Alessia's eyes locked onto Marco's, her mind racing.
What secrets did he hide?
As they walked through the estate's gardens, Marco's expression turned somber.
"Alessia, I know you're curious about your father's past."
Alessia's heart skipped a beat. "What do you know?"
Marco hesitated. "Your father was involved with a rival faction, one that sought to overthrow my family."
Alessia's thoughts reeled. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Marco's eyes dropped. "I was sworn to secrecy. But I realize now that keeping the truth from you was wrong."
Alessia's emotions swirled. "What happened to my father?"
Marco's voice barely above a whisper. "He was killed in a hit meant for my family. I'm sorry, Alessia."
Alessia felt like she'd been punched in the gut.
Her father's death, a casualty of the Mafia's wars.
As they walked in silence, Alessia processed the revelation.
Her father's past, a complex web of loyalty and betrayal.
Suddenly, Marco's phone buzzed.
"Marco, we have a problem," Giovanni said, his voice urgent.
Marco's expression darkened. "What is it?"
"One of our men has been compromised. He's talking to the authorities."
Alessia's heart sank.
The Morani family's attack was unfolding.
Marco's eyes locked onto hers.
"Alessia, stay close to Alessandro. He'll keep you safe."
Alessia nodded.
But as they rushed back to the estate, Alessia knew:
Safety was an illusion in this world.
Later that night, Alessandro gathered his top advisors.
"We need to strike back at the Morani family," Alessandro said, his voice firm.
Sophia spoke up. "But Alessandro, we can't risk open war."
Alessandro's eyes narrowed. "We have no choice. We'll show them our strength."
Alessia watched, her heart heavy.
The cycle of violence, endless.
As the meeting concluded, Alessandro turned to her.
"Bella, stay by my side. We'll face this together."
Alessia nodded.
Together, they would navigate the treacherous landscape.
But as they left the conference room, Alessia spotted Francesca watching from the shadows.
Francesca's smile, a whispered promise.
"This isn't over, Alessia."