- 3 hours ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00With 12 other heiresses, waiting at the gala in Palermo, I stood in a row with 12 other heiresses, waiting
00:05to be chosen.
00:06One flower, one night, one chance.
00:09As Don Earl's Bastarda, I had no room to fail.
00:12Lorenzo Rossi, heir of the Rossi family, was my childhood friend.
00:16He was the only man who'd agreed to protect me, and he had promised me the white lily.
00:20We'd made the deal just yesterday, three years of cover.
00:23Then he could love whoever he wanted.
00:25Yesterday, he'd said yes.
00:26Tonight, at the last second, he smiled and handed the flower to the girl beside me, Mia, the scholarship student
00:32he'd been sponsoring.
00:33Her hands were shaking as she took it.
00:35Let Mia have the spotlight today, Elena.
00:39The poor thing has never known happiness.
00:41Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one will dare arrange your marriage.
00:45I looked at him. He was already turning away, placing Mia's hand on his arm.
00:50Mia is elegant and noble.
00:53She is worthy of this honor.
00:56Noble.
00:57The word landed like a slap.
00:59Whispers rippled through the crowd.
01:00I stood empty-handed.
01:02The Don's Bastard Daughter publicly passed over for a stray.
01:05When the crowd dispersed, Lorenzo appeared at my side, wine glass in hand.
01:10These idiots.
01:11I told them to save you at least one flower.
01:17Do you know what tonight means?
01:19The white lily wasn't decoration.
01:20It was a marriage proposal between families.
01:23Without it, I had nothing.
01:24No protection.
01:25No choice.
01:26No way out of the arranged marriage Donna Earl had already planned for me in New York.
01:30Lorenzo was my only option.
01:32No other man here would choose the Bastarda.
01:34And he'd just chosen someone else.
01:37Eighteen years.
01:40He didn't answer.
01:41Behind him, Mia was smiling.
01:43The white lily in her hands, still perfect.
01:46Filt flickered across Lorenzo's face.
01:49He sent Mia away.
01:50You're used to these events, Elena.
01:53But Mia's poor.
01:54This is her only shot to shine in her whole life.
01:59Just, just do me a favor.
02:04You can have your way any other day.
02:06Why today of all days?
02:07I stayed silent.
02:14Today's her graduation.
02:16After tonight, I can't sponsor her anymore.
02:20I promised her one unforgettable memory.
02:24Unforgettable for me too, but it was too late.
02:27Lorenzo, do you understand what the gala...
02:30Mia returned before I could finish.
02:33Elena, did I ruin everything?
02:37Please don't blame Lorenzo.
02:39I begged him to...
02:41Enough, Elena.
02:43It's just a flower.
02:44I'll buy you another one.
02:46He reached into a nearby vase,
02:48pulled out a rose,
02:48and shoved it into my hand.
02:53Roses suit you better anyway.
02:55A lily isn't worth making a scene over.
02:57This isn't like you.
02:59The rose was dripping wet.
03:00Its thorns had been cut.
03:01Its stem snapped short,
03:03just like me.
03:04But the white lily meant honor.
03:06The wife of a don.
03:07A queen.
03:08The red rose meant mistress.
03:09A woman you kept in the shadows.
03:11An illegitimate bootlicker,
03:13thinking she could marry the Rossi heir?
03:15Didn't you hear him say noble?
03:18Even a poor student ranks higher.
03:20Lorenzo silenced the woman with one look,
03:23but the words had already sunk in.
03:26Elena, I'm sorry.
03:28You've always had everything.
03:31I just wanted one night to feel special.
03:34Everything.
03:35I'm a bastard, Mia.
03:37Do you have any idea how the Marotti family treats me?
03:40The cake slipped from her hands and landed on her shoe.
03:43Her eyes filled with tears.
03:45Look, it's already done.
03:46Let her enjoy tonight.
03:49Come on.
03:50Let's get you cleaned up.
03:53You can head home if you want.
03:56Home?
03:56I didn't have one.
03:57As soon as Lorenzo left my side,
03:59someone closed in.
04:01Antonio Ricci,
04:02a reckless libertine from a rival crew,
04:04sidled up to me.
04:06You smell good, Elena Moretti.
04:09Without Lorenzo,
04:10I didn't even get basic respect.
04:12Lorenzo told me to give you a flower.
04:15I didn't.
