Episode 18

Upon reading the letter's content, Vincenzo grew anxious, aware that his father was undoubtedly displeased with him. The letter's words revealed that Amanda's brother had traded her to Don Luigi Morelli, an aged sadist taking delight in the suffering of others, and the wretch professed love for his sister. He had meticulously orchestrated everything, selling her to the elderly man, then offering her in exchange for the debt. With the surplus money he took and the sum he earned from the man, he planned to deceive her by claiming they were vacationing, deliver her to the old man, and escape around the world, squandering his wealth on gambling, accompanied by the inevitable women and drugs. With a brother like that, she needed no enemies.

It now dawned on Vincenzo why the wretched man took his own life, not from a conscience's sting or remorse for betraying his sister but knowing that once Don Morelli caught him for not delivering his sister, he would face a fate far worse than a swift demise. He was destined for a torturous death.

"Don't get me wrong, cousin," Victor said hesitantly, “but I read the letter because Uncle Patrizio, well, you know he's not seeing well, asked me to, and now it's all falling into place. The girl that her brother sold to Don Luigi, that's Amanda, right?" Victor inquired.

At those words, Amanda, who had been silent, suddenly could not hold her tongue.

"What do you mean, Alex sold me to someone else, aside from you?" she implored, her eyes welling up with tears, a visage of deep suffering etching her angelically beautiful face. Vincenzo's concern now was not that his cousin was privy to the whole truth, but rather how to deal with Don Luigi and reconcile with his father. Even a Capo must honor his father, after all, he is the parent and predecessor who taught him everything he knows to secure his place.

"Yes, your darling little brother was the very dregs, professing his love for you, but in truth, he was auctioning you off to bidder after bidder, treating you like a chaste and innocent prize to fetch the highest price. That was the pitch he made to rake in the best sum possible," Vincenzo expressed venomously, slamming his fist onto the table, scattering items in every direction.

He then rose, running a hand through his hair, a gesture Amanda recognized as one he made when irritable or enraged, and now he was seething with fury.

Amanda felt as though a dagger had pierced her heart, her brother, whom she adored and had promised their dying mother to protect, had offered her to all sorts of dangerous and mafioso men like Vincenzo in exchange for funding his addictions.

Her heartbreak and disillusionment so profound, tears began to stream down her face uncontrollably. Victor, seeing her cry, felt a surge of compassion but dared not speak or come near, especially given the state Vincenzo was in.

"Amanda, I've arranged for a maid to pack your bags. You are traveling with me today to my parents’ home. I want you ready in half an hour. Meanwhile, I need to take measures to undo the mess that scoundrel brother of yours made, and please, no fuss this time, as I'm in no mood or disposition for pointless arguments," Vincenzo commanded as he strode onto the porch, glancing briefly at Amanda, then continued speaking in Italian, his native tongue. However, he glanced back and saw her tears still flowing heavily as she read the letter he had left on the table and noticed Victor watching her with a look of pity, not saying anything or approaching. It was a fortuitous sign, indicating he had taken the hint when he warned Victor not to get too close to his betrothed.

She would be his fiancee until his personal assistant at the company arranged all of Amanda's necessary documents. Undoubtedly, they were already at the house he had acquired and left sealed after arranging his brother’s decent burial—had he known of his deeds, he’d have fed him to the vultures. Vincenzo's strategy was set; he was a brilliant thinker. He was going to do what should have been done long ago: make Amanda his wife and move with her to Italy, where his power overshadowed that in London. Her marriage would confer Italian citizenship, ensuring no legal barriers remained in the country.

Vincenzo knew that by marrying Amanda, Don Luigi would have no claim to her, as she would be the Capo's wife, and even he understood that a Capo’s wife demanded respect or risk losing their heads. Indeed, all mob wives required similar regard. However, being the Capo's spouse, she would be mafia royalty like a queen, and should Don Luigi present further obstacles, Vincenzo was ready to pay triple the price he had initially, ensuring Amanda's freedom. But one thing was certain: Amanda would depart his side only over his dead body. And unbeknownst to Amanda, before reaching Italy, they would already be officially married.