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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FunTranscript
00:00I'm the daughter of the most powerful Don in Corvina.
00:02My father worries I'll marry the wrong man on a whim,
00:05so he arranges for me to be engaged to Luca, the rising heir of the Marino family.
00:10It's an arranged marriage, but that doesn't mean I've lost all my say.
00:14The very least I can do is choose a ring I genuinely like.
00:17So, I go to the mafia auction.
00:19When the diamond ring appears as the final jewel of the night,
00:23I lift my paddle.
00:24Just before the gavel falls, an arrogant voice comes from behind me.
00:28A country bumplin' like you thinks you can compete with me?
00:32Do yourself a favor and leave.
00:35The auction hall goes quiet for a few seconds.
00:37The only sound comes from the camera shutters clicking around the hall.
00:41I turn and see a woman in a gold couture gown.
00:44Her 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.
00:51Sold!
00:52Congratulations to Miss Sofia Lopez for winning the final lot, the Eternal Star.
00:57My brows pull tight, and a hot spike of anger rises in my chest.
01:02You ended the bidding early.
01:04Do you even follow the rules here?
01:06Sofia turns around and gives me a once-over, her gaze sharp as a blade.
01:10Rules?
01:11She lets out a cold laugh.
01:13Come on.
01:14I'm Luca Marino's favorite godsister.
01:17Around here, I make the rules.
01:19I can't help but laugh.
01:20What a coincidence.
01:22So, she's my fiancé's godsister.
01:25I pull out my phone and call him.
01:27Luca.
01:28Your godsister just snatched the engagement ring I picked out.
01:31How are you gonna handle this?
01:36It seemed like Sofia Lopez wasn't just a godsister to Luca Marino.
01:40If Luca couldn't give me a good explanation, this engagement was off the table.
01:44I called the number I'd saved, but never once dialed.
01:48Once the call connected, I went straight to the point.
01:51Your godsister is trying to snatch the engagement ring I chose.
01:55What do you have to say about that?
01:57Silence hung for a moment.
01:59Then, a cold, unfamiliar voice came through the line.
02:02Who is this?
02:03Whatever's going on between Sofia and me isn't something an outsider gets to question.
02:08Before I could say my name, he had already hung up.
02:11I stared at the dark screen for a second and let out an incredulous laugh.
02:15Obviously, he hadn't even saved my number.
02:18Sofia's laughter cut through the crowd, sharp with smug delight.
02:22Pathetic.
02:23You somehow got Luca's number and actually think that means he knows you?
02:28God, you're cracking me up.
02:30She tilted her chin and twisted a lock of hair around her fingers while looking me over again.
02:36Seriously, look at what you're wearing.
02:38Even the nannies in the Merino family dressed better than you.
02:41The lackeys around her couldn't hold back and burst into mocking laughter.
02:47I had always believed comfort mattered more than designer labels.
02:51But in a hall drowning in diamonds and custom gowns, no one here cared about that belief.
02:56I pressed my lips together, heat rising up my chest.
02:59So, you're still judging people by logos?
03:02You're unbelievably shallow.
03:04Lucas sure had special taste when picking his god sister.
03:08Thanks to her stunt, I wasn't in the mood for the auction anymore.
03:12I turned to the auctioneer and pointed straight at the eternal star ring in the display case.
03:16I want to activate the automatic bidding system.
03:19Whatever she offers, I'll pay double.
03:22Miss, our automatic bidding service is reserved for clients with VIP cards.
03:28Sofia gave a sharp little snort.
03:29She reached into her clutch, pulled out a gold VIP card, and slapped it onto the podium.
03:34I spend seven figures a year here.
03:37And you?
03:38How exactly do you compare to me?
03:41I drew in a slow breath, took out a plain black card with no logo, and placed it beside hers.
03:47Unlimited credit black card.
03:50Is that sufficient?
03:51Open the VIP account and restart the bid.
03:55A wave of startled whispers rolled through the hall.
03:59Sofia's smile faded, and her tone turned colder.
04:02This is Marino territory.
04:04If anyone sides with her, I'll make sure they never work in this city again.
04:09The auctioneer's face went chalk white.
04:11His voice shook as he said,
04:13Miss, I'm just a staff member.
04:16I really can't afford to offend the Marino family.
04:18Several guests who'd seen the whole thing started trying to persuade me.
04:22Just let it go.
04:24I've run into Miss Lopez before.
04:26Mr. Martino indulges her in everything.
04:29Someone crossed her last month, and his entire business was gone the very next day.
04:34Miss, even if you've got money, don't fight the Marino family.
04:38Their reach isn't something people like us can survive.
04:41Just apologize and ask Miss Lopez to forgive you before this gets worse.
04:46Under all those cautious glances and hushed warnings,
04:49Sofia only grew more pleased with herself.
04:52She crossed her arms and came closer, wearing a smug smile.