04:16I told you before,
04:17stop chasing him and try me instead,
04:19but you never listened.
04:21How's it feel now?
04:23Humiliating, isn't it?
04:24Lorenzo had given him the task of delivering my flower?
04:27Knowing Antonio had been harassing me for months?
04:29Another betrayal.
04:30I only asked for three years.
04:32Three years to gain enough power
04:34to escape the Moretti family's grip.
04:36But Donna wanted me gone.
04:37She wouldn't even give me time to breathe.
04:40If it wasn't for that pretty face,
04:42you'd be nothing.
04:45Ritzy,
04:46did I not warn you?
04:48Don't touch my people.
04:50That's none of your business.
04:52Your people?
04:54You just picked the charity girl.
04:56What do you need Elena for?
04:58She's mine.
04:59That's all you need to know.
05:00Antonio spat and walked away.
05:01Lorenzo spun me around to face him.
05:04He touched you and you didn't fight back?
05:08Wasn't this your idea?
05:10Lorenzo,
05:10could I get some champagne?
05:13One's cold and stubborn.
05:15The other's bright and warm.
05:16Lorenzo's choice was easy.
05:18Tonight,
05:18you're the star.
05:19Whatever you want.
05:21We'll talk tomorrow.
05:22I'll come by your place.
05:24Tomorrow?
05:25I smiled coldly.
05:26Tomorrow,
05:27you'll have to come to New York to find me.
05:30Lorenzo left to greet the other Capos.
05:32And Mia walked back to me,
05:34holding a glass of wine.
05:35The timid scholarship girl was gone.
05:37In her place stood someone who'd tasted power.
05:41You have everything, Elena.
05:43Why do you need to take this one moment of glory from me?
05:50I should never have helped Lorenzo choose her for the scholarship.
05:54You grew up in luxury.
05:56I only wanted Lorenzo's protection for one night.
06:03Luxury?
06:04You think I'm better off than you?
06:06My mother died early.
06:08Don Earl brought me back to the estate when I was little.
06:10Donna looked at me like she wanted me dead.
06:12My father had mistresses everywhere
06:14and didn't care about one more bastard daughter.
06:17I learned to read faces young.
06:19Without this face,
06:20I wouldn't have survived.
06:20I was trapped between two sides.
06:23I turned to Uncle Luca
06:24and begged him to train me,
06:26to back me up.
06:27Uncle Luca never smiled.
06:31Your father has 23 children.
06:35Why should I invest in a bastard who won't last?
06:38Because I have nothing to lose.
06:40I'll do what they won't.
06:42But the time wasn't right.
06:43Uncle Luca wouldn't help me either.
06:45They say Dante Vitale is ruthless.
06:47Anyone who crosses him gets crushed without mercy.
06:50The Morettis wanted his protection,
06:52but wouldn't sacrifice a legitimate daughter.
06:54So they chose me.
06:56Uncle Luca must know how the gala ended.
07:01Elena.
07:02Do you think Lorenzo even knows what the gala means?
07:06I wasn't the type to dwell on emotions.
07:08I needed to find a way to stay.
07:11Do you know what tonight actually means?
07:13Sure, it's a matchmaking event,
07:14but it's just formality.
07:15Don't worry.
07:16I'll talk to the Morettis.
07:17No one's forcing you into marriage.
07:18Then can you get the Lily back from Mia?
07:19I'll return it tomorrow.
07:20That's not good.
07:21It's already hers.
07:22That orchid had a rare golden edge.
07:25It couldn't be copied at all.
07:26Lorenzo, you know I won't clink on you.
07:28Why did you humiliate me tonight?
07:30Elena, no one else will take you.
07:32You're a Moretti bastard.
07:34Everyone Palermo knows you're mine.
07:35Elena, please don't fight with Lorenzo.
07:39Enough, Elena.
07:41Tomorrow, Mia goes back to her life.
07:43I left the gala and got into Uncle Luca's car.
07:46Accept your loss.
07:48Tomorrow you leave for New York.
07:51I'll come back.
07:54Back at the estate, Donna glanced at Uncle Luca, then at me.
07:57We've raised you for 18 years.
08:00Time to repay that.
08:01Tomorrow you leave.
08:03Nothing in this house was mine.
08:04Not even the plane ticket.
08:05Uncle Luca said nothing and went to his room.
