A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
00:00I'm Issa Borgia, the daughter of the most powerful Don in Corvina.
00:03My father worries I'll marry the wrong man on a whim,
00:06so he arranges for me to be engaged to Luca, the rising heir of the Marino family.
00:11It's an arranged marriage, but that doesn't mean I've lost all my say.
00:15The very least I can do is choose a ring I genuinely like.
00:18So, I go to the mafia auction.
00:20When the diamond ring appears as the final jewel of the night,
00:24I lift my paddle.
00:25Just before the gavel falls, an arrogant voice comes from behind me.
00:30A country bumplin' like you thinks you can compete with me?
00:33Do yourself a favor and leave.
00:36The auction hall goes quiet for a few seconds.
00:38The only sound comes from the camera shutters clicking around the hall.
00:42I turn and see a woman in a gold couture gown.
00:45Her mouth curves in a casual smile as if she owns the place.
00:48Before I can say a word, the auctioneer rushes to close the bid.
00:52Sold!
00:53Congratulations to Miss Sofia Lopez for winning the final lot, the Eternal Star.
00:58My brows pull tight, and a hot spike of anger rises in my chest.
01:03You ended the bidding early.
01:05Do you even follow the rules here?
01:07Sofia turns around and gives me a once-over, her gaze sharp as a blade.
01:11Rules?
01:12She lets out a cold laugh.
01:14Come on.
01:15I'm Luca Marino's favorite godsister.
01:18Around here, I make the rules.
01:20I can't help but laugh.
01:21What a coincidence.
01:23So, she's my fiancé's godsister.
01:26I pull out my phone and call him.
01:28Luca.
01:29Your godsister just snatched the engagement ring I picked out.
01:32How are you gonna handle this?
01:37It seemed like Sofia Lopez wasn't just a godsister to Luca Marino.
01:41If Luca couldn't give me a good explanation, this engagement was off the table.
01:45I called the number I'd saved but never once dialed.
01:49Once the call connected, I went straight to the point.
01:52Your godsister is trying to snatch the engagement ring I chose.
01:56What do you have to say about that?
01:58Silence hung for a moment.
02:00Then, a cold, unfamiliar voice came through the line.
02:03Who is this?
02:04Whatever's going on between Sofia and me isn't something an outsider gets to question.
02:09Before I could say my name, he had already hung up.
02:12I stared at the dark screen for a second and let out an incredulous laugh.
02:16Obviously, he hadn't even saved my number.
02:19Sofia's laughter cut through the crowd, sharp with smug delight.
02:23Pathetic.
02:24You somehow got Luca's number and actually think that means he knows you?
02:29God, you're cracking me up.
02:31She tilted her chin and twisted a lock of hair around her fingers while looking me over again.
02:37Seriously, look at what you're wearing.
02:39Even the nannies in the Marino family dress better than you.
02:42The lackeys around her couldn't hold back and burst into mocking laughter.
02:48I had always believed comfort mattered more than designer labels.
02:52But in a hall drowning in diamonds and custom gowns, no one here cared about that belief.
02:57I pressed my lips together, heat rising up my chest.
03:00So, you're still judging people by logos?
03:03You're unbelievably shallow.
03:05Lucas sure had special taste when picking his god sister.
03:10Thanks to her stunt, I wasn't in the mood for the auction anymore.
03:13I turned to the auctioneer and pointed straight at the eternal star ring in the display case.
03:17I want to activate the automatic bidding system.
03:20Whatever she offers, I'll pay double.
03:23Miss, our automatic bidding service is reserved for clients with VIP cards.
03:28Sophia gave a sharp little snort.
03:31She reached into her clutch, pulled out a gold VIP card, and slapped it onto the podium.
03:36I spend seven figures a year here.
03:38And you?
03:40How exactly do you compare to me?
03:42I drew in a slow breath, took out a plain black card with no logo, and placed it beside hers.
03:48Unlimited credit black card.
03:51Is that sufficient?
03:52Open the VIP account and restart the bid.
03:57A wave of startled whispers rolled through the hall.
04:00Sophia's smile faded, and her tone turned colder.
04:04This is Marino territory.
04:06If anyone sides with her, I'll make sure they never work in this city again.
04:10The auctioneer's face went chalk white.
04:12His voice shook as he said,
04:14Miss, I'm just a staff member.
04:17I really can't afford to offend the Marino family.
04:20Several guests who'd seen the whole thing started trying to persuade me.
04:23Just let it go.
04:25I've run into Miss Lopez before.
04:27Mr. Martino indulges her in everything.
04:30Someone crossed her last month, and his entire business was gone the very next day.
04:35Miss, even if you've got money,
04:37don't fight the Marino family.
04:39Their reach isn't something people like us can survive.
04:42Just apologize and ask Miss Lopez to forgive you before this gets worse.
04:47Under all those cautious glances and hushed warnings,
04:50Sophia only grew more pleased with herself.
04:53She crossed her arms and came closer, wearing a smug smile.
04:57The amusement in her eyes practically sparkled.
04:59You heard them.
05:00Get on your knees and shout.
05:02I'm broke, and I know I was wrong.
05:06Do that, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here.
05:12In all 26 years of my life, no one had ever dared to talk to me like that.
05:17Say that again?
05:19What exactly do you want me to shout?
05:22Are you deaf?
05:23I said, I'm broke, and I know I was wrong.
05:27Got it now?
05:28Loud and clear.
05:29Since you admit you're broke, hurry up and get out of here.
05:33Before you drag down the Marino name.
05:35Sophia's face flushed as she finally realized what I'd done.
05:38You! You twisted my words!
05:40How dare you make fun of me!
05:42She screeched and hurled herself at me, arms flailing like a furious chicken.
05:46It would have been funny if she weren't so noisy.
05:49I had trained with my family's bodyguards in Corvina for 10 years.
05:53I wasn't about to be intimidated by a woman whose punches were nothing but a performance.
05:57I drove a clean sidekick into her ribs.
06:00Sophia went down hard, folding onto the carpet with a pained groan.
06:04Regret.
06:05Next time you open your mouth, remember whose territory you're standing on.
06:09Gasps rickled through the hall.
06:14Oh my god!
06:15She actually hit Mrs. Lopez!
06:17When Mr. Marino hears about this, he'll have her chopped up and thrown into the bay.
06:22She's done.
06:24Not even God can save her now.
06:26I tuned their chatter out.
06:28The Marino family only stood where they did today, because my father had pulled them up when they were nothing.
06:34In this city, there wasn't a single person I needed to be afraid of.
06:38I slapped my black card on the podium again.
06:40Like I said, whatever she bids, I'll pay double.
06:45Wrapped the ring and hand it over.
06:47The auctioneer's knees visibly buckled.
06:49Hands shaking, he hit the authorization button and personally presented the velvet box to me.
06:54I put it into a bag and turned to leave.
06:56Only for Sophia to drag herself upright and stumble back into my path.
07:00Don't you dare leave!
07:02I tapped the toe of my heel against the floor and glanced down.
07:06What is it?
07:08You want another practical demonstration?
07:11She instinctively took a step back.
07:13I let out a soft dismissive laugh and pivoted toward the exit.
07:18But I didn't get far.
07:20A wall of men in black suits suddenly filled the doorway, blocking every way out.