04:56The amusement in her eyes practically sparkled.
04:58You heard them.
04:59Get on your knees and shout.
05:01I'm broke, and I know I was wrong.
05:05Do that, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here.
05:11In all 26 years of my life, no one had ever dared to talk to me like that.
05:16Say that again?
05:18What exactly do you want me to shout?
05:20Are you deaf?
05:21I said, I'm broke, and I know I was wrong.
05:25Got it now?
05:27Loud and clear.
05:28Since you admit you're broke, hurry up and get out of here.
05:31Before you drag down the Marino name.
05:34Sofia's face flushed as she finally realized what I'd done.
05:37You!
05:38You twisted my words!
05:39How dare you make fun of me!
05:41She screeched and hurled herself at me, arms flailing like a furious chicken.
05:45It would have been funny if she weren't so noisy.
05:48I had trained with my family's bodyguards in Corvina for 10 years.
05:51I wasn't about to be intimidated by a woman whose punches were nothing but a performance.
05:56I drove a clean sidekick into her ribs.
05:59Sofia went down hard, folding onto the carpet with a pained groan.
06:03Regret.
06:04Next time you open your mouth, remember whose territory you're standing on.
06:08Gasps rickled through the hall.
06:12Oh my god!
06:14She actually hit Mrs. Lopez!
06:16When Mr. Marino hears about this, he'll have her chopped up and thrown into the bay.
06:21She's done.
06:23Not even God can save her now.
06:25I tuned their chatter out.
06:26The Marino family only stood where they did today,
06:29because my father had pulled them up when they were nothing.
06:33In this city, there wasn't a single person I needed to be afraid of.
06:36I slapped my black card on the podium again.
06:39Like I said, whatever she bids, I'll pay double.
06:44Wrapped the ring and hand it over.
06:45The auctioneer's knees visibly buckled.
06:48Hands shaking, he hit the authorization button and personally presented the velvet box to me.
06:53I put it into a bag and turned to leave,
06:55only for Sofia to drag herself upright and stumble back into my path.
06:59Don't you dare leave!
07:00I tapped the toe of my heel against the floor and glanced down.
07:05What is it?
07:06You want another practical demonstration?
07:09She instinctively took a step back.
07:11I let out a soft dismissive laugh and pivoted toward the exit.
07:16But I didn't get far.
07:18A wall of men in black suits suddenly filled the doorway, blocking every way out.
07:23Before the guests could even process what was happening,
07:25the line of bodyguards split cleanly down the middle.
07:28A man walked through the gap they made.
07:30I looked up, and for a second my heart actually skipped.
07:33The overhead lights fell across him, outlining every inch of his frame.
07:37He had the kind of build tailors dreamed about broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs.
07:43His face was all sharp planes and clean edges, so perfect it looked like someone had carved it out of
07:48stone.
07:49Sofia immediately switched on the waterworks and ran to him, tears glistening.
07:53Luca, she stole my ring and hit me.
07:58So, this was my fiancé.
08:00No wonder my father had sworn up and down that I'd like him.
08:03He knew me too well.
08:04I was hopelessly shallow when it came to looks, and Luca fit my taste a little too perfectly.
08:09Seeing that face alone, I almost felt like forgiving his earlier attitude on the phone.
08:14I straightened, gave him my most confident smile, and introduced myself.
08:19Hi, I'm Isa Borgia, your fiancé.
08:24A ripple of shock moved through the crowd.
08:27What did she say?
08:28She's Mr. Marino's fiancé.
08:31Well, obviously, the fiancé matters more than a godsister.
08:35Not really.
08:36It depends on who Mr. Marino actually favors.
08:39Luca's cold gaze settled on me.
08:41Don't flatter yourself.
08:43That engagement was my father's decision.
08:45I never agreed to it.
08:46Sofia leaned into Luca with her head on his shoulder,
08:49her eyes sparkling with a challenge she wasn't bothering to hide.
08:52Look at you in those cheap clothes.
08:55You really think you deserve to marry him?
08:57You're not even qualified to shine my shoes.
09:00Someone in the crowd eagerly piled on.
09:03Exactly.
09:04If Mr. Marino ever gets married, it'll be to a real heiress.
09:08Why would he choose a nobody from the countryside?
09:10She looks dirty.
09:12I feel like the air smells worse already.
09:14She's nowhere near Miss Lopez's level.
09:17I'd worn something simple.
09:18There was nothing dirty about it.
09:20But in their mouths, I'd somehow turned into a walking trash heap.
09:24People always did love kicking whoever they thought was at the bottom.
09:30I lifted my eyes slowly and let my gaze sweep the entire auction hall
09:34before bringing it back to Luca's face.
09:36In that case, go home and tell your father to call off the wedding.
09:41And the reason?
09:42I don't want you.
09:44My father told me that Luca's father, Antonio Marino,
09:47had pulled every string he could to make this engagement happen.