08:08I went to my small bedroom to pack.
08:10My half-sister, Bianca, leaned in the doorway, checking her nails.
08:15Mom told me to keep an eye on you.
08:17Don't take anything valuable.
08:19Not even tonight's gown.
08:23Oh, and Mom said Dante Vitale already in love with someone else.
08:27Good luck.
08:29I took off the gown in front of her and removed all the jewelry.
08:32Then I walked to the bathroom in my slip.
08:34Mia had posted a photo in Instagram.
08:36She was glowing.
08:37Lorenzo's arm around her.
08:39He was still wearing the cufflinks I'd given him.
08:41I left everything Lorenzo had ever given me behind.
08:44Before dawn, I was up.
08:46No goodbyes.
08:47I grabbed my backpack and headed to the airport.
08:49Security.
08:50Boarding.
08:51Everything went smoothly.
08:52As the plane taxied, I shut off my phone completely.
08:55Cutting all ties to Palermo.
08:57Then the announcement came.
08:59Apologies, passengers.
09:00The Rossi family has purchased all available flights out of Plasso today.
09:04We are returning back.
09:06I stared out the window as the runway slowed back down.
09:12The plane came to a stop.
09:21My phone reconnected and messages flooded in.
09:24The announcement came again.
09:26Apologies for the inconvenience.
09:28To compensate, the Rossi family will refund your ticket at ten times the price.
09:33Who do you think the Rossi family is looking for?
09:35Wow.
09:36This is so dramatic.
09:37Like a movie.
09:40I scrolled through my phone, exhausted.
09:43Lorenzo had gone to the Moretti estate early this morning looking for me.
09:47He saw the gown, the jewelry, everything I'd left behind.
09:51But my backpack was gone.
09:53He panicked.
09:54He demanded answers from the Morettis.
09:57Where did Elena go?
09:58Lorenzo lost it.
10:01He almost tore the estate apart.
10:03Then he started calling me.
10:04But by then, I was already on the plane.
10:07When Lorenzo realized I hadn't taken a single thing he'd ever given me, he snapped.
10:11I grabbed my backpack and got off the plane.
10:14It was early.
10:15I was starving.
10:18I found a small cafe and ordered pasta.
10:24Uncle Luca's message came through.
10:26Do you want to come back?
10:27Lorenzo still wants you.
10:30The Moretti family was built on schemes.
10:33Lorenzo might spoil me, but he'd never lose face for me.
10:37Going back meant more humiliation.
10:45Moving forward.
10:47Maybe there was a chance.
10:50I ate slowly.
10:52Watching black-suited men flood the terminal.
10:54They grabbed every woman who looked like me, asking questions.
10:57Then Lorenzo rushed in, drenched in sweat.
11:02His phone pressed to his ear.
11:03He passed right by my table.
11:05He looked desperate, frantic.
11:09Calling my number over and over.
11:11My phone kept buzzing in my pocket.
11:14When no one answered, he almost smashed the phone in frustration.
11:19His men returned empty-handed.
11:21I'd never seen Lorenzo like this.
11:23Completely unraveled.
11:26Where is she?
11:27I don't care what it takes.
11:29No plane flies to New York today.
11:30I checked my phone.
11:33There was a flight to Milan in 20 minutes.
11:38I scrolled through the news while I waited.
11:41Palermo's tabloids were having a field day.
11:42The headlines screamed,
11:43Rossi airs new flame, but who's he hunting at the airport?
11:47Two women at the table behind me were gossiping loudly.
11:51God, that's so romantic.
11:53If someone did that for me, I'd say yes immediately.
11:57You don't get it.
11:59Last night at a gala, Lorenzo chose some scholarship for me.
12:03I bet.
12:04Bet he got scammed.
12:06Wait, he didn't pick a rich girl?
12:08He picked a charity chase?
12:10Then why is he freaking out today?
12:12I sipped my coffee, trying not to react.
12:15I'm guessing Lorenzo didn't realize giving the white loaves was a marriage proposal.
12:20The first girl said smugly,
12:21How do you know all this?
12:24Because I was at the gala last night.
12:26I froze.
12:27I glanced back.
12:29Didn't recognize her.
12:31Lucky.
12:32So what does the rich girl look like?
12:37She's beautiful.
12:39Stunning, actually.
12:43Then why would Lorenzo give the lily to an outsider?
