I head downstairs to join Ezio after he gives me time to get ready. On the stairs, I hear a familiar voice, and when I reach the bottom and face him, my worst fears are confirmed. Raphaël is here, as always accompanied by his sidekick. I offer them my best hypocritical smile, wondering what they are doing here.

My question is quickly answered.

"Ezio, she's becoming a danger. We have no other choice but to act. Raphaël insists impatiently."

"May still has some proving to do; perhaps she can handle it." Isabella interrupts, challenging me with her gaze.

Intrigued, I approach Ezio, who is sitting in his armchair, and run my hands over his chest. He takes my left hand in his and kisses it. I remain standing behind him as Isabella's eyes widen at the sight of our hands.

"Don't tell me..."

Raphael looks back and forth between Isabella and Ezio, confused.

"Yes, father, Isabella, May is now my wife. Therefore, she owes you nothing, and whether you like it or not, she is part of the family."

A broad smile spreads across my face as I watch Raphaël's features harden, realizing it will be more difficult than he thought to get rid of me.

"Ezio, in your office now! He growls, furious."

"No, father ! Whatever you have to say, I want May to hear it too."

"As you wish. You're completely blind and reckless! You're making a terrible mistake; she doesn't deserve our name in any way. Can you imagine the scandal once the press finds out?! You will regret this decision, Ezio, sooner or later, you know it very well! I didn't think you could disappoint me even more, but I was wrong. I underestimated your excellence in this field. If only Giuseppe had lived instead of you, you are the disgrace of the family by marrying this tramp who will lead to your downfall. You'll realize it too late. I should have betrayed May the moment I had the chance instead of waiting; I was lenient because she saved your life, but I shouldn't have been. By now, she would be six feet under, and you free as a bird." Raphael snaps.

"It was you ?! You told the Condore the truth about who healed Ezio ?! But why ?! I exclaim, my stomach turning at this revelation.

"To avoid this kind of situation. However, I thought the Condore would have gotten to you long before now, but that was without counting on the help of my idiot son."

"You had me followed, didn't you ?" Ezio questions.

"Did you really think they appeared out of nowhere by pure coincidence ? I knew you wanted to find her, so I told them to keep an eye on you, and the bet was quickly won."

"Do you hear yourself ? Do you realize what you've done ?"

Fueled by the fury that has taken over his body, Ezio is now standing face to face with his father.

" My son, in the mafia, blood ties are more important than anything. I'm not teaching you that. So yes, to protect you, I did what I had to do, even if it meant making a pact with the enemy."

"All you wanted was to protect yourself, spare me your spontaneous altruism! Get out of my house; I don't want to see you anymore !"

With a furious gaze, eyes blazing like the flames dancing in the fireplace, Ezio glares at his father. Despite his apparent determination, Raphaël retreats and disappears behind the elevator doors, Isabella by his side.

I join Ezio, now facing the fireplace, and wrap my comforting arms around him from behind. He takes the hand resting on his chest and, without taking his eyes off the fire, says:

"I'm so sorry, May. If I hadn't told my father who saved me, we wouldn't be in this situation today."

I urge him to turn around, and once we're face to face, I look into his eyes and place my hand on his cheek.

"Ezio, you have nothing to feel guilty about. It's not your fault you have a twisted and selfish father. It doesn't change our future. Once I've gotten my revenge, we'll find a way to free you from Raphael's grip."

"May, I love your optimism, but it's not that simple to get rid of my father. No matter where we go, he won't let me go, even if I'm his biggest disappointment. Whether he likes it or not, I'm his only future and the only one to carry on the Madini name, and his pride won't let him give up on me. I wish we could escape all this, but it's unfortunately impossible as long as my father lives."

A murderous idea crosses my mind, and Ezio must sense it because he adds:

"And no, we're not killing my father."

I pout in disappointment, which makes him smile. We embrace and kiss.

"Who were you talking about before my arrival interrupted you ?"

"Paola. Since our last conversation, she's been acting recklessly and starting to get into trouble."

"How so ?"

"Last night, she was so drunk she showed up at Raphaël's place and openly threatened to kill Isabella. So, he wants us to take care of her before she loses control."

"Hmm, that's not good for our plans. Do you think Paola will be a problem for us ?"

"Not if we make her understand the consequences of her reckless actions."

I remain silent, deep in thought.

Why is Isabella so anxious and eager to get rid of Paola after a simple drunken threat ? What is she hiding under all that silicone ?

"Come on, we have to go. We're expected." Ezio says, pulling me from my thoughts.

" Where are we going ?"

"To Paola's place. It's time to elaborate this plan." he announces determinedly.