09:50If he ever learned it all blew up because of Luca,
09:53I'd pay to see the look on his face.
09:55That thought eased my irritation.
09:57I couldn't be bothered arguing with this pack of idiots anymore,
10:00so I turned to leave.
10:01But Sophia wasn't done.
10:03She came stomping toward me in her stilettos like a hyena
10:06that had caught the scent of blood,
10:07with two bodyguards following closely behind her.
10:10The black pistols peeking from their holsters were enough to freeze the room.
10:14You bitch!
10:16You think you can just walk away?
10:18You snatched my ring and laid hands on me?
10:20We're not done!
10:22I gave her a cold look.
10:23So what exactly do you want to do?
10:25She mistook my patience for fear.
10:27Her hand snapped up toward my face.
10:30I'll hit you until I feel better!
10:35Before her palm could land,
10:37I caught her wrist,
10:38twisted,
10:38and slapped her across the face with my other hand.
10:41Sophia clutched her cheek,
10:42staring at me in disbelief.
10:44You lowlife!
10:45How dare you!
10:47Why wouldn't I?
10:48I cut her off,
10:49slapping her other cheek just as hard.
10:51Is this enough for you?
10:53The two slaps knocked the arrogance right off her face.
10:55Tears sprang to her eyes as she stumbled back and threw herself behind Luca,
10:59using him like a shield.
11:00Luca!
11:02She hit me!
11:03You have to stand up for me!
11:05Luca pulled her behind him and looked at me with a gaze so dark it could have dripped ink.
11:10How dare you slap her?
11:11You must really have a death wish.
11:13He gave his bodyguards a subtle hand signal.
11:16Several of the bodyguards lunged at me at the same time.
11:19I took down the first one who charged at me,
11:21but the rest came too fast.
11:23Hits rained on me from all directions.
11:25Pain tore through my ribs and back until my legs gave out.
11:29Two bodyguards grabbed me under the arms and hauled me over to Luca and Sophia.
11:36Luca stroked Sophia's swollen cheek and said softly,
11:39Do whatever you want with her.
11:40If anything happens, I'll take care of it.
11:42His words sent a spark through Sophia.
11:45She spat at me, her face contorting with cruel satisfaction.
11:49Bitch!
11:50Weren't you so bold just now?
11:52Come on, keep acting tough.
11:54You wanna fight me over a ring?
11:57Fine.
11:58I'll break your fingers.
12:00Let's see what you'll wear on them after that.
12:02At her nod, the two bodyguards pinned my shoulders
12:05before forcing my arm out in front of me,
12:07stretching my fingers over the polished floor.
12:09I lifted my head and stared straight at Luca and Sophia.
12:13If you go through with this,
12:14I swear I'll make you both pay for it.
12:17Sophia let out a sharp laugh.
12:19The Marino family is one of the five ruling houses in Norham City.
12:22And you?
12:23You're a nameless little stray from nowhere.
12:25You think you get to threaten us today?
12:27I'll make sure you never forget what happens when you cross me.
12:33Her stiletto drove down on my fingers,
12:35and pain ripped through my hand.
12:37I bit down so hard I tasted blood.
12:39I was pretty sure I heard something cracked.
12:41Everyone around us looked away from the violence,
12:44but no one had the courage to step in.
12:46She shouldn't have picked a fight with a Marino.
12:48Her hands are done for.
12:50She'll be lucky if she can even feed herself after this.
12:52We're just civilians.
12:53People like us swallow our pride or end up dead.
12:56I had loved the piano since I was a child.
12:58I would be performing on stages all around the world.
13:01I couldn't lose my hands.
13:03The thought of losing them sent a cold, strangling fear through me.
13:07When Sophia lifted her heel again, my resolve collapsed.
13:10I was wrong!
13:12You can have the ring!
13:13Take it!
13:14Just don't hurt my hands!
13:16Revenge could wait, but fingers didn't grow back.
13:19However, Sophia didn't pause.
13:21Her heel pressed down again, harder this time.
13:23A metallic smell rose from my bleeding hand.
13:29Sophia finished grinding her heel into my fingers,
13:31then squatted down, pinched my chin tightly,
13:34and brought her face right up to mine.
13:36Her mascara was a little smudged,
13:38and fine lines were visible at the corners of her eyes.
13:41I noticed these details only because my face was pressed so close to hers.
13:45Do you actually think you're special?
13:47She whispered softly, as if sharing a secret.
13:50Let me tell you,
13:51Luca has already gone through three fiancés.
13:54I drove every single one of them away.
13:57You're the fourth, and by far the stupidest one.
14:00Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth, but I didn't talk back.
14:04It wasn't because I didn't dare it, was because I had no strength left.
14:07My right hand had already gone completely numb.
14:10I didn't dare look at it.
14:11That's right.
14:12Sophia laughed, her voice full of malice.