12:46The girl's voice turned sharp.
12:47Who cares?
12:49The other girl's just a bastard anyway.
12:51Not like us real heiresses.
12:53I coughed, and both women turned.
12:55The moment they saw my face, one of them gasped and pointed, unable to speak.
13:04What?
13:05Do you know her?
13:07The other girl stared at me, then whispered.
13:11Wait.
13:12Are you?
13:14I pressed a finger to my lips.
13:16Both women slapped their hands over their mouths.
13:19I stood up and left.
13:20As I walked away, I heard one of them shriek.
13:23You didn't tell me she looked like that!
13:25You have zero chance now!
13:27I am on my way to the boarding gate, and another refund notification hit my phone.
13:32The Rossi family had bought out every route out of Palermo, even flights to other cities.
13:37I stood there, clutching my phone, stuck.
13:39Then it rang.
13:40A New York number.
13:43Hello?
13:43Dante Vitale.
13:44The name of my arranged husband.
13:46His voice was cold, but strangely pleasant.
13:48The kind that made you want to keep listening.
13:50I'm sorry, I...
13:51My men are already at the airport.
13:53They'll bring you to me.
13:54Before I could explain that all the flights were grounded, I saw it.
13:57A private jet on the tarmac.
13:59Several men in black suits stepped off the plane, standing at attention.
14:03Understood.
14:04I hung up and walked toward the jet.
14:10It was drizzling.
14:11An umbrella appeared over my head.
14:13The moment I stepped outside, the man holding it kept his eyes down, respectful.
14:17Mrs. Vitale, we're here to bring you home.
14:20That's when Lorenzo spotted me.
14:22He sprinted toward me, grabbing my wrist.
14:24Elena, come with me.
14:27Vitale's men immediately surrounded me.
14:29Lorenzo's men closed in.
14:31The two groups faced off.
14:32Onlookers pulled out their phones, filming.
14:35The man leading Dante's crew was older, impeccably dressed, with the calm precision of a man who'd seen everything.
14:41He smiled politely, but his eyes were stone.
14:44Mr. Rossi, I'm here to escort Mrs. Vitale home.
14:47Please step aside.
14:49Lorenzo's gaze turned lethal.
14:50She hasn't left Palermo yet.
14:52I'd like to see who has the balls to take my woman.
14:56I felt exhausted.
14:56I'd tried to tell him several times, but his attention was always on Mia.
15:01Lorenzo, you've protected me for years.
15:04I'm grateful.
15:05But this is where it ends.
15:07I don't blame anyone.
15:10Don't blame anyone?
15:12Then come back with me.
15:14I'll marry you.
15:15I'll tell the Morettis myself.
15:17The rain fell harder.
15:19Lorenzo's hair was soaked.
15:20His eyes red.
15:22The Vitale butler stepped between us, unmoved.
15:25Apologies, Mr. Rossi.
15:26But the agreement with the Moretti family has been finalized.
15:29Mrs. Vitale leaves with us today.
15:32Lorenzo ignored him, staring only at me.
15:34I shook my head.
15:35Lorenzo, I told you.
15:37I only wanted three years.
15:39I have someone I truly like.
15:41I never planned to marry you.
15:44This again?
15:46Elena, you've been trapped in Morettis.
15:49Where would you even meet someone to love?
15:50I know calling you my shadow upset you.
15:52Stop being stubborn and come back with me.
15:55We'll talk there, okay?
15:56His tone had shifted, almost pleading now.
15:59I was grateful for his years of protection.
16:01But the moment Lorenzo let go of me and handed that flower to the scholarship girl,
16:05it meant we could no longer walk together.
16:10Lorenzo, Mia is your fiancée.
16:12All of Palermo saw it.
16:14You two should be happy together.
16:16Marry a scholarship girl?
16:17He laughed bitterly.
16:19Are you serious?
16:20I'd marry you before I'd ever marry her.
16:22My expression went cold.
16:24Lorenzo had always liked me, but he'd never respected me.
16:28This time, I didn't hesitate.
16:30I turned and walked toward the jet with the butler.
16:32Lorenzo stood frozen, his fists clenched, fury radiating off him.
16:37Elena!
16:39You leave Palermo, and no one will protect you anymore.
16:43Think carefully.
16:45Once you're gone, don't come back regretting it.