07:24Before the guests could even process what was happening, the line of bodyguards split cleanly down the middle.
07:30A man walked through the gap they made.
07:31I looked up and for a second my heart actually skipped.
07:35The overhead lights fell across him, outlining every inch of his frame.
07:39He had the kind of build tailors dreamed about.
07:41Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs.
07:44His face was all sharp planes and clean edges.
07:47So perfect it looked like someone had carved it out of stone.
07:50Sophia immediately switched on the waterworks and ran to him, tears glistening.
07:55Luca, she stole my ring and hit me.
07:59So, this was my fiancé.
08:01No wonder my father had sworn up and down that I'd like him.
08:04He knew me too well.
08:05I was hopelessly shallow when it came to looks, and Luca fit my taste a little too perfectly.
08:11Seeing that face alone, I almost felt like forgiving his earlier attitude on the phone.
08:15I straightened, gave him my most confident smile, and introduced myself.
08:20Hi, I'm Isa Borgia, your fiancé.
08:26A ripple of shock moved through the crowd.
08:29What did she say?
08:30She's Mr. Marino's fiancé.
08:32Well, obviously, the fiancé matters more than a godsister.
08:36Not really.
08:38It depends on who Mr. Marino actually favors.
08:41Luca's cold gaze settled on me.
08:43Don't flatter yourself.
08:44That engagement was my father's decision.
08:47I never agreed to it.
08:48Sophia leaned into Luca with her head on his shoulder, her eyes sparkling with a challenge
08:52she wasn't bothering to hide.
08:54Look at you in those cheap clothes.
08:57You really think you deserve to marry him?
08:59You're not even qualified to shine my shoes.
09:02Someone in the crowd eagerly piled on.
09:04Exactly.
09:05If Mr. Marino ever gets married, it'll be to a real heiress.
09:09Why would he choose a nobody from the countryside?
09:12She looks dirty.
09:14I feel like the air smells worse already.
09:16She's nowhere near Miss Lopez's level.
09:18I'd worn something simple.
09:19There was nothing dirty about it.
09:22But in their mouths, I'd somehow turned into a walking trash heap.
09:25People always did love kicking whoever they thought was at the bottom.
09:32I lifted my eyes slowly and let my gaze sweep the entire auction hall before bringing it back
09:37to Luca's face.
09:38In that case, go home and tell your father to call off the wedding.
09:42And the reason?
09:44I don't want you.
09:45My father told me that Luca's father, Antonio Marino, had pulled every string he could to
09:50make this engagement happen.
09:52If he ever learned it all blew up because of Luca, I'd pay to see the look on his face.
09:56That thought eased my irritation.
09:59I couldn't be bothered arguing with this pack of idiots anymore, so I turned to leave.
10:03But Sophia wasn't done.
10:04She came stomping toward me in her stilettos like a hyena that had caught the scent of blood,
10:09with two bodyguards following closely behind her.
10:12The black pistols peeking from their holsters were enough to freeze the room.
10:16You bitch!
10:17You think you can just walk away?
10:19You snatched my ring and laid hands on me?
10:22We're not done!
10:23I gave her a cold look.
10:24So what exactly do you want to do?
10:27She mistook my patience for fear.
10:29Her hand snapped up toward my face.
10:31I'll hit you until I feel better!
10:37Before her palm could land, I caught her wrist, twisted, and slapped her across the face with
10:42my other hand.
10:42Sophia clutched her cheek, staring at me in disbelief.
10:45You lowlife!
10:47How dare you!
10:49Why wouldn't I?
10:50I cut her off, slapping her other cheek just as hard.
10:53Is this enough for you?
10:54The two slaps knocked the arrogance right off her face.
10:57Tears sprang to her eyes as she stumbled back and threw herself behind Luca, using him like
11:02a shield.
11:02Luca!
11:03She hit me!
11:05You have to stand up for me!
11:07Luca pulled her behind him and looked at me with a gaze so dark it could have dripped ink.
11:11How dare you slap her?
11:13You must really have a death wish.
11:15He gave his bodyguards a subtle hand signal.
11:18Several of the bodyguards lunged at me at the same time.
11:21I took down the first one who charged at me, but the rest came too fast.
11:25Hits rained on me from all directions.
11:27Pain tore through my ribs and back until my legs gave out.
11:31Two bodyguards grabbed me under the arms and hauled me over to Luca and Sophia.
11:37Luca stroked Sophia's swollen cheek and said softly,
11:41Do whatever you want with her.
11:42If anything happens, I'll take care of it.
11:44His words sent a spark through Sophia.
11:47She spat at me, her face contorting with cruel satisfaction.
11:51Bitch!
11:52Weren't you so bold just now?
11:54Come on, keep acting tough.
11:56You wanna fight me over a ring?
11:59Fine.
12:00I'll break your fingers.
12:02Let's see what you'll wear on them after that.
12:04At her nod, the two bodyguards pinned my shoulders before forcing my arm out in front of me,
12:09stretching my fingers over the polished floor.
12:11I lifted my head and stared straight at Luca and Sophia.
12:14If you go through with this, I swear I'll make you both pay for it.
12:19Sophia let out a sharp laugh.
12:20The Marino family is one of the five ruling houses in Norham City.
12:24And you?
12:25You're a nameless little stray from nowhere.
12:27You think you get to threaten us today?
12:29I'll make sure you never forget what happens when you cross me.
12:34Her stiletto drove down on my fingers and pain ripped through my hand.
12:38I bit down so hard I tasted blood.
12:41I was pretty sure I heard something crap.
12:43Everyone around us looked away from the violence, but no one had the courage to step in.
12:48She shouldn't have picked a fight with a Marino.
12:50Her hands are done for.
12:52She'll be lucky if she can even feed herself after this.
12:54We're just civilians.
12:55People like us swallow our pride or end up dead.
12:58I had loved the piano since I was a child.
13:01I would be performing on stages all around the world.
13:03I couldn't lose my hands.
13:05The thought of losing them sent a cold, strangling fear through me.
13:09When Sophia lifted her heel again, my resolve collapsed.
13:12I was wrong!
13:13You can have the ring!
13:15Take it!
13:16Just don't hurt my hands!
13:18Revenge could wait, but fingers didn't grow back.
13:20However, Sophia didn't pause.
13:23Her heel pressed down again, harder this time.
13:25A metallic smell rose from my bleeding hand.
13:31Sophia finished grinding her heel into my fingers,
13:33then squatted down, pinched my chin tightly, and brought her face right up to mine.
13:38Her mascara was a little smudged, and fine lines were visible at the corners of her eyes.
13:43I noticed these details only because my face was pressed so close to hers.
13:47Do you actually think you're special?
13:49She whispered softly, as if sharing a secret.
13:52Let me tell you, Luca has already gone through three fiancées.
13:56I drove every single one of them away.
13:59You're the fourth, and by far the stupidest one.
14:02Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth, but I didn't talk back.
14:05It wasn't because I didn't dare it, was because I had no strength left.
14:09My right hand had already gone completely numb.
14:12I didn't dare look at it.
14:13That's right.
14:14Sophia laughed, her voice full of malice.
14:16The first one was dumped by him, the second left on her own.
14:20And the third, I personally made her disappear.
14:23Her eyes changed, turning dark and sinister.