14:15The first one was dumped by him.
14:16The second left on her own.
14:18And the third?
14:19I personally made her disappear.
14:21Her eyes changed, turning dark and sinister.
14:24How long do you think you can hold on?
14:27She stood up and coldly ordered the bodyguard.
14:30Pin her other hand down, too?
14:31Today I'm going to crush both of her hands.
14:35Let's see how she seduces after this!
14:38You bitch!
14:40Oh, now you're scared.
14:43Too late for that.
14:45You're not leaving this place until I say so.
14:49A scream tore out of my throat.
14:51I turned my head to Luca.
14:53Luca, aren't you afraid of who I am?
14:56If you let her do this, you'll regret it.
15:00Who are you?
15:02You're nothing.
15:03Just a woman who tricked my father.
15:06Sophia saw his reaction, and her smile grew even more vicious.
15:10You're still trying to seduce Luca while I'm right here.
15:14If I don't break your hands, you'll never learn.
15:18No!
15:19Don't!
15:20Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
15:23I struggled against the men holding me trying to reach for it, but Sophia moved faster.
15:28She grabbed the phone, glanced at the screen, and answered it with a cold laugh.
15:32My father's voice came through at once, tight with worry.
15:36Isa, why aren't you home yet?
15:39Is the auction still going?
15:41I dragged in a breath, and shouted as loudly as I could.
15:44Papa, help me!
15:46They're going to destroy my hands!
15:53My father's voice went cold in an instant.
15:55What?
15:56Who is this?
15:57Sophia shouted into the phone.
15:59I'm Sophia Lopez.
16:00Your daughter's been acting like a slut with men, so I'm teaching her a lesson!
16:06I don't care who you are.
16:07Let my daughter go.
16:08Touch her again, and you'll wish you'd never been born.
16:11If you've got the guts, come over here.
16:14Her heel slammed into my hand once more, and I couldn't hold back a cry.
16:17I'm right here waiting.
16:19I'll break her hands first and let you hear it, and when you get here, I'll break yours
16:25too.
16:25She hung up and slammed my phone to the floor.
16:28It shattered into pieces.
16:29Then, she ordered the men around us to beat me.
16:32Five minutes passed.
16:34It wasn't long on a clock, but it felt like half a lifetime.
16:37At last, a familiar armored black sedan rolled to a stock outside the auction hall.
16:41The air itself seemed to tighten.
16:43My father stepped out of the car, his black coat still carrying the faint scent of gunpowder
16:48and blood.
16:52His eyes were cold with fury as he pushed the main doors open.
16:55His voice cut through the hall like a blade.
16:57Who dares to threaten?
16:59To break my hands and my daughter's.
17:03When my father stepped into the doorway, the air in the auction halls seemed to freeze.
17:08His sharp gaze swept the room once, then stopped on me.
17:10I was still being held down.
17:12Sophia still had no idea danger had just walked in.
17:15She even let out a dismissive laugh and stepped forward in her stilettos.
17:19So, you're the slut's father.
17:21Perfect.
17:22Your daughter snatched my ring and slapped me.
17:25You two had better apologize right now or the Marino family won't let either of you walk
17:29out of here.
17:30The crowd rippled with whispers.
17:32A few guests edged toward my father, their voices low and nervous.
17:36Sir, you should back down.
17:38Miss Lopez is Mr. Marino's favorite god sister.
17:41In Norham City, no one dares cross the Marino family.
17:46For you RS safety and your daughters, just admit fault.
17:49There's no shame in it.
17:53My father didn't spare any of them a glance.
17:56He simply lifted his hand.
17:57The two men behind him moved at once, striding over to me.
18:01They kicked aside the bodyguards holding my shoulders and pulled me gently to my feet.
18:05I staggered into my father's arms.
18:07He caught me, pulling me close as he soothed me with a gentle hand on my back.
18:11Does it hurt my little princess?
18:13His voice sounded calm, but anyone who knew him could hear the storm gathering beneath it.
18:18I nodded, and tears slipped down my cheeks.
18:20They wanted to rip out my nails too, Papa.
18:23His eyes grew even colder.
18:25He turned to Sophia and Luca, his voice edged with undeniable authority.
18:29In my whole life, almost nothing has ever made me apologize.
18:33Sophia flinched under his stare, then quickly latched onto Luca's arm and tried to look composed.
18:38Luca, look at them.
18:40They really don't know their place?
18:42Luca finally spoke, his tone icy.
18:45Sir, you'd better do as Sophia says.
18:47In Norum City, going against my family is unwise.
18:53My father let out a mocking laugh.
18:55Your family.
18:56Which one would that be?
18:58The Madrine family?
19:00The Marniff family?
19:02He waved a hand dismissively.
19:04I don't bother remembering small families.
19:07Even if your father, Antonio, were standing in front of me, he wouldn't dare to speak to me like that.
