Layla's eyes widened in shock the moment Alekis uttered those words.
"Matteo was the one who drew him into this life," Alekis began, his voice tinged with regret. "And I'm certain Lucius has given you countless reasons to justify his actions. But deep down, I know he's using this as an outlet for his anger. Anger at me for neglecting him as a child, while his mother remained absorbed in her own world. By the time I realized my mistakes, it was too late to undo the damage." His shoulders slumped, and he sighed deeply before lifting his teacup again to savor the drink, the faint clinking of porcelain punctuating the silence.
"How am I supposed to accomplish that, Father?" Layla asked hesitantly, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "And... is it even possible? Why do you suddenly want him to leave the mafia? He's been in it for so long."