14:26How long do you think you can hold on?
14:29She stood up and coldly ordered the bodyguard.
14:31Pin her other hand down too?
14:33Today, I'm going to crush both of her hands.
14:36Let's see how she seduces after this!
14:40You bitch!
14:43Oh, now you're scared.
14:45Too late for that.
14:47You're not leaving this place until I say so.
14:51A scream tore out of my throat.
14:53I turned my head to Luca.
14:55Luca, aren't you afraid of who I am?
14:58If you let her do this, you'll regret it.
15:02Who are you?
15:04You're nothing.
15:05Just a woman who tricked my father.
15:08Sophia saw his reaction, and her smile grew even more vicious.
15:12You're still trying to seduce Luca.
15:15While I'm right here.
15:16If I don't break your hands, you'll never learn.
15:20No!
15:21Ah!
15:21Don't!
15:22Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
15:25I struggled against the men holding me trying to reach for it, but Sophia moved faster.
15:30She grabbed the phone, glanced at the screen, and answered it with a cold laugh.
15:34My father's voice came through at once, tight with worry.
15:38Iza, why aren't you home yet?
15:41Is the auction still going?
15:43I dragged in a breath, and shouted as loudly as I could.
15:46Papa, help me!
15:48They're going to destroy my hands!
15:55My father's voice went cold in an instant.
15:57What? Who is this?
15:59Sophia shouted into the phone.
16:01I'm Sophia Lopez.
16:02Your daughter's been acting like a slut with men, so I'm teaching her a lesson!
16:08I don't care who you are.
16:09Let my daughter go.
16:10Touch her again, and you'll wish you'd never been born.
16:13If you've got the guts, come over here.
16:16Her heel slammed into my hand once more, and I couldn't hold back a cry.
16:20I'm right here waiting.
16:22I'll break her hands first and let you hear it, and when you get here, I'll break yours
16:27too.
16:27She hung up and slammed my phone to the floor.
16:30It shattered into pieces.
16:32Then, she ordered the men around us to beat me.
16:35Five minutes passed.
16:36It wasn't long on a clock, but it felt like half a lifetime.
16:39At last, a familiar armored black sedan rolled to a stop outside the auction hall.
16:43The air itself seemed to tighten.
16:45My father stepped out of the car, his black coat still carrying the faint scent of gunpowder
16:50and blood.
16:54His eyes were cold with fury as he pushed the main doors open.
16:57His voice cut through the hall like a blade.
16:59Who dares to threaten to break my hands and my daughters?
17:05When my father stepped into the doorway, the air in the auction halls seemed to freeze.
17:10His sharp gaze swept the room once, then stopped on me.
17:12I was still being held down.
17:14Sophia still had no idea danger had just walked in.
17:17She even let out a dismissive laugh and stepped forward in her stilettos.
17:21So, you're the slut's father.
17:23Perfect.
17:24Your daughter snatched my ring and slapped me.
17:27You two had better apologize right now, or the Marino family won't let either of you
17:31walk out of here.
17:32The crowd rippled with whispers.
17:34A few guests edged toward my father, their voices low and nervous.
17:38Sir, you should back down.
17:40Miss Lopez is Mr. Marino's favorite god sister.
17:44In Norham City, no one dares cross the Marino family.
17:47For you RS safety and your daughters, just admit fault.
17:51There's no shaming.
17:55My father didn't spare any of them a glance.
17:58He simply lifted his hand.
18:00The two men behind him moved at once, striding over to me.
18:03They kicked aside the bodyguards holding my shoulders and pulled me gently to my feet.
18:07I staggered into my father's arms.
18:09He caught me, pulling me close as he soothed me with a gentle hand on my back.
18:14Does it hurt my little princess?
18:15His voice sounded calm, but anyone who knew him could hear the storm gathering beneath
18:20it.
18:20I nodded, and tears slipped down my cheeks.
18:23They wanted to rip out my nails too, Papa.
18:25His eyes grew even colder.
18:27He turned to Sophia and Luca, his voice edged with undeniable authority.
18:31In my whole life, almost nothing has ever made me apologize.
18:35Sophia flinched under his stare, then quickly latched onto Luca's arm and tried to look composed.
18:41Luca, look at them.
18:43They really don't know their place.
18:44Luca finally spoke, his tone icy.
18:47Sir, you'd better do as Sophia says.
18:50In Norum City, going against my family is unwise.
18:55My father let out a mocking laugh.
18:57Your family.
18:59Which one would that be?
19:01The Madrine family?
19:03The Marniff family?
19:05He waved a hand dismissively.
19:06I don't bother remembering small families.
19:10Even if your father, Antonio, were standing in front of me, he wouldn't dare to speak to
19:16me like that.
19:17Luca's expression shifted in an instant.
19:19He said in a low voice, anger seeping through.
19:22Sir, even if you know my father, isn't that a bit too arrogant?
19:27My father didn't even look at Luca.
19:29He took out his phone, dialed a number, and raised it to his ear.
19:33The call connected almost immediately.
19:36Antonio, your son just asked me if I was being too arrogant.
19:41There was a few seconds of silence on the other end.
19:44Then Antonio's voice came through, trembling noticeably.
19:48Don Borgia.
19:49Luca.
19:49He doesn't know what you're talking about.
19:54He doesn't know.
19:55Father repeated, a cold smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.
19:59There are so many things he doesn't know.
20:01For example, who dragged the Marino family out of the ruins of Corvola 20 years ago.
20:07Or how his father knelt in front of me back then, with snot and tears all over his face,
20:12begging me to take him in.
20:14Luca's face turned deathly pale in an instant.
20:16Father hadn't put the call on speaker, but the hall was deathly quiet,
20:20so Antonio's voice still came through intermittently.
20:22Don Borgia, I beg you, Luca is still a child.
20:26He doesn't understand.
20:27A child.
20:29Father cut him off.
20:30When your son ordered his men to gang up and beat my daughter,
20:33he wasn't acting like a child.
20:36Another heavy silence.
20:37Then Antonio's voice became even lower, almost a whisper.
20:41I will come and apologize in person tomorrow.
20:44Whatever conditions you want, I'll agree to all of them.
20:47Father didn't answer.
20:48He hung up the phone directly.
20:50He put the phone back in his pocket, then finally looked at Luca again.
20:54Did you hear that?
20:55Your father didn't even dare to ask what happened.
20:58He only knows one thing.
21:00He has offended someone he shouldn't have.
21:02Luca's lips were trembling, but he still gritted his teeth and said,
21:06You... you're bluffing me.
21:07You faked that call!
21:09Before he could finish, Luca's phone rang.
21:12He looked down at the screen, and his pupils shrank violently.
21:16Caller ID.
21:17Father.
21:18Luca's finger hovered over the answer button, refusing to press it for a long time.
21:22My father glanced at him and said indifferently,
21:25Answer it.
21:26Listen to what your father has to say.
21:28Gritting his teeth, Luca finally pressed the answer button.
21:32Antonio's voice exploded from the receiver, loud enough for everyone within three meters to hear.
21:37You animal!
21:37Do you even know what you've done?
21:39If Miss Morgia loses even a single hair, I'll pretend I never gave birth to a son like you!
21:44Luca's face went from white to ashen gray.
21:47He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
21:53My father set the tip of his cane against the marble floor.