16:48I didn't answer.
16:49I stepped onto the plane.
16:51The butler had thoughtfully prepared a towel for me.
16:53He pointed to the washroom at the back of the plane, keeping his voice low.
16:57You can freshen up there, Mrs. Vitale.
16:59Getting caught in the rain, you'll catch cold.
17:02The jet was luxurious, clearly not a rental.
17:05This had to be the Vitale family's private plane.
17:08The Vitale family's power was on another level.
17:12Even the Morettis didn't own a private jet.
17:14The plane didn't just have a bathroom.
17:16It had a full bed.
17:18Strangely, the bedding was soft pink.
17:20Definitely not something Dante Vitale would choose for himself.
17:23In the bathroom, I changed into the prepared clothes.
17:26Another shock.
17:27The clothes fit me perfectly.
17:29When I came out, the butler had dismissed the guards to the back of the cabin.
17:33Excuse me, I asked.
17:34Does the Don usually use this plane?
17:36The butler saw my confusion.
17:38This plane was purchased specifically for you, Mrs. Vitale.
17:41Everything was customized to your preferences.
17:44The Don personally selected the bedding, the softest material available.
17:48My jaw nearly dropped.
17:50Something this extravagant?
17:51Casually given to a stranger?
17:53Wasn't he supposed to have someone he loved?
17:55The flight to New York is long.
17:57You should rest.
17:58So we've prepared a humidifier for you.
18:06No one had ever cared about my comfort before.
18:09I'd only ever learned to read other people's moods.
18:12This sudden concern made me restless.
18:14Fortunately, the butler noticed my discomfort and quietly withdrew.
18:17I pulled out a pen and started sketching notes.
18:20My mind full of worry about what lay ahead.
18:23The plane landed on a sprawling green estate.
18:25When I looked closer, I realized this was the Vitale compound.
18:29Even coming from a wealthy family, I'd never seen anything this lavish.
18:33Dante Vitale came to meet me personally, wearing a warm smile.
18:37Nothing like the cold, ruthless man from the rumors.
18:40He draped a coat over my shoulders.
18:42His voice was smooth and pleasant.
18:44Are you cold?
18:45I shivered slightly and stepped back, putting some distance between us.
18:49Mr. Vitale, I know you have someone you love.
18:53I know marrying me was forced on you.
18:55Don't worry.
18:56I only need three years.
18:58I won't keep you from the woman you love for long.
19:00His brow furrowed, looking puzzled.
19:03Someone I love?
19:04Three years?
19:06Yes.
19:07For three years, I'll play the role of your wife.
19:10I won't interfere with your private life.
19:13After three years, we separate.
19:15I won't take a cent from you.
19:17I can sign an agreement.
19:18His frown deepened.
19:19He looked sharply toward the butler.
19:21When he got no response, he stepped closer and pulled me gently into his arms.
19:26My face flushed completely red.
19:28Who said we were going to keep things this separate?
19:30My wife?
19:31Seeing me embarrassed seemed to improve his mood.
19:34He lifted my chin, leaning closer.
19:36Everything I have is yours, my wife.
19:38Even after we went inside, I still hadn't recovered from the shock.
19:42Wasn't this man supposed to be cold and ruthless?
19:44Dante's home was all sharp lines and clean edges.
19:47But there were touches of color, soft furnishings that had clearly been added recently.
19:52The aesthetic was good, the pieces carefully chosen.
19:55They didn't clash.
19:56Instead, they made the space feel comfortable.
19:58I sat on the couch.
20:00I handed him a folded paper.
20:02This is my plan.
20:04I'd like to borrow some money.
20:05I'll pay you back in installments.
20:07He pulled the paper from my hand and scanned it.
20:11You need money?
20:13It was humiliating.
20:14Arriving with nothing.
20:16No dowry.
20:17Nothing of value.
20:18For the Vitalis, this had to look like disrespect.
20:20I'd done my research before landing.
20:22The Vitali family didn't need alliances.
20:24They didn't need anyone's support.
20:26They stood alone at the top.
20:27People lined up from New York to Palermo just to ask them for favors.
20:31I still didn't understand why they'd agreed to this marriage with the Morettis.
20:35Yes.
20:36I don't have money.
20:38But I promise.
20:40I have a way to pay you back.
20:42He didn't question me.