19:14Luca's expression shifted in an instant.
19:17He said in a low voice, anger seeping through.
19:19Sir, even if you know my father, isn't that a bit too arrogant?
19:25My father didn't even look at Luca.
19:27He took out his phone, dialed a number, and raised it to his ear.
19:31The call connected almost immediately.
19:33Antonio, your son just asked me if I was being too arrogant.
19:39There was a few seconds of silence on the other end.
19:42Then Antonio's voice came through, trembling noticeably.
19:45Don Borgia, Luca, he doesn't know what you're talking about.
19:51He doesn't know.
19:53Father repeated, a cold smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.
19:56There are so many things he doesn't know.
19:58For example, who dragged the Marino family out of the ruins of Corvola 20 years ago.
20:04Or how his father knelt in front of me back then, with snot and tears all over his face, begging
20:10me to take him in.
20:11Luca's face turned deathly pale in an instant.
20:14Father hadn't put the call on speaker, but the hall was deathly quiet.
20:17So Antonio's voice still came through intermittently.
20:20Don Borgia, I beg you, Luca is still a child.
20:24He doesn't understand.
20:25A child.
20:26Father cut him off.
20:27When your son ordered his men to gang up and beat my daughter, he wasn't acting like a child.
20:33Another heavy silence.
20:35Then Antonio's voice became even lower, almost a whisper.
20:38I, I will come and apologize in person tomorrow.
20:41Whatever conditions you want, I'll agree to all of them.
20:45Father didn't answer.
20:46He hung up the phone directly.
20:48He put the phone back in his pocket, then finally looked at Luca again.
20:51Did you hear that?
20:53Your father didn't even dare to ask what happened.
20:56He only knows one thing.
20:57He has offended someone he shouldn't have.
21:00Luca's lips were trembling, but he still gritted his teeth and said,
21:03You, you're bluffing me.
21:05You faked that call.
21:07Before he could finish, Luca's phone rang.
21:10He looked down at the screen, and his pupils shrank violently.
21:13Caller ID.
21:14Father.
21:15Luca's finger hovered over the answer button, refusing to press it for a long time.
21:20My father glanced at him and said indifferently,
21:22Answer it.
21:23Listen to what your father has to say.
21:26Gritting his teeth, Luca finally pressed the answer button.
21:29Antonio's voice exploded from the receiver,
21:31loud enough for everyone within three meters to hear.
21:34You animal!
21:35Do you even know what you've done?
21:36If Miss Morgia loses even a single hair,
21:39I'll pretend I never gave birth to a son like you!
21:42Luca's face went from white to ashen gray.
21:44He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
21:50My father set the tip of his cane against the marble floor.
21:54The tap rang clear in the hush of the hall as he stepped forward.
21:57His eyes fixed on Luca, like a hawk sighting prey.
22:00Arrogant.
22:01He scoffed coldly.
22:03One of my daughter's fingers is worth more than the head on your shoulders.
22:08And you dared to touch her!
22:10He paused, then spoke each word as if he were nailing it into the floor.
22:14My daughter has never accepted a rose that still had its thorns.
22:18Anyone who dares hurt her, I'll make them pay for that a hundred times over.
22:23Almost on the last word, the main doors of the auction hall slammed open.
22:30A line of men in black suits filed in, their movements clean and coordinated.
22:34In just a few minutes, every bodyguard Luca had brought was disarmed and pinned to the floor,
22:39their arms locked behind their backs.
22:41Everything turned around in an instant.
22:43Two men stepped up behind Luca and Sofia,
22:46grabbed their shoulders and forced them down to their knees in front of my father.
22:49Sofia tried to twist away, panic wiping the arrogance from her face.
22:53Her makeup had streaked down her cheeks, and she turned to Luca in desperation.
22:57Luca, help me!
22:59Luca tried to wrench free, veins throbbing at his temples.
23:02Let me go!
23:05I swear, you don't know the price you're about to pay.
23:08My father looked down at Luca and Sofia like they were nothing more than insects crawling on the floor.
23:14Pay the price.
23:15His voice stayed eerily calm, making the hall feel even colder.
23:19When you ordered my daughter beaten, did you ever stop to think about the price you'd pay?
23:25Then he turned to me, and that killing frost in his eyes softened.
23:29Issa, how do you want to deal with you?
23:32I walked towards Sofia.
23:33The ache in my fingers turned every step heavy, but the anger burning in my chest kept me moving.
23:39I fisted a hand in her perfectly styled hair and yanked her head up so that she had to look
23:44at me.
23:44Whatever you did to me, I will return to you!
23:48I kept slapping her until her cheeks puffed up and flushed an angry red.
23:52Sofia glared up at me, eyes burning with hate and lips smeared with blood.
23:57Even then, she kept spitting curses.
23:58You bitch! Just wait!
24:01Luca will make you wish you were dead!