21:56The tap rang clear in the hush of the hall as he stepped forward.
22:00His eyes fixed on Luca, like a hawk sighting prey.
22:03Arrogant.
22:04He scoffed coldly.
22:05One of my daughter's fingers is worth more than the head on your shoulders.
22:11And you dared to touch her!
22:13He paused, then spoke each word as if he were nailing it into the floor.
22:17My daughter has never accepted a rose that still had its thorns.
22:21Anyone who dares hurt her, I'll make them pay for that a hundred times over.
22:26Almost on the last word, the main doors of the auction hall slammed open.
22:32A line of men in black suits filed in, their movements clean and coordinated.
22:37In just a few minutes, every bodyguard Luca had brought was disarmed and pinned to the floor,
22:42their arms locked behind their backs.
22:44Everything turned around in an instant.
22:46Two men stepped up behind Luca and Sophia, grabbed their shoulders,
22:49and forced them down to their knees in front of my father.
22:52Sophia tried to twist away, panic wiping the arrogance from her face.
22:56Her makeup had streaked down her cheeks, and she turned to Luca in desperation.
23:00Luca, help me!
23:02Luca tried to wrench free, veins throbbing at his temples.
23:05Let me go!
23:07I swear, you don't know the price you're about to pay.
23:11My father looked down at Luca and Sophia like they were nothing more than insects crawling on the floor.
23:17Pay the price.
23:18His voice stayed eerily calm, making the hall feel even colder.
23:22When you ordered my daughter beaten, did you ever stop to think about the price you'd pay?
23:28Then he turned to me, and that killing frost in his eyes softened.
23:32Issa, how do you want to deal with you?
23:34I walked toward Sophia.
23:36The ache in my fingers turned every step heavy, but the anger burning in my chest kept me moving.
23:42I fisted a hand in her perfectly styled hair and yanked her head up so that she had to look
23:46at me.
23:47Whatever you did to me, I will return to you!
23:51I kept slapping her until her cheeks puffed up and flushed an angry red.
23:55Sophia glared up at me, eyes burning with hate and lips smeared with blood.
23:59Even then, she kept spitting curses.
24:01You bitch!
24:02Just wait!
24:04Luca will make you wish you were dead!
24:07Luca lunged, trying to get up.
24:09Stop!
24:10I turned and drove my heel into his chest, sending him right back down.
24:14I had put everything into that kick, and the impact shot a fierce pain up my injured fingers.
24:19Clutching his ribs, Luca sucked in a breath, but he still tried to threaten us.
24:26The iron doors slammed shut behind them with a deafening bang.
24:30Luca and Sophia were shoved into a pitch black basement.
24:33Sophia's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
24:35Her voice shot up, sharp enough to shatter glass.
24:38What's that sound?
24:40What the hell is that?
24:42Three wolf dogs.
24:43Not very large, but their ribs were clearly visible.
24:46They hadn't been fed for three days.
24:48The sound of iron chains dragging across the floor was like the grim reaper's scythe.
24:53Luca whispered urgently,
24:55Don't move.
24:55Sophia let out a piercing scream and staggered backward.
24:59Don't move.
25:00Don't run.
25:02Don't!
25:02Her high heel stepped on something wet and slippery, and she fell hard to the ground.
25:07All three wolf dogs lunged forward at once.
25:10Luca.
25:11Her voice became tiny, almost like she was talking to herself.
25:14Are we going to die here?
25:16Luca didn't answer.
25:18His hand fumbled in his pocket for his phone.
25:20The screen lit up for a second, no signal.
25:23It won't happen.
25:24He said, but his voice lacked any conviction.
25:27My father will come save us.
25:29Another hour passed.
25:31Footsteps sounded outside the iron door.
25:33Sophia jerked her head up, hope flashing in her eyes.
25:36A small window on the iron door opened, and a bowl of water along with a few pieces of dry
25:42bread were pushed inside.
25:43Sophia scrambled over, her voice hoarse.
25:46Let us out!
25:48Do you know who I am?
25:50I'm the eldest daughter of the Lopez family!
25:53If you dare!
25:55The small window slammed shut.
25:56The footsteps faded away.
25:58Sophia stood frozen in place, clutching the bowl of water.
26:02Tears fell pathetically into it, drop after drop.
26:07Luca had barely slept all night.
26:10He kept staring at those three pairs of green eyes until his own eyes were dry and burning.
26:15Sophia curled up beside him, burying her face in his chest.
26:18Her expensive custom dress was torn in several places, and her nails were caked with dirt.
26:23She suddenly spoke, her voice raspy.
26:26Luca, is your phone still working?
26:28No signal.
26:29I don't want to make a call.
26:31Sophia lifted her head.
26:32There was a strange gleam in her eyes that he had never seen before.
26:36Let's take a selfie.
26:37When we get out, I'm going to post it everywhere, and let everyone know what that Borgia bitch did to
26:43us.
26:43Luca was stunned for a second, then laughed.
26:45It wasn't a happy laugh, it was a laugh of utter absurdity.
26:49You're thinking about taking photos at a time like this?
26:51I'm not willing to accept this.
26:53Sophia's voice suddenly rose.
26:55I've never suffered like this in my entire life!
26:57Who does she think she is?
26:59Just some wild bastard who appeared out of nowhere!
27:02A low growl suddenly came from the wolf dogs.
27:05Sophia's voice cut off abruptly.
27:07Three pairs of green eyes locked onto her at the same time.
27:10She slowly shrank back into Luca's arms and stopped talking.
27:15The bread was gone.
27:17The water was gone.
27:18The wolf dogs began pacing restlessly, their chains scraping loudly against the floor.
27:24Sophia leaned against the wall, her lips cracked, her hair a complete mess.
27:27Her eyes were unfocused, like a phone that had run out of battery.
27:31Her voice was as light as a wisp of smoke.
27:34Luca, do you think your father will really come to save us?
27:39Luca remained silent for a long time.
27:41He will.
27:42He's my father.
27:44He didn't say it out loud, but he was starting to feel afraid.
27:48Not of the wolf dogs, but of a deeper fear.
27:51What if his father had already given up on him?
27:53Finally, footsteps sounded outside the iron door again.
27:56This time there was more than one person.
27:59The iron door was opened.
28:00Blinding light flooded in.
28:02Both Sophia and Luca instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes.
28:06The wolf dogs were led away.
28:08Several men in black suits walked in expressionlessly,
28:11and dragged them up.
28:13Sophia's legs had gone completely limp.
28:15She was supported by two men as they dragged her out.
28:18Luca staggered, barely able to stand, his legs also trembling.
28:22The moment they stepped out of the basement, fresh air rushed toward them.
28:26Sophia gasped greedily, like a drowning person finally pulled ashore.
28:30I won't let this go.
28:31She whispered hoarsely.
28:33Borgia.
28:34Just you wait.
28:36Luca didn't speak.
28:37He stared straight ahead, his face ashen.
28:39What he was thinking was something else in these three days.
28:42His father hadn't made even a single phone call.
28:47I woke to the sting of antiseptic.
28:49The first thing I saw was my father's face above me, drawn tight with worry.
28:54My right hand was wrapped in thick bandages.
28:56A dull pain throbbed through each finger.
28:59Your fingers are saved.
