rom the news. The ringing on the other end seemed to stretch on forever, each second

, and then, "I saw the news..

over onto her cheeks as she struggled to find her voice. "Mamma... how could this happen? How co

. I just don't know. I never imagined... I didn't even know.. this life he had. I thought he was just.. " Her

a, did you... did you know anything about Papa being involved in the mafia? Is it t

lone in their old apartment, her face pale with shock. "No, Isabella," Elena finally said, h

that part of his life separate. I always believed he was running

t to bloom. "But, Mamma... this is the mafia. How could we not have

much, but he was always secretive about certain things. Maybe he wanted to protect us. Maybe he thought he could keep his life

can't believe this is happening," she whispered, more to herself than to her mother. "I n

on't have to go through this alone. We'll figure it out together. We'll m

taly, Mama. I need to be there, to make the arrangements and... and

I think you're right. You need to go. But promise me y

wasn't sure she could keep that promise. There was a fire burning inside

ive," Isabella added. "And I'll

voice wavering. "I'll be prayi

Mamma. I

u too, my

her feeling drained, but also more determined than ever to uncover the truth. She couldn't let her father's deat

ont door opening. She looked up to see Alexander sta

p?" he asked gently, coming

ust like I am. She says she didn't know anything about Papa being involved in the mafia. S

e such a shock for both of you. But you don't have

with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Alex

with a small smile. "I'm coming with y

uch on your plate right now. That merger you're working on... your clients

lities and his desire to support her. "But I don't wan

y my side the whole time. And besides, I need you here, handling everything on t

bt. When he found none, he nodded reluctantly. "Okay. But pro

ly. "I'll be okay, Alex. I just need to do this. I need

d holding her close. "I understand. Just know tha

ther. Isabella felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her; fe

d kept hidden. It was the only way she could begin to make

tartling them both. Isabella glan

a and heading to the intercom. He pressed the butt

It's Rosa

he door. He turned to Isabella, his expression softening. "I'

or his understanding. "Than

es wide with concern. She was a whirlwind of energy and emotion

y. "I'm so sorry. I can't believe this happening. Whe

g the tears welling up again. "Thank

once-over. "You're too pale, Bella. Have you eaten anything? Do you

o lighten the mood. "Wine sounds perfect. But firs

ng a bottle of red wine. Isabella watched her, feeling a sense of

was the best friend Isabella could ever ask for, and in that

, the rich aroma of the wine filling the air. Isabella took

quiet. "I don't know how to process any of this.

even imagine what you're going through. But you're doing the right thing

her grip tighteni