24:04Luca lunged, trying to get up.
24:06Stop!
24:07I turned and drove my heel into his chest, sending him right back down.
24:11I had put everything into that kick, and the impact shot a fierce pain up my injured fingers.
24:16Clutching his ribs, Luca sucked in a breath, but he still tried to threaten us.
24:23The iron door slammed shut behind them with a deafening bang.
24:27Luca and Sofia were shoved into a pitch black basement.
24:30Sofia's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
24:32Her voice shot up, sharp enough to shatter glass.
24:35What's that sound?
24:37What the hell is that?
24:39Three wolf dogs.
24:40Not very large, but their ribs were clearly visible.
24:43They hadn't been fed for three days.
24:45The sound of iron chains dragging across the floor was like the grim reaper's scythe.
24:50Luca whispered urgently.
24:52Don't move.
24:53Sofia let out a piercing scream and staggered backward.
24:56Don't move.
24:57Don't run.
24:59Don't!
24:59Her high heel stepped on something wet and slippery, and she fell hard to the ground.
25:04All three wolf dogs lunged forward at once.
25:07Luca.
25:08Her voice became tiny, almost like she was talking to herself.
25:11Are we going to die here?
25:13Luca didn't answer.
25:15His hand fumbled in his pocket for his phone.
25:18The screen lit up for a second, no signal.
25:20It won't happen.
25:21He said, but his voice lacked any conviction.
25:24My father will come save us.
25:26Another hour passed.
25:28Footsteps sounded outside the iron door.
25:30Sofia jerked her head up, hope flashing in her eyes.
25:33A small window on the iron door opened, and a bowl of water along with a few pieces of dry
25:39bread were pushed inside.
25:40Sofia scrambled over, her voice hoarse.
25:43Let us out!
25:45Do you know who I am?
25:47I'm the eldest daughter of the Lopez family, if you dare!
25:52The small window slammed shut.
25:54The footsteps faded away.
25:56Sofia stood frozen in place, clutching the bowl of water.
25:59Tears fell pathetically into it, drop after drop.
26:04Luca had barely slept all night.
26:07He kept staring at those three pairs of green eyes until his own eyes were dry and burning.
26:12Sofia curled up beside him, burying her face in his chest.
26:15Her expensive custom dress was torn in several places, and her nails were caked with dirt.
26:20She suddenly spoke, her voice raspy.
26:23Luca, is your phone still working?
26:25No signal.
26:26I don't want to make a call.
26:28Sofia lifted her head.
26:29There was a strange gleam in her eyes that he had never seen before.
26:33Let's take a selfie.
26:34When we get out, I'm gonna post it everywhere, and let everyone know what that borgia bitch did to us.
26:40Luca was stunned for a second, then laughed.
26:42It wasn't a happy laugh, it was a laugh of utter absurdity.
26:45You're thinking about taking photos at a time like this?
26:48I'm not willing to accept this.
26:50Sofia's voice suddenly rose.
26:52I've never suffered like this in my entire life!
26:54Who does she think she is?
26:56Just some wild bastard who appeared out of nowhere!
26:59A low growl suddenly came from the wolf dogs.
27:02Sofia's voice cut off abruptly.
27:04Three pairs of green eyes locked onto her at the same time.
27:07She slowly shrank back into Luca's arms and stopped talking.
27:12The bread was gone.
27:14The water was gone.
27:16The wolf dogs began pacing restlessly, their chains scraping loudly against the floor.
27:21Sofia leaned against the wall, her lips cracked, her hair a complete mess.
27:24Her eyes were unfocused, like a phone that had run out of battery.
27:28Her voice was as light as a wisp of smoke.
27:31Luca, do you think your father will really come to save us?
27:36Luca remained silent for a long time.
27:38He will.
27:39He's my father.
27:41He didn't say it out loud, but he was starting to feel afraid.
27:45Not of the wolf dogs, but of a deeper fear.
27:48What if his father had already given up on him?
27:50Finally, footsteps sounded outside the iron door again.
27:53This time there was more than one person.
27:56The iron door was opened.
27:57Blinding light flooded in.
27:59Both Sofia and Luca instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes.
28:03The wolf dogs were led away.
28:05Several men in black suits walked in expressionlessly and dragged them up.
28:10Sofia's legs had gone completely limp.
28:12She was supported by two men as they dragged her out.
28:15Luca staggered, barely able to stand, his legs also trembling.
28:19The moment they stepped out of the basement, fresh air rushed toward them.
28:23Sofia gasped greedily, like a drowning person finally pulled ashore.
28:27I won't let this go.
28:28She whispered hoarsely.
28:30Borgia.
28:31Just you wait.
28:33Luca didn't speak.
28:34He stared straight ahead, his face ashen.
28:36What he was thinking was something else in these three days.
28:39His father hadn't made even a single phone call.
28:43I woke to the sting of antiseptic.