29:00My father said, brushing the hair away from my forehead.
29:03But they'll need time to heal.
29:04Just then the door eased open.
29:06Antonio stood at the threshold.
29:08The man who usually dominated headlines as an untouchable mafia, he said hoarsely.
29:13Don Borgia, my son was reckless.
29:16He offended Mrs. Borgia.
29:18My father looked at him coldly and said nothing.
29:21Antonio turned to me instead and bowed deeply.
29:23Mrs. Borgia, Luca was ignorant.
29:25He had no idea who you were.
29:27Everything our family has today came from Don Borgia's support years ago.
29:30This engagement was us reaching far of our station.
29:32We won't mention it again.
29:33I only beg you to spare his life.
29:35I looked at Antonio, who seemed to have aged overnight, and felt nothing at all.
29:40Fine.
29:41I said, my voice weak but clear.
29:43I'll give you a choice.
29:44You can keep your son, or you can keep your entire family.
29:50His body visibly swayed.
29:53His lips trembled.
29:54And pain flickered across his eyes as he fought with himself.
29:57After a long silence, he lowered his head.
30:00I'll accept whatever you decide.
30:02This was how our world worked.
30:04In the mafia world, family interests always sat higher than a single individual.
30:08I'm not asking for his life.
30:10I said, turning my gaze toward the window.
30:13But I have one condition.
30:14At the five families gathering, he has to apologize to me in front of everyone.
30:19Antonio let out a long sigh of relief.
30:22Of course.
30:22I'll make sure Luca apologizes sincerely.
30:25Mrs. Borjara.
30:27He left with shaky steps, his back slumped in defeat.
30:30The day of the five families gathering finally arrived.
30:33It was held at the same auction house.
30:35The moment my father and I walked into the hall, every gaze in the room swung toward us.
30:43I wore a deep red gown that brushed the floor with every step.
30:47A matching velvet glove covered my injured right hand.
30:50An elegant mask for the damage that still hadn't fully healed.
30:54Antonio hurried over to greet us, his face pale and strained with nerves.
30:59Don Borgia.
31:00Ms. Borjara.
31:01Thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight.
31:04I gave him a small, polite nod and slowly scanned the crowded hall.
31:08All eyes were already on us.
31:10Father's voice was low and commanding.
31:12Bring them up.
31:13Several bodyguards wheeled a heavy iron cage into the center of the room,
31:18right under the bright spotlight.
31:20The moment the cage came into view, a wave of shocked murmurs swept through the crowd.
31:25Inside, Luca and Sophia were huddled together like trapped animals.
31:29Their clothes were torn and filthy.
31:32Sophia's once glorious gold gown hung in ragged strips,
31:35while Luca's expensive suit was covered in dirt and dried blood.
31:40Bruises and cuts marred their faces and arms.
31:43Whatever they had endured these past few days, it had clearly been hell.
31:47The bodyguards unlocked the cage and dragged them out roughly, showing no mercy.
31:52Sophia's legs gave out instantly.
31:53She collapsed to her knees, staring at me with wide, terrified eyes.
31:58Isa!
32:00Please!
32:03We were wrong!
32:04I was wrong!
32:06Just let us go!
32:08Luca lifted his head.
32:10Miss Borja, I beg you, have mercy.
32:14My family will compensate you however you want.
32:17Just don't do this in public.
32:19I looked down at them coldly, my injured hand resting lightly on my father's arm.
32:24Public?
32:25You humiliated me in public first.
32:28Did you show me any mercy then?
32:30I took one slow step forward, my voice clear enough for the entire hall to hear.
32:34You wanted to break me.
32:37Now the whole of Norum gets to watch.
32:40As I break you.
32:44Luca staggered, swaying on his feet.
32:46His eyes darted wildly over the crowd until they locked on Antonio.
32:50Dad!
32:51He shouted hoarsely, his voice cracking with despair.
32:55You have to help me.
32:57They don't respect the Marino family at all.
33:00He jabbed a shaking finger at my father and me, his eyes burning with hatred.
33:04Antonio's face went white.
33:06He strode forward and in front of everyone slapped Luca so hard that the sound cracked across the hall.
33:12You ungrateful brat.
33:15Get on your knees and apologize to Mrs. Borgia.
33:19Now.
33:20Sofia jerked her head up, her voice sharp with outrage.
33:24Don Marino, you must be joking.
33:27You want Luca to apologize to those two noblies?
33:30Shut your mouth!
33:32Antonio snapped, turning on her with a glare sharp enough to scorch.
33:36This all started because of you.
33:38If not for you, Luca would never have offended Don Borgia.
33:42And Miss Borgia!
33:44Luca stared at Antonio as if he didn't recognize him.
33:50Antonio, you still haven't told them the truth.
33:53Don of the Corfioni family.
33:55Mr. Rossif Borgia is the most powerful Don in Corvina.
33:59Years ago, when the five families rebuilt our power here in Norham City,
34:02it was only possible because he backed us and shielded us.
34:06Vito said slowly, his voice carrying clearly through the silent hall.
34:10If he so much as lifts a finger,
34:12he can erase an entire family from Norham City overnight.
34:15Luca snapped his head toward Antonio,
34:18his eyes filled with frantic desperation for an answer.
34:21Antonio pressed his lips into a tight line and gave a stiff, reluctant nod.
34:25That can't be true.
34:28Luca said, stumbling back a step.
34:30If it is, why have I never heard about it before?
34:33Vito let out a humorless laugh.
34:35That secret is known only to the heads of the families.
34:38You haven't even officially taken over yet.
34:40What makes you think you had the right to hear it before this incident?
34:46As soon as Vito finished speaking, the entire hall fell into silence.
34:50I was about to speak when my phone vibrated inside my bag.
34:53It was an encrypted message.
34:55The sender field showed an internal code from the Corleone family.
34:58Miss Borgia, tomorrow night at the Norham Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala,
35:03the Lopez family's collateral branch and Elena Lopez will both be attending.
35:08If you wish, you may collect some interest there first.
35:10I turned the phone screen toward my father.
35:13He glanced at it and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
35:17Elena Lopez,
35:18father murmured the name,
35:19Sophia's mother.
35:21She's been pulling strings behind the scenes quite a bit.
35:24I know.
35:25I said, putting the phone away.
35:27The golden custom gown Sophia wore at the auction
35:29was ordered by Elena from Milan a month in advance.
35:33Mother and daughter,
35:34one plays the good cop,
35:35one plays the bad.
35:37They've been running rampants in Norham for years.
35:39Father looked at me without saying a word,
35:41but his eyes were clear.
35:42It's your decision.
35:44I'll go.
35:46But only after we settle matters here first.
35:50The evening after the five great families meeting ended
35:53at the Imperial Banquet Hall,
35:55the crystal chandeliers lit up the entire hall as brightly as daylight.
35:58Not only were the collateral representatives of the five great families present,
36:03but also dozens of heads of mid-tier families.
36:06They usually couldn't even get close to the core meetings of the five families,
36:10but tonight everyone wanted to fish for benefits amid the toasts and deals.
36:14I wore a dark wine red velvet gown.
36:17The long sleeves concealed the bandages on my right hand.
36:20On my left ear,
36:21I wore a single pigeon blood ruby earring gifted by my father, only one.
