♛ Anger and fear surged through me as I stood beside the wall, listening to the conversation between Zio, Papa, and Warren. My heart was pounding so hard, I thought it would burst out of my chest. Warren was demanding free reign over Santoro's properties, in return for my brother's safety. The nerve of that man! How could he even think of bargaining for someone's life? I could hear Zio's voice grow more and more furious with each passing moment.

"Paolo, please, just agree to it! We have to save Koen," my mother's voice quivered as she entered the room. She must have been eavesdropping.

Paolo's voice was firm and resolute as he replied, "we cannot let him have control over our empire. It's a matter of pride and respect."

I couldn't believe this was happening. My brother was in danger, and these men were playing games with his life. All they could think about was pride and respect.

"Zio, you have to agree to Warren's terms! You can't let Koen die because of your ego!" I shouted.

He turned to me, his face contorted in anger. "This is none of your concern, Vanya. Go to your room and stay out of this."

"No, this is my brother we're talking about! You can't just sit here and let him do this to our Koen!"

Papa then stepped in, "Paolo, we have to do something. We can't let Koen suffer because of our pride."

But Zio was stubborn. "I refuse to be blackmailed by that piccola merda," he grumbled.

I couldn't take it anymore. "Paolo, please! You can't just let him die!"

Zio turned to me, his eyes blazing, "what did you just call me?" he asked through gritted teeth, "don't you dare talk to me like that!"

I only stared back at him, feeling everyone else's gaze burning into me.

I was getting frustrated. "Just agree to his terms and get Koen back!" I pleaded.

Paolo's eyes narrowed. "I will not negotiate with terrorists."

I stared at him, shocked. Did he really just say that? My brother's life was on the line and he was worried about his pride?

"That's enough, Vanya!" Papa spoke up before I could say anything else, "this is not your place. Now leave."

I couldn't believe it as I stared back at him, blinking away tears, anger overtaking me. My own father was willing to let his own son suffer because of his pride. Because of his Capo.

I turned around and rushed out of the house, tears streaming down my face.

I got in my car and drove blankly, not sure where to go or what to do. My mind was a jumble of thoughts and emotions. I was scared for my brother, angry at my family, and heartbroken at the thought of losing Koen.

I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. I had to find a way to save my brother. And if my family wasn't willing to do anything about it, then I would have to take matters into my own hands.

⋅• ━━━ ••⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱•• ━━━ •⋅

I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, steeling myself for what's to come. My phone has been ringing incessantly for the past hour, my mother crying on voicemail and begging me to come home and convince Papa and Zio Paolo to do something to save my brother, Koen. But what can I do? I'm just a powerless pawn in this game of power and revenge.

As I drive aimlessly, trying to escape the suffocating weight of fear and anxiety, I find myself outside the Ferrara mansion. The sight of the imposing building makes my heart race faster, but I swallow my fear and park my car. I take a sip of water from my bottle, hoping to steady my nerves, and walk towards the entrance.

The guard stops me, eyeing me suspiciously. "Who are you and what is your business here?" he demands.

I try to sound confident as I reply, "Vanya Santoro. Tell Warren Ferrara I wish to speak with him."

He looks me up and down, walking back to the intercom and mumbling something before he returned, nodding curtly and opening the door.

I follow the guard as he leads me inside and through the main door as I step into the opulent foyer, my eyes widening at the sight of the chandeliers and marble floors. The place screams wealth and power.

He leads me to a room at the end of the hall and knocks on the door to announce my presence before opening it and gesturing for me to enter.

"Boss will see you now," he says as I inhale sharply before breathing out shakily and pushing the door open. This was it. This was me showing up to our mortal enemy's doors, unarmed and unprotected, ready to negotiate a truce in order to save my brother's life.