20:43Instead, his hand closed around mine, warm against my cold fingers.
20:47And he rubbed gently.
20:48My face flushed again.
20:50His mood seemed to improve.
20:52Why do you need money?
20:53I looked up sharply, suddenly realizing, maybe as Mrs. Vitali, I wasn't supposed to have financial control.
21:00Maybe I was expected to live off an allowance?
21:02To ask permission for spending money.
21:04I straightened, meeting his eyes.
21:06Mr. Vitali, I don't want to be trapped by the Moretti family.
21:10And I won't be live as a housewife, asking for handouts.
21:14I want my own career.
21:16If possible, I want to take back what belongs to me from the Morettis.
21:20Dante looked surprised that I'd spoken so openly.
21:22He reached up and ruffled my hair affectionately.
21:25Everything the vitals have is yours.
21:28Before I could process that, he gestured to the butler, who brought over a black card.
21:32This is my account.
21:33Spend whatever you want.
21:36The room Dante gave me was the best in the entire compound.
21:40Sunlight flooded through the windows.
21:42The decor was soft, feminine, like something out of a princess's quarters.
21:46For someone who'd been an outsider in the Moretti house my whole life,
21:49it was almost unbelievable.
21:51I slept well for the first time in years.
21:53The next morning, I woke to a message from Uncle Luca.
21:56Lorenzo is furious.
21:58Why didn't you come back with him?
22:00Uncle Luca was the only one in the Moretti family who'd ever protected me.
22:03But his protection always came with strings attached.
22:06Uncle, I'm a person.
22:08Not a pet you can call whenever you want.
22:11Really?
22:11I thought you'd already turned yourself into a weapon for revenge.
22:16Three years.
22:17I borrowed $100,000 from the Vitales.
22:20I did everything a Don's wife was supposed to do.
22:22I attended galas with Dante.
22:24Smiled for the cameras.
22:26Let people court my favor.
22:27I played the role of the beautiful trophy wife.
22:30Even though Dante spoiled me endlessly, I never forgot my place.
22:34But in those three years, I used that $100,000 to leverage resources in Palermo.
22:38I dismantled Moretti operations piece by piece.
22:42Pulled their best men and capos into my own network.
22:46Don Earl finally saw the truth.
22:48His 23 children were useless.
22:51The second generation of Morettis panicked.
22:53Afraid the family's collapse would hurt their shares of the casinos and territories,
22:57they started selling off their assets.
22:59I bought them all.
23:00One by one, I took control of their gambling operations, their shipping routes.
23:04I flipped operations that were bleeding money into profitable enterprises.
23:08Expanded territories they'd neglected.
23:10By the time Don Earl realized what was happening,
23:13I controlled more of the family's income streams than he did.
23:16The other Moretti heirs couldn't compete with me anymore.
23:18It was 10 at night when I came home.
23:20Dante was sitting in the warm glow of the living room, waiting for me.
23:24My chest tightened.
23:25I walked over and wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind.
23:29I held him for a long moment.
23:31Then I let go and stepped back, composed again.
23:36Why are you back so late?
23:37He asked quietly.
23:38Are you tired?
23:39I had soup made for you.
23:41The words I'd been planning to say stuck in my throat.
23:43He took my hand and led me to the table, watching as I drank the soup.
23:50When are you going to let yourself depend on me?
23:52You don't have to exhaust yourself like this.
23:55I felt warmth spread through me.
23:56Looking at him in the soft light, I felt a pang of guilt.
23:59The three years are up.
24:01It's time for me to go back to Morettis.
24:03Dante had known all along that I hadn't truly given up on my plans.
24:07His expression showed no surprise.
24:11You don't like this from what I understand.
24:13Only Luca has been good to you.
24:14And that Lorenzo, I heard he's come to New York several times looking for you.
24:17But you never saw him.
24:18I was surprised he knew and had said nothing.
24:21Luca only uses me.
24:22He wants the top position in the Maracci family.
24:25That's our arrangement.
24:26As for Lorenzo, the moment I left Palermo, we could never walk together again.
24:30Then why go back?
24:31I have enough power now.
24:33I can take what's mine.
24:35I'll pay you back ten times what you lent me.
24:38My voice was cold, but I couldn't control the pain underneath.
24:41In the three years with the Vitales, I'd found a happiness I'd never known before.
24:45My heart had already shifted toward him.