36:25This was an old Borgia family tradition.
36:28When a daughter has been provoked,
36:30but has not yet fully avenged herself,
36:32she wears only a single earring.
36:35The moment I stepped into the hall,
36:37I felt countless gazes stabbing into me like needles.
36:39Is that the Borgia family's eldest daughter?
36:43I heard the Marino family heir was expelled because of her.
36:47Shh!
36:49Lower your voice.
36:51The Lopez family people are here tonight too.
36:54I walked straight ahead without looking sideways
36:56and headed directly for the main table.
36:58Seven people were already seated at the main table.
37:01The center seat was empty.
37:03Beside it sat a middle-aged woman in a deep purple gown, Elena Lopez.
37:07She looked 70% like Sophia, but more cunning and gloomier.
37:11She was twirling a glass of red wine in her hand.
37:13When she saw me approaching, she didn't even bother to stand up.
37:17She drawled, looking me up and down.
37:20So you're the little bitch who got my daughter kicked out of Northam?
37:26The entire table fell silent.
37:28I didn't sit down.
37:30Instead, I looked down at her from above.
37:31Your daughter brought it upon herself.
37:34I simply didn't stop her.
37:36Elena's face instantly flushed red.
37:38She shot to her feet and slammed her wine glass onto the table,
37:42splashing wine everywhere.
37:43Don't get cocky!
37:45Borgia!
37:45I don't care who you are!
37:47In Norak, the Lopez family has the Marino family behind us.
37:52Well, not anymore.
37:54But mark my words, whatever my daughter lost, I will take back tenfold for her.
38:00She deliberately raised her voice so that the surrounding tables could hear.
38:03Several merchants who did business with the Lopez family immediately chimed in.
38:07Exactly.
38:09Some outsider family?
38:11What right do they have to sit at the main table?
38:14Even if the Marinos aren't pursuing this, it doesn't mean Mrs. Lopez is easy to bully.
38:18Little girl, apologize while things haven't blown up yet.
38:22I smiled slowly.
38:24Apologize.
38:25I repeated, then glanced at the two bodyguards standing behind Elena.
38:29When your daughter crushed my fingers under her heel, did she ever apologize?
38:35Elena's lips twitched, but she quickly regained her vicious expression.
38:38You deserved it.
38:40Seduxing someone else's fiancé, crushing your fingers was going easy on you.
38:45I didn't argue with her.
38:46I simply took out my phone from my handbag, played a recording, and turned the volume to maximum.
38:53Antonio's voice rang out clearly in the quiet howl.
38:56My son was too reckless.
38:58This marriage was us reaching above our station.
39:02I only beg you to spare his life.
39:05The recording ended.
39:06The hall was deathly silent.
39:08Elena's hands began to tremble.
39:10Merchants beside her quietly shifted their chairs half a step back.
39:14It's fake!
39:15You forged it!
39:17I put away my phone and looked down at her, my voice calm but loud enough for the first three
39:22rows to hear clearly.
39:23Mrs. Lopez, your daughter once said something at the auction.
39:26In here, I make the rules.
39:28I raised my bandaged right hand and gently tapped above the wrappings.
39:32Now, I'd like to return the favor with a message of my own.
39:36Your daughter and the Merino family?
39:38In front of me, they don't even qualify as rules.
39:42Elena's face went from red to white, then to a sickly green.
39:44She suddenly grabbed the wine glass in front of her and rolled its contents at me.
39:48Red wine flew straight toward my face.
39:50I didn't dodge.
39:51The wine slashed across my face, hair in wine-red gown almost blending in.
39:56Only a few drops slid down my chin and fell onto the marble floor.
40:00The entire hall gasped.
40:02Elena stood holding the empty glass, chest heaving violently.
40:06Her eyes filled with mad triumph.
40:09You whore!
40:11That's what you get for being arrogant!
40:13I slowly raised my hand and wiped the wine from my face.
40:18Then I smiled.
40:20Mrs. Lopez, do you know what you just did?
40:23I took one step forward.
40:24My voice wasn't loud, but it pierced every ear like a nail.
40:27You just attacked the sole heir of the Borga family.
40:30In front of more than 30 family representatives.
40:33Everything that happened tonight, I will report it to my father in full detail.
40:38Elena's wine glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
40:44I didn't answer her.
40:46I turned around to face the entire banquet hall, my voice clear and calm.
40:51From tonight onward, any family that does business with the Lopez family will automatically be considered unfriendly to the Borga
40:58family.
40:58Gasps rippled across the hall of her.
41:01Elena's face turned completely white.
41:05You wouldn't dare!
41:07She screamed, but her voice had already lost all confidence.
41:11I gave her one last look, then turned and walked toward the exit.
41:15Behind me came Elena's hysterical shriek.
41:17Stop that bitch!
41:19But no one moved.
41:21The allies, she thought she had all lowered their heads like frostbitten eggplants.
41:25As I walked out the main door, Vito Corleone was already standing by the entrance.
41:30He held a glass of whiskey and gave me a slight nod.
41:33Miss Borgia, you're even more ruthless than your father was at your age.
41:38Vito paused, his lips curving into a soft, genuine smile as he looked at her.
41:42And I'm liking you more and more, my lovely lady.
41:46I glanced sideways at him, Don Correano.
41:49Did you already know this would happen tonight?
41:52He smiled without answering, simply raising his glass.
41:56Welcome to the real Norton.
41:57I didn't clink glasses with him.
41:59I walked straight to the elevator.
42:02The moment the elevator doors closed, I let out a soft breath.
42:05My right hand hurt badly, but my heart felt incredibly satisfied.
42:10I walked forward slowly, the fingers beneath my velvet glove still throbbing with a dull ache.
42:16I've changed my mind.
42:17After what I just heard from Luca, I'm very disappointed.
42:21He doesn't look guilty at all.
42:24Antonio, is this the apology the Marino family is giving me?
42:27Every pair of eyes turned to Antonio.
42:30The man who usually ruled the room now looked pale.
42:33He drew in a deep breath, and at that moment he seemed to age a decade.
42:37From this moment on, Luca is no longer my son.
42:41He is no longer heir to the Marino family.
42:43He is officially stripped of his name and cut off from all family assets.
42:49Dad, you can't do this to me.
42:51I'm your son.
42:52Luca shouted, his eyes full of despair and disbelief.
42:55No!
42:56That's impossible!
42:58How could she have that kind of power?
43:00Why didn't anyone tell us earlier?
43:02This has to be fake!
43:04You're all being fooled!
43:06Sofia's shriek cut through the hall like broken glass.
43:10One of Vito's men stepped out of the crowd and slapped her across the face several times
43:14until she finally shut up.
43:15That's enough!
43:17Luca suddenly snarled.
43:18He wrenched himself free from the men restraining him
43:21and threw himself in front of Sofia.
43:23This has nothing to do with Sofia.
43:25I was a blind fool.
43:27I'm the one who offended Ms. Borjan.
43:30This is my fault.
43:32If you want revenge,
43:34take it out on me
43:35and let Sofia go.
43:38Sofia leaned against his chest,
43:39her eyes glistening with tears.
43:42Luca,
43:42I knew you were the only one who really cared about me.
43:46The scene was almost touching in a tragic, ridiculous way.
43:49I couldn't help but lift my hands and give them a soft, slow clap.