28:46The first thing I saw was my father's face above me, drawn tight with worry.
28:51My right hand was wrapped in thick bandages.
28:53A dull pain throbbed through each finger.
28:55Your fingers are saved.
28:57My father said, brushing the hair away from my forehead.
29:00But they'll need time to heal.
29:01Just then the door eased open.
29:03Antonio stood at the threshold.
29:05The man who usually dominated headlines as an untouchable mafia, he said hoarsely.
29:10Don Borgia.
29:11My son was reckless.
29:13He offended Mrs. Borgia.
29:15My father looked at him coldly and said nothing.
29:17Antonio turned to me instead and bowed deeply.
29:20Mrs. Borgia, Luca was ignorant.
29:22He had no idea who you were.
29:23Everything our family has today came from Don Borgia's support years ago.
29:27This engagement was us reaching far of our station.
29:29We won't mention it again.
29:30I only beg you to spare his life.
29:32I looked at Antonio, who seemed to have aged overnight and felt nothing at all.
29:37Fine.
29:37I said my voice weak but clear.
29:40I'll give you a choice.
29:41You can keep your son or you can keep your entire family.
29:47His body visibly swayed, his lips trembled, and pain flickered across his eyes as he fought
29:53with himself.
29:54After a long silence, he lowered his head.
29:57I'll accept whatever you decide.
29:59This was how our world worked.
30:01In the mafia world, family interests always sat higher than a single individual.
30:05I'm not asking for his life.
30:07I said, turning my gaze toward the window.
30:10But I have one condition.
30:11At the five families gathering, he has to apologize to me in front of everyone.
30:16Antonio let out a long sigh of relief.
30:19Of course.
30:19I'll make sure Luca apologizes sincerely.
30:22Mrs. Borgia.
30:23He left with shaky steps, his back slumped in defeat.
30:27The day of the five families gathering finally arrived.
30:30It was held at the same auction house.
30:32The moment my father and I walked into the hall, every gaze in the room swung toward us.
30:40I wore a deep red gown that brushed the floor with every step.
30:44A matching velvet glove covered my injured right hand, an elegant mask for the damage that
30:49still hadn't fully healed.
30:51Antonio hurried over to greet us, his face pale and strained with nerves.
30:55Don Borgia.
30:57Ms. Borgia.
30:58Thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight.
31:01I gave him a small, polite nod and slowly scanned the crowded hall.
31:05All eyes were already on us.
31:07Father's voice was low and commanding.
31:09Bring them up.
31:10Several bodyguards wheeled a heavy iron cage into the center of the room, right under the
31:15bright spotlight.
31:16The moment the cage came into view, a wave of shocked murmurs swept through the crowd.
31:22Inside, Luca and Sophia were huddled together like trapped animals.
31:26Their clothes were torn and filthy.
31:28Sophia's once glorious gold gown hung in ragged strips, while Luca's expensive suit was covered
31:35in dirt and dried blood.
31:37Bruises and cuts marred their faces and arms.
31:39Whatever they had endured these past few days, it had clearly been hell.
31:44The bodyguards unlocked the cage and dragged them out roughly, showing no mercy.
31:48Sophia's legs gave out instantly.
31:50She collapsed to her knees, staring at me with wide, terrified eyes.
31:55Isa!
31:57Please!
32:00We were wrong!
32:01I was wrong!
32:03Just let us go!
32:04Luca lifted his head.
32:06Ms. Borgia, I beg you, have mercy.
32:11My family will compensate you however you want.
32:13Just don't do this in public.
32:16I looked down at them coldly, my injured hand resting lightly on my father's arm.
32:21Public?
32:22You humiliated me in public first.
32:25Did you show me any mercy then?
32:26I took one slow step forward, my voice clear enough for the entire hall to hear.
32:31You wanted to break me.
32:33Now the whole of Norum gets to watch.
32:36As I break you.
32:40Luca staggered, swaying on his feet.
32:42His eyes darted wildly over the crowd until they locked on Antonio.
32:47Dad!
32:48He shouted hoarsely, his voice cracking with despair.
32:52You have to help me.
32:54They don't respect the Marino family at all.
32:57He jabbed a shaking finger at my father and me, his eyes burning with hatred.
33:01Antonio's face went white.
33:03He strode forward and in front of everyone slapped Luca so hard that the sound cracked across the hall.
33:09You ungrateful brat.
33:11Get on your knees and apologize to Mrs. Borgia.
33:16Now.
33:17Sofia jerked her head up, her voice sharp with outrage.
33:21Don Marino, you must be joking.
33:24You want Luca to apologize to those two noblies?
33:27Shut your mouth!
33:29Antonio snapped, turning on her with a glare sharp enough to scorch.
33:32This all started because of you.
33:35If not for you, Luca would never have offended Don Borgia.
33:39And Miss Borgia!