24:47But thinking about the woman he loved, the one I'd never met,
24:50I refused to let myself become vulnerable.
24:54Dante, I've always known you had someone you loved.
24:59And I have someone too.
25:00He raised an eyebrow.
25:02So you've kept your guard up all this time because you think I love someone else?
25:04Can I ask?
25:06Who do you love?
25:07That memory was distant.
25:09So distant, I'd almost forgotten if it even happened.
25:12When I was little, Donna Earl dumped me on the streets of Palermo.
25:15A boy found me and brought me back to the Moretti estate.
25:18He even bought me food.
25:20I only remember he was from New York, but I don't know what he looked like.
25:24It was the first time anyone was kind to me.
25:26I always wanted to thank him.
25:30Honestly, Dante, I've been tempted many times to stay here.
25:34I love it here.
25:36But I've been abandoned too many times.
25:40If I already know someone doesn't belong to me, I won't let myself depend on them.
25:45Dante's eyes grew brighter.
25:46A startling intensity filled them.
25:48He took my hand in his, slowly leaning closer until our noses touched.
25:53Elena, how do you know the person I love isn't you?
25:56That little girl on the Palermo streets who said she'd marry me for a plate of pasta.
25:59I never forgot.
26:00The person I'd been searching for was right in front of me.
26:03The overwhelming joy made my head spin.
26:05I didn't even notice when his lips pressed against mine.
26:08The heat between us grew.
26:09Half resisting, half yielding.
26:11I lost track of when our clothes came off.
26:15The man in my bed was the man in my heart.
26:17Tears of gratitude slid down my face.
26:20Dante moved carefully, watching my reactions.
26:23Trust me, baby.
26:24Depend on me more.
26:26All I could do was bury my burning face in his chest.
26:29The Union Gala in New York.
26:31Both the Morettis and the Rossis came to the city.
26:34A Moretti butler arrived at the Vital compound.
26:36When he saw me at home, the butler still acted superior.
26:41Miss Elena, the Don wants to see you.
26:43I ignored him, tending to the flowers in my hands.
26:46With Dante backing me, I'd finally stopped living with dark circles under my eyes.
26:50The butler was used to ordering me around.
26:52Since I was a child, he'd never treated me like a real Moretti.
26:55He reached out to grab me.
26:57You married into Vitali and now you're cocky?
26:59Don't forget who fed you as a child.
27:02Really?
27:02I'm learning something new today.
27:04A butler dares to lay hands on my wife in the Vitali?
27:08Dante's voice was freezing.
27:10His hand slid protectively around my waist.
27:12The Morettis come to my place and think they can summon my wife without asking?
27:16Just a goddamn butler.
27:18Who exactly are you disrespecting?
27:20That same day, the butler, the man who'd tormented me since childhood, had his leg broken and was dumped, bloodied,
27:27and broken in front of the Moretti's hotel.
27:29Only then did the Moretti family realize who I'd married.
27:32On the night of the gala, the hotel became New York's most exclusive power arena.
27:36Security lined the entrance.
27:38Hundreds of soldiers in black suits.
27:40Don Earl tried to play the father-in-law, acting entitled.
27:43But when he saw that everyone ignored him to pay respects to the Vitalis, he had no choice but to
27:48shuffle over with the rest of the Moretti family.
27:51Is the Vitrami satisfied with my daughter?
27:53Crowd turned to look at him.
27:55He assumed his reputation from Palermo carried weight in New York, but the faces around him were blank.
28:00No one recognized him.
28:02Donna Earl, usually so arrogant, looked displeased.
28:06Elena, your parents came all this way, and you don't even greet them?
28:10You haven't contacted the family in years.
28:12People will think we raised you without manners.
28:14Dante's wine glass hit the table with a sharp crack.
28:17Every eye in the room turned wary.
28:19This was the Dan Don signaling displeasure.
28:22These people were not welcome.
28:23Don Earl finally broke into a cold sweat.
28:26The Moretti was built on gambling.
28:28To expand into America, they needed legitimate fronts.
28:31But recently, someone had been quietly buying up their legitimate operations.
28:35By the time Don Earl noticed, his throat was already in someone else's grip.
28:39That's when he remembered.
28:40He had a daughter in New York.
28:42If he swallowed his pride and asked for help, there might still be a chance.