43:53How touching.
43:54Since you're so devoted to each other,
43:57I'll let you go.
43:58Under everyone's stunned gaze, I went on.
44:00You can leave with her now.
44:02In the name of the Borgia family,
44:04I give you my word.
44:06No one will stop you.
44:09Luca stared at me in disbelief
44:11while a spark of hope lit Sofia's eyes.
44:13From this moment on,
44:15you have no connection to the Marino family.
44:17You walk away with nothing.
44:19Luca clenched his jaw,
44:20then bent to help Sofia steady herself.
44:22We're leaving.
44:23Everyone watched them limp out of the hall
44:25while leaning on each other.
44:27My father asked in a low voice,
44:29Are you really gonna let them walk away like that?
44:31I smiled.
44:32You'll see soon enough.
44:34Three months later,
44:35a headline shook the entire upper circle of Norham City.
44:38Former Marino heir, Luca Marino,
44:40killed his girlfriend Sofia Lopez in a run-down motel,
44:43then tried to take his own life.
44:44He was now in police custody.
44:46Word had it that after losing his status,
44:49Luca was penniless
44:50and took Sofia to live with him
44:52in a shabby motel on the edge of the slums.
44:56Having grown up pampered and overindulged,
44:59neither of them could tolerate
45:00the hardships of an ordinary life.
45:02Sofia complained every day.
45:04She called Luca useless
45:06and blamed him for dragging her
45:07from the clouds into the mud.
45:08She could no longer afford designer clothes
45:11or fancy goods.
45:12Even a proper dinner had become a luxury.
45:15Three days before the murder,
45:17someone had spotted Sofia in an upscale restaurant,
45:19linking arms with a middle-aged businessman.
45:22After that,
45:23she stopped going back to the motel at night.
45:25When she did show up,
45:27her attitude toward Luca was cold.
45:29On the night of the incident,
45:30neighbors heard them shouting through the thin walls.
45:33You think you're still the heir of the Marino family?
45:35You can't even buy me a new lipstick!
45:38I gave up everything for you!
45:40Luca roared back.
45:41If I'd known you were so useless,
45:43I never would have left with you!
45:46Then came the sound of things being smashed.
45:48After that was an eerie, heavy silence.
45:51The next morning,
45:52the cleaning staff opened the door
45:54and almost fainted.
45:55Sofia was lying in a pool of blood,
45:57having been stabbed over and over.
45:59Luca was on the floor beside her
46:01with his wrists slashed,
46:02barely alive.
46:03I heard the news while I was at home,
46:05sitting at my piano.
46:07Although my fingers hadn't fully healed,
46:09I could already play a few simple pieces.
46:12Just then,
46:13my father walked in
46:14and placed a folded newspaper on the piano.
46:17You saw this coming,
46:19didn't you?
46:20I took my hands off the piano
46:21and glanced at the newspaper's front page.
46:24It showed Luca being shoved into a police car.
46:27Sofia never loved Luca.
46:28What she loved was his status and his money.
46:32Once he lost those,
46:33her betrayal was just a matter of time.
46:36As for Luca,
46:37I went on,
46:38letting my fingers drift lightly over the keys.
46:41He was born into wealth.
46:43He was never going to survive losing everything.
46:47Especially after the woman he loved cheated on him.
46:51My father studied me for a long moment.
46:54You gave them the cruelest punishment.
46:56I shook my head.
46:57No,
46:58they chose their punishment.
47:00I just handed them the knife.
47:02Sunlight poured through the windows,
47:04warm and bright.
47:05Their tragedy had no effect on me.
47:07In our world,
47:08the strong preyed on the weak.
47:09Mercy toward an enemy only ever led to destruction.
47:13Luca and Sofia's ending only proved that truth once again.
47:16They were nothing more than stepping stones
47:18on my way to the top seat in Corvina's mafia world.
47:22The sunlight was beautiful,
47:24but my hand still throbbed with dull pain.
47:27The doctor said the nerves had been damaged.
47:29Even after recovery,
47:31it would never be as flexible as before.
47:33I might never be able to play those difficult pieces again.
47:36I sat in front of the piano,
47:38placed my right hand on the keys,
47:40and gently pressed a single note.
47:42A clean, lonely sound rang out.
47:44The door was pushed open.
47:45Father walked in.
47:46He was wearing a deep gray suit.
47:48His tie knotted perfectly.
47:50Sophia's funeral is at two o'clock this afternoon.
47:53Are you going?
47:54I thought for a long time,
47:56so long that father thought I wouldn't answer.
47:58Yes.
47:59Father nodded,
48:00turned to leave,
48:01then stopped.
48:02Isa,
48:03this isn't your fault.
48:04I didn't speak.
48:05Only after he walked out,
48:07did I whisper to the empty room.
48:08I know.
48:09But what I knew wasn't just that.
48:11I knew Sophia would die.
48:13From the moment she crushed my fingers under her heel,
48:15from the moment she answered my father's call,
48:18she was already dead.
48:19I simply didn't stop it.
48:21I didn't stop it,
48:22because I didn't want to.
48:24This thought was like a thorn lodged in a corner of my heart.
48:27It didn't hurt,
48:28but it was always there.
48:31The church was small,
48:32so small that even from the last row,
48:34you could clearly see the white flowers on the coffin.
48:37Not many people came.
48:39Sophia's parents sat in the front row.
48:41Her mother was crying so hard she couldn't sit straight,
48:44while her father sat rigidly like a stone statue.
48:47Luca didn't come.
48:48He was in the hospital with more than a dozen stitches on his wrist,
48:51under police guard.
48:52They said he wasn't in danger of dying,
48:54but his mental state was very poor.
48:57I stood at the very back,
48:58leaning against the wall.
49:00Father didn't come inside.
49:01He waited for me in the car.
49:03While the priest was reading the eulogy,
49:05Sophia's mother suddenly stood up and staggered toward me.
49:09Everyone was watching.
49:10She stopped in front of me.
49:11Her tears had ruined her makeup,
49:14leaving streaks down her face.
49:16Are you satisfied now?
49:18Her voice was hoarse,
49:19like sandpaper scraping glass.
49:21I said nothing.
49:23My daughter is dead,
49:25and you still come to her funeral.
49:27She grabbed the sleeve of my coat,
49:29nails digging into the fabric.
49:30Are you here to watch the show?
49:32Her husband rushed over and pulled her away from me.
49:35He glanced at me.
49:36That look contained hatred,
49:38fear,
49:39and deep exhaustion.
49:41I'm sorry.
49:42She didn't mean it.
49:43I nodded,
49:44then turned and walked out of the church.
49:45The sunlight was blinding.
49:47I stood at the entrance for a while,
49:49taking a deep breath.
49:51Father got out of the car and stood beside me.
49:53Let's go.
49:54I got into the car,
49:55leaned back in the seat,
49:56and closed my eyes.
49:57Outside the window,
49:58the church bells rang twice.
50:00Two o'clock and one minute.
50:02Sophia Lopez,
50:0322 years old.
50:04A short life,
50:05an ugly death.
50:06I silently recited these words in my heart,
50:08then opened my eyes.
50:10There was still a long road ahead.
50:13Three months later,
50:14Luca's case went to trial.
50:16I didn't go.
