear.

"You can turn around now; we're decent."

Unable to look anywhere else, I focus on Ezio, who's glaring daggers at his father.

"Can't you control yourselves for a few hours ? And what the hell is this ? You and Isabella, the widow of your own son ?!"

"That's the pot calling the kettle black. How many times have I caught you screwing in inappropriate places and moments ?"

Tense, Ezio shoots me an embarrassed glance, while I feel a pang of jealousy rising within me that I try to hide.

"I screw whoever I want. I don't need your permission for anything. But given the circumstances, you deserve to know. After your brother's death, Isabella felt lonely, and I was the shoulder she needed. Our relationship evolved from there," he explains, looking at her like a piece of meat.

Still uncomfortable, I steer the conversation back on track.

"What are you doing here ?"

"I came to discuss business with Ezio and to remind him about the gala at the Palazzio tonight."

"A gala?" I ask, surprised, having heard nothing about it.

"If Ezio hasn't mentioned it, it's because you're not welcome, May," Isabella jabs.

"That's not true. I didn't tell you because until yesterday, you were in a vegetative state. I didn't think you'd be up for this event. I was going to tell you today. If you feel up to it, I'd love for you to come with me."

"There's no way we can be seen together. The media will cover the event, and I don't want any association between you and May. We've discussed this before, Ezio, which is why you're going with Pia," Raphael interjects, not giving me a chance to respond.

"Wait, wait. So, you've already orchestrated everything behind my back ? You've already found a replacement ? You didn't even bother to talk to me about this before I was replaced ? At least have the decency to be honest, Ezio! You're all truly pathetic !"

Under Isabella's amused gaze, I storm off, seeking refuge in the gym to blow off steam.

"May, please, let me explain."

I turn and realize that Ezio has followed me.

"It's fine. Everything's been said. I don't want to talk about it anymore. I get it; I'm a problem for your family."

"No. My father sees your notoriety as a problem, not you personally. I don't have a say because I'm not the head yet. However, I think my father is right about one thing. Being seen together and being in the spotlight would be harmful to us. Especially for you, you'd become a target the moment we step into that gala. We couldn't act discreetly for your revenge and beyond. I don't want to put you in more danger than you already are."

"But I'm already in danger, and the Condores already know my face. I'm with you, and I understand what that means and the risks I have to take. For me, these are just excuses."

"Please, May, don't think that. It's really for your own good that I agree. My heart belongs to you. I want to do everything to protect you, and this is part of it, whether you believe it or not."

I let him kiss my forehead, but my anger doesn't dissipate; on the contrary, it intensifies. Ezio returns upstairs, leaving me alone with my thoughts and emotions.

I feel the new phone Ezio gave me vibrating in my pocket. When I see the name on the screen, I quickly answer.

"Andy ! How are you ?"

"Hey May, I'm getting better. Still some abdominal pain, but you know me, it takes more than that to keep me down! How about you ?"

"Physically, I'm improving, still some pain here and there, but nothing like it was at first. Mentally, it's a bit complicated."

"Then let me cheer you up. Tonight, there's a gala at the Palazzio, and they would be honored to have you among their guests. They'd also love for you to perform a few new songs alongside the other invited artists."

"Is this a last-minute invitation ?"

"Not exactly. You've been on the list from the start, but when they heard about your assault, they called me to see if you could still perform tonight. I convinced them to keep the invitation until the last minute, and I'm glad I did. Your presence, like that of the other artists, is a surprise for the guests. These are the country's top influencers, so they want to offer them a night worthy of their status."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier ?"

"I planned to tell you the night we went out for a drink, but I didn't expect you to have such a big scoop hidden, and one thing led to another, and I forgot. You know the rest."

"So no one knows ?"

"No, not even Ezio if that's what you're asking."

"Perfect, it'll be a nice surprise for him," I reply mischievously.

"Be there by eight. You should arrive when all the guests are already seated to keep the surprise until the curtain rises. You'll have a table with the other artists; I'm not throwing you to the lions, you won't be alone."

"I'll be there. Thanks for the surprise; you have no idea how much I needed this."

"That's what friends are for, to put a smile back on your face," she teases. "Enjoy your night, and not too many wild antics because you'll have to tell me everything afterward."

I laugh at her words, kiss her goodbye, and hang up.

Fired up by my vengeful side, I can't wait to upstage Ezio and his father.

If they think they can sideline me so easily, they're underestimating me.