28:45But he'd spent his entire life being worshipped.
28:48He'd become a fool, drunk on his own power.
28:50When the Morettis got nothing they wanted, they left the gala sulking.
28:54Donna Earl had spent the entire evening making snide remarks, insinuating I'd stolen opportunities
28:59from my sisters to marry into the Vitalis.
29:02Subtly, I'd been isolated completely.
29:04I stepped out of the ballroom, leaning against the balcony railing to cool off from the heat
29:08inside.
29:09A figure approached from behind.
29:11Where's the person you supposedly love?
29:14You wouldn't come back with me to Palera, but you changed your tune pretty fast here.
29:18I hadn't seen Lorenzo in a long time.
29:20He'd grown darker, more bitter.
29:22He stared at the million-dollar necklace around my throat.
29:25Lorenzo, I'm grateful you protected me for years, but you were the one who didn't choose
29:30me.
29:31You don't get to be bitter now.
29:33The person I love is right here beside me.
29:37When I said it, my voice carried a happiness I couldn't hide.
29:40It cut him deeply.
29:42What about all those years we knew each other?
29:43I always wanted to marry you.
29:45And what about Mia?
29:47Wasn't she the bride you chose at the gala?
29:49Everyone witnessed it.
29:50The Rossi family never accepted a scholarship girl as a daughter-in-law, but the media had
29:55crowned Mia as Lorenzo's bride anyway.
29:57Mia appeared at events as his wife so many times that it became a running joke.
30:02The Rossi family eventually locked her away, banning her from public appearances.
30:07Lorenzo wanted to say more, but Uncle Luca emerged from the shadows.
30:11The Rossi heir, that's nothing.
30:13I trained you myself, raised you like my own weapon, and you turned into a wolf in sheep's
30:19clothing.
30:19I underestimated you.
30:23My biggest mistake was letting you leave.
30:25Letting you gather enough power to come back and fight for what you wanted.
30:30You're smart.
30:31If only you weren't a bastard, you'd have been perfect.
30:34There was regret in his voice.
30:36Regret that our alliance had fallen apart.
30:38Several senior capos, tired of waiting, staged a coup.
30:42They switched Don Earl's blood pressure medication.
30:44He had a stroke and ended up in the hospital.
30:46His mistresses took the money and ran, distancing themselves from the family.
30:52Only Donna Earl and a few useless children remained, struggling to maintain appearances.
30:57They sent someone to find the largest shareholder.
31:00That winter, the Moretti family collapsed.
31:01That's when I returned to Palermo.
31:04Years had passed, but the city looked exactly the same.
31:07While New York evolved daily, Palermo was frozen in time.
31:10As a child, I thought staying inside the family kept me safe from the storm.
31:14After I left, I realized the family was the storm.
31:17I went to the hospital and found Don Earl lying in bed, his face twisted and drooping.
31:22He pounded the mattress, cursing the mistresses who'd abandoned him.
31:26Donna Earl spooned soup into his mouth with obvious disgust.
31:29I told you to stop running around with those women.
31:32Look at you now.
31:34I'm the only one left.
31:35When he saw me, he struggled to sit up, pointing a shaking finger.
31:39Elena, my daughter married well.
31:42With the Vitalis behind us, those wolves wouldn't dare touch me.
31:46I pressed a handkerchief to my mouth, holding back nausea.
31:49I came to tell you something, Father.
31:52Sign over your control of the family.
31:54I'll handle the rest.
31:55You dare?
31:56You're just a bastard.
31:58I'll never leave my empire to you.
32:00I forgot to mention, except for what's in your hands, I control every other territory,
32:04every business.
32:04You can refuse to sign, but I can call a sit-down with the family and have you removed.
32:10Your choice.
32:11I wanted his casinos.
32:12I wanted everything.
32:13Sign, and I'll cover your medical bills.
32:16Refuse, and I'll take it myself.
32:18I walked out of the hospital with full control of the Moretti family.
32:21Donna Earl, seeing that Don Earl had nothing left, abandoned him too.
32:25I'd never forget the shock in his eyes when he realized what I'd done.
32:29Romano, that was you?
32:31That's right.
32:32I used my mother's surname, Romano.
32:34You have forgotten, right?
32:35With the Vitalis backing me, crushing the traitors was easy.
32:39When I walked into Moretti for the first time as it's Don,
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