50:18Father sent a lawyer to observe,
50:20who came back and reported the result.
50:22Luca Marino was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter.
50:26The wound on his wrist left a permanent scar.
50:29The psychological evaluation stated he had severe depression
50:33and post-traumatic stress disorder.
50:35The lawyer said Luca didn't speak a single word throughout the entire trial.
50:40When the judge asked if he pleaded guilty,
50:43he simply nodded.
50:44The lawyer also said that Antonio Marino sat in the gallery,
50:48his hair completely white.
50:51When the sentence was announced,
50:53he didn't cry.
50:54He just closed his eyes and didn't open them for a long time.
51:00Later, at a gathering,
51:01Vito Corleone told me,
51:03Antonio is finished.
51:06He saved his son's life,
51:08but the Marino family is done for.
51:09I held my wine glass and said nothing.
51:12You know,
51:13in Luca's first week in prison,
51:15someone asked if he wanted to see a lawyer.
51:17He said no.
51:19Someone asked if he wanted to see his father.
51:21He stayed silent.
51:23Finally,
51:24the person asked,
51:25who do you want to see?
51:27He said he wanted to see you.
51:29My hand froze.
51:30He found out you stay at the manor every day
51:33and wanted to ask if you could visit him.
51:36Vito looked at me.
51:37You won't go,
51:38right?
51:39I put down the wine glass and stood up.
51:42No.
51:44Some people once missed are missed forever.
51:50Half a year later,
51:51my fingers had recovered most of their function.
51:54The doctor called it a miracle,
51:56saying my recovery speed far exceeded his expectations.
51:59I knew it wasn't a miracle.
52:01For the past six months,
52:03I had done three hours of rehabilitation training every day.
52:07Even when the pain made me sweat,
52:09I didn't stop.
52:10Father would sit beside me saying nothing,
52:12only handing me a towel.
52:14Can you play the piano yet?
52:16I tried.
52:20I placed my right hand on the keys and ran through a scale.
52:24It was slow and clumsy,
52:25but every note came out.
52:27Soon.
52:28Father didn't smile,
52:29but his eyes brightened.
52:30That night I sat alone in the piano room
52:32and played a very simple piece,
52:34Debussy's Claire de Lune.
52:35My left hand carried the main melody,
52:38while my right hand only added a few occasional notes.
52:41I closed my eyes and imagined myself standing on stage,
52:45spotlights shining on my face,
52:47the audience packed below.
52:49That feeling was still there.
52:51The desire to stand at the very top was still there.
52:54Sophia was dead.
52:56Luca was in prison.
52:58The Marino family had fallen.
53:00But they were not my destination.
53:02They were just stones on the road.
53:04I stepped over them,
53:05got a little mud on my shoes,
53:07and wiped it off.
53:11One year later,
53:12the power structure in Norum had completely changed.
53:15The Marino family had been squeezed out of the five great families.
53:19The Corleone family had taken the top seat.
53:23And I,
53:24Isa Borgia,
53:25was no longer just Don Borgia's daughter.
53:28I began taking over the family's businesses.
53:31Not all at once,
53:33but gradually,
53:33father handed them to me piece by piece.
53:36First,
53:37a few small casinos.
53:39Then a port.
53:41Then control of the entire northern district of Corvina.
53:44Every time he transferred power,
53:47father stood behind me without speaking,
53:49but always present.
53:51Once,
53:51when Vito was drunk,
53:53he put his arm around my shoulder
53:55and said to the whole table,
53:57This little girl
53:58is even more ruthless
54:00than her father.
54:02I smiled and removed his hand from my shoulder.
54:05It wasn't because I was ruthless.
54:08It was because I had no way back.
54:10I was the only daughter of the Borgia family.
54:14This entire empire would eventually be mine.
54:18The power structure in Norum had finally settled.
54:21And life seemed to have returned to a certain calm.
54:24Every week,
54:25I would spend three afternoons in the piano room.
54:27Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows,
54:30illuminating the black and white keys
54:32and my right hand,
54:33the hand that had nearly been destroyed.
54:36Footsteps stopped at the doorway.
54:38I didn't turn around,
54:39but my fingers paused on the keys for a moment.
54:42Your piano skills are much better than your acting.
54:45His voice came from the doorway,
54:47slightly hoarse,
54:48carrying a lazy smile.
54:50I turned my head.
54:51Vito stood leaning against the doorframe.
54:54Instead of his usual signature dark suit,
54:56he wore a charcoal gray thin sweater
54:58with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms.
55:01He was holding a long, slender black box in his hands.
55:04Don Corione,
55:05has no one ever taught you to knock before entering?
55:08Has no one ever taught you
55:09not to be so cold toward a guest who came from afar?
55:13He walked in.
55:15His leather shoes stepped lightly,
55:17yet heavily on the wooden floor with every step.
55:21Isis,
55:21for the past year,
55:23I've been looking for the right moment.
55:25He paused,
55:26the corner of his mouth lifting in a self-mocking smile.
55:29But I realize that with you,
55:31there will never be a right moment.
55:32He opened the black box.
55:35Inside was a necklace.
55:36It was an exact match to my single earring.
55:39Your father told me about this Borga family tradition.
55:42His voice grew lower.
55:43When a daughter has been provoked,
55:45but has not yet fully taken revenge,
55:47she wears only one earring.
55:49Once revenge is complete,
55:52she wears the other.
55:53I stared at the gemstone,
55:54but didn't reach out.
55:56So?
55:57Vito took a deep breath.
55:58In this moment,
55:59one of the most powerful men in Norum
56:02looked like someone standing on the edge of a cliff.
56:04So I wanted to ask,
56:06if one day you decide to wear the other earring,
56:09could that spot
56:11be left for me?
56:13Silence.
56:14The only sound in the piano room
56:16was the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.
56:19My heartbeat was slow and steady.
56:22Do you know what you're saying?
56:24I know very clearly.
56:26Issa,
56:26I don't need a woman who stands behind me.
56:29And you're not that kind of woman anyway.
56:31The Corzioni family and the Borja family
56:33don't need to swallow each other.
56:34But I'm willing,
56:36for a lifetime,
56:38to stand in the place closest to you.
56:40The sunlight outside the window grew brighter,
56:43falling on his face
56:44and illuminating details
56:45I had never noticed before.
56:47There was a tiny mole at the corner of his eye.
56:49A faint scar on his left eyebrow.
56:52The fingers holding the necklace were long and strong,
56:55yet they were trembling slightly right now.
56:58This man,
56:59who didn't even blink
57:00during the five great family summit,
57:02was trembling.
57:05Suddenly,
57:05I felt the urge to smile.
57:08It's okay.
57:10I told you.
57:11I can wait.
57:13I didn't say I wouldn't accept it.
57:14My fingers still rested on the edge of the box.
57:17But I need to think about it.
57:19How long?
57:21Maybe a year.
57:22Maybe two.
57:24Maybe after I finish thinking,
57:26I'll return this box to you completely untouched.
57:29Then I'll wait.
57:30He turned and walked toward the door.
57:32At the doorway,
57:33he stopped without turning back.
57:35By the way,
57:36what piece were you playing just now?
57:38Debossi's Claire DeLune.
57:40Next time,
57:41if I hear you stop playing this piece again,
57:47consider that your answer.
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