Antonietta and Ellis remained silent in the clearing, lost in their own thoughts, when one of the family's henchmen approached, breaking the tense silence.
"Excuse me, ma'am. There's someone on the phone wanting to speak with Ms. Amorielle."
"I'll be right there. Thank you for letting me know," Antonietta thanked.
The henchman looked at Ellis and corrected his information.
"Actually, it's Ms. Ellis that they're looking for, not Ms. Amorielle."
Ellis was surprised to hear her name mentioned. She followed the henchman back to the mansion, curious to know who could be calling her.
***
Ellis entered the living room, where a telephone sat on a small table next to the couch. She picked up the device and, with a mix of anxiety and curiosity, answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Good afternoon. This is from New York University. We would like to invite you for an admission interview for our Architecture program."
Ellis was taken aback by the words on the other end of the line. She hadn't expected to receive such an important invitation and wondered how this had come about.
"An interview? For the Architecture program?" Ellis asked, surprised.
"Yes, exactly. We came across your portfolio for the admission application a few years ago, and we were impressed with your work. We would like to meet you in person and discuss your academic potential."
Ellis could hardly believe what she was hearing. Such a significant opportunity was presenting itself, bringing a glimmer of hope and possibilities amidst the darkness that surrounded her new life in the Amorielle mafia.
"Thank you very much for the invitation. I'm honored and thrilled. I will definitely be present for the interview," Ellis thanked, feeling emotional.
"Great! We look forward to meeting you. We'll be expecting you this afternoon here at the university. Congratulations again!"
Ellis thanked once more and hung up the phone. She sat on the couch, allowing the wonderful news to sink in. A shy smile began to form on her face. She pondered this unexpected opportunity, wondering how this door had opened and what possible changes it could bring to her life within and outside the Amorielle mafia.
***
Ellis entered her room with an eager smile on her face. She walked over to the closet, running her fingers over the fine fabrics, imagining herself in the academic environment, wishing to impress the interviewers with her confidence and knowledge. As she prepared, adjusting herself in front of the mirror, her eyes landed on an elegant outfit she had chosen especially for the occasion.
It was a sophisticated black dress that accentuated her natural beauty and exuded confidence. Ellis knew that first impressions were crucial, and she wanted to be impeccable to impress the interviewers. With a smile on her face, she carefully picked up the garment and placed it on the bed, ready to put it on.
Ellis stepped out of her room, elegantly dressed, ready to face the day. Her graceful steps led her to the living room, where Antonietta, her mother-in-law, was seated on a velvet couch, flipping through a fashion magazine.
"Ellis, you look stunning! The interview at the university, isn't it?" Antonietta remarked.
"Oh, you knew?" Ellis blurted out, surprised.
"My dear, I know everything that happens in this house. And don't worry, I'm here to help," Antonietta said, chuckling.
Ellis felt a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, taken aback by Antonietta's unexpected attention and support. Antonietta smiled enigmatically and nodded her head toward Ângelo, her loyal henchman who was always by her side
.
"Ângelo, take Ellis to the university," Antonietta ordered.
Ângelo, a burly man with a stern expression, nodded in agreement.
"As you wish, Ms. Amorielle."
Ellis, surprised by Antonietta's intervention, tried to argue.
"You don't have to worry, I'll call a taxi. I don't want to cause any trouble."
Antonietta chuckled softly and shook her head.
"No way are you going by taxi. It's risky, and I worry about you. Ângelo will assist you in getting there in my car. I insist."
Ellis looked at Ângelo, a sturdy man with a serious expression, and felt powerless against Antonietta's determination. She finally agreed and thanked her mother-in-law for her kindness.
"Thank you, Antonietta. I appreciate your concern."
"No need to thank me, dear. It's my pleasure to help. Now go, show everyone your potential."
With that, Ângelo and Ellis departed in the matriarch's luxury car parked on the estate. As she settled into the backseat, Ellis felt torn between gratitude for Antonietta's kindness and the strangeness of the whole situation.
As the car glided through the bustling streets of New York, Ellis contemplated the interview that awaited her. She knew her performance would be crucial for the next step in her career. However, there was something else on her mind. She wondered how much Vittorio Amorielle was involved in all of this.
***
Ellis Barker walked through the grand corridors of New York University, becoming increasingly impressed by the magnificent campus around her. The historic facades and the academic atmosphere exuded knowledge and opportunities. It was an environment that inspired and motivated her.
Upon reaching the admissions area, she was greeted by a friendly receptionist who informed her that her interview would be conducted by Ava Brown, the department head. Ellis felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. She knew this interview could be the decisive point for her future at the university.
Shortly after, Ava Brown appeared and called Ellis to accompany her to her office. Ava was an elegant woman with a friendly expression on her face. She reviewed Ellis's documents that had been submitted for admission and gave a sincere compliment.
"Ellis, I'm impressed with your records. You have an outstanding academic background. I was curious to know why you didn't proceed with your admission earlier."
Ellis took a deep breath and answered honestly.
"At that time, I was dealing with some complicated family issues. I wasn't sure how to balance everything. But now, I'm ready to dedicate myself to my studies."
Ava smiled understandingly and nodded.
"I'm glad to hear that, Ellis. I'm truly excited about your enrollment at the university. I believe you have a lot of potential and will contribute significantly to our academic community."
Ellis felt a mix of relief and joy. It was an opportunity she had been waiting for so long, and now it was becoming a reality. She sincerely thanked Ava for the opportunity.
"Thank you, Ava. I'm truly grateful for this chance."
Ava surprised Ellis with her next words.
"In fact, it's me who thanks the Amorielle family, especially Vittorio. Besides the financial support to the university, it was him who recommended you as an excellent candidate. It seems he recognized your potential."
Ellis was momentarily shocked by this revelation. She knew Vittorio was involved in her admission, but she had no idea he had directly influenced Ava's decision. Thanking once again, Ellis left Ava's office with a mixture of feelings.
Excited about the news of the successful interview, Ellis got into the car driven by Ângelo and asked to be taken
to Brownsville. She wanted to share the good news with her brother Jason.
"Ângelo, could you take me to Brownsville? I'd like to tell my brother about the interview and share this news with him."
Ângelo looked at Ellis through the rearview mirror, but his expression remained unchanged.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Amorielle, but I have strict orders to take you only to the university and then directly back home."
Ellis sighed, reluctantly accepting the situation.
"Okay, Ângelo. Let's go home, please."
***
The car approached the Amorielle mansion, and Ellis felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She entered the house and went to the housekeeper, seeking information about Vittorio's presence.
"Is Vittorio already home?" she asked, hopeful.
The housekeeper, with a kind smile, confirmed:
"Yes, ma'am, he arrived some time ago. He's in his office. Shall I inform him that you're here?"
Ellis felt her heart race as she prepared to meet Vittorio.