Giovanni draws deeply on the cigar he usually saved for good occasions. The characteristic smell, impregnated in the room, brings a certain comfort to his tired chest and calms his messy thoughts. Perhaps this is also due to the doses of scotch that are in his system, dampening his nerves. Well, it doesn't matter.  Sitting on the sofa, on the other side of the room, Gioacchino is also puffing on a cigar, which by the way is his favorite brand. There's a comfortable silence between them. The truth is that Giovanni prefers silence to listening to the voice of that disgusting man. Discovering the whole truth has only made his heart completely closed to his grandfather. Not enough for him to threaten Giovanni's wife and daughter, he's more to blame for the death of Charlotte and Giorgio Reviello than one could imagine. But still, this isn't the time to clear up all these issues… Caution is necessary. That's why Giovanni has adopted nerves of steel an

The silence of the room is interrupted by the sounds of the machines that have kept that man alive for twelve years. The smell of antiseptic is so strong that it burns the nostrils of those who are not used to such a peaceful and white environment. It's as if there's no other color, except for the flowers that are changed daily, of alternating colors. Even if man isn't able to see them, they're constantly changing.Always.Usually, it's Theodor who changes them personally. But on this day, it's Douglas who's changing the water in the vase and positioning the tulips, right next to the thin body of the man who looked so much like his sons. Now, it's as if there are only remnants of who he was.Douglas keeps his eyes on the lilac petals for a long moment.His chest aches, but no tears are shed. Long ago, Douglas lost his ability to cry. Even in a moment like this, knowing that he has failed to save his younger brother, there's nothing in his dry eyes. Only a

“Are you trying to redeem yourself for what you did to my brother?” Lisette's voice is slightly shaky, but she seeks comfort in Thomas' hand that remains on her shoulder, caressing her skin gently with his fingers.“Yes, I am.” Douglas says firmly.Lisette gives a sarcastic laugh. “That doesn't even come close to redeeming…”“I know… Honestly, I feel ashamed to even feel like asking for forgiveness.” Douglas sighs, tensing his shoulders. “I accepted living with my sins, surrounded by my demons. I accepted that God abandoned me the moment my hands moved. There are no excuses for what I did, and I never intended to fill you with excuses…. Because I know, no matter what I say… it won't be enough to fill the void…” Douglas' words suddenly stop, as a heavy tear falls from Lisette's eyes.“Just tell me why.” She swallows dryly, and hugs her own bo

The last time the Reviello family was reunited in its totality was when Giovanni came of age and took full control of Corvi Neri, breaking free of the strings of his grandfather, who was leading him like a puppet. Even at that time, there was no vote against it, perhaps because, in parts, this was Gioacchino's wish. Even though he has passed on the leadership of the Mafia, the affairs concerning the family have continued in his domain.The most important members of the family are now gathered at the huge rectangular table with sixteen seats. The right-hand side has Gioacchino's kids, all seated in the order of their birth. The second born, son of his first wife. The third and fourth child, of the second wife, are also on the right. The last three chairs were occupied by the third wife's children, as well as the only girl the man had.Gioacchino's nephews are sitting on the left side. Nikolai, son of Gioacchino's sister, is in the first chair with a serene countenance a

Giovanni throws himself on the sofa, breathing loud and relieved, hiding his tired expression behind his hand, which covers his entire face. It worked… It fucking worked!He moves his hand away slightly, and notices that his hand is trembling… lately, he has become more human, hasn't he? Saying he loved, asking for forgiveness, crying and truly fearing, to the point of begging God to take away everything, absolutely everything… except Eleonor. Fear, anger, love. Feelings he didn't think he was capable of feeling. All were because of Eleonor… because she's his ray of sunshine.But of course, the relief could not last long because in the next instant, the door is abruptly opened by Asher, who's with his typical serious expression that says trouble is coming. And his words only confirm this:“Gioacchino has disappeared, as has Martin. It's possible that they're trying to return to Italy…”“No. My grandfath