33:41Luca stared at Antonio as if he didn't recognize him.
33:47Antonio, you still haven't told them the truth.
33:50Don of the Corfioni family.
33:52Mr. Rossif Borgia is the most powerful Don in Corvina.
33:55Years ago, when the five families rebuild our power here in Norham City,
33:59it was only possible because he backed us and shielded us.
34:02Vito said slowly, his voice carrying clearly through the silent hall.
34:06If he so much as lifts a finger,
34:08he can erase an entire family from Norham City overnight.
34:12Luca snapped his head toward Antonio,
34:14his eyes filled with frantic desperation for an answer.
34:17Antonio pressed his lips into a tight line and gave a stiff, reluctant nod.
34:22That can't be true.
34:24Luca said, stumbling back a step.
34:26If it is, why have I never heard about it before?
34:29Vito let out a humorless laugh.
34:31That secret is known only to the heads of the families.
34:35You haven't even officially taken over yet.
34:37What makes you think you had the right to hear it before this incident?
34:42As soon as Vito finished speaking, the entire hall fell into silence.
34:46I was about to speak when my phone vibrated inside my bag.
34:50It was an encrypted message.
34:52The sender field showed an internal code from the Corleone family.
34:55Miss Borgia, tomorrow night at the Norham Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala,
35:00the Lopez family's collateral branch and Elena Lopez will both be attending.
35:04If you wish, you may collect some interest there first.
35:07I turned the phone screen toward my father.
35:09He glanced at it and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
35:13Elena Lopez.
35:14Father murmured the name.
35:16Sofia's mother.
35:17She's been pulling strings behind the scenes quite a bit.
35:20I know.
35:21I said, putting the phone away.
35:23The golden custom gown Sofia wore at the auction was ordered by Elena from Milan a month in advance.
35:29Mother and daughter.
35:31One plays the good cop, one plays the bad.
35:33They've been running rampants in Norham for years.
35:36Father looked at me without saying a word, but his eyes were clear.
35:39It's your decision.
35:41I'll go.
35:42But only after we settle matters here first.
35:46The evening after the Five Great Families meeting ended, at the Imperial Banquet Hall,
35:51the crystal chandeliers lit up the entire hall as brightly as daylight.
35:55Not only were the collateral representatives of the Five Great Families present,
35:59but also dozens of heads of mid-tier families.
36:02They usually couldn't even get close to the core meetings of the five families.
36:07But tonight, everyone wanted to fish for benefits amid the toasts and deals.
36:11I wore a dark wine-red velvet gown.
36:13The long sleeves concealed the bandages on my right hand.
36:16On my left ear, I wore a single pigeon-blood ruby earring gifted by my father, only one.
36:22This was an old Borgia family tradition.
36:25When a daughter has been provoked but has not yet fully avenged herself,
36:29she wears only a single earring.
36:31The moment I stepped into the hall, I felt countless gazes stabbing into me like needles.
36:36Is that the Borgia family's eldest daughter?
36:39I heard the Marino family heir was expelled because of her.
36:43Shh!
36:45Lower your voice.
36:47The Lopez family people are here tonight, too.
36:50I walked straight ahead without looking sideways and headed directly for the main table.
36:55Seven people were already seated at the main table.
36:57The center seat was empty.
36:59Beside it sat a middle-aged woman in a deep purple gown, Elena Lopez.
37:04She looked 70% like Sophia, but more cunning and gloomier.
37:08She was twirling a glass of red wine in her hand.
37:10When she saw me approaching, she didn't even bother to stand up.
37:14She drawled, looking me up and down.
37:17So you're the little bitch who got my daughter kicked out of Northam?
37:22The entire table fell silent.
37:24I didn't sit down.
37:26Instead, I looked down at her from above.
37:28Your daughter brought it upon herself.
37:30I simply didn't stop her.
37:32Elena's face instantly flushed red.
37:35She shot to her feet and slammed her wine glass onto the table, splashing wine everywhere.
37:40Don't get cocky!
37:41Borgia!
37:42I don't care who you are.
37:44In Norak, the Lopez family has the Marino family behind us.
37:49Well, not anymore.
37:51But mark my words.
37:52Whatever my daughter lost, I will take back tenfold for her.
37:56She deliberately raised her voice so that the surrounding tables could hear.
38:00Several merchants who did business with the Lopez family immediately chimed in.
38:04Exactly.
38:05Some outsider family.
38:07What right do they have to sit at the main table?
38:10Even if the Marinos aren't pursuing this, it doesn't mean Mrs. Lopez is easy to bully.
38:15Little girl, apologize while things haven't blown up yet.
38:18I smiled slowly.
38:20Apologize.
38:21I repeated, then glanced at the two bodyguards standing behind Elena.
38:25When your daughter crushed my fingers under her heel, did she ever apologize?
38:31Elena's lips twitched, but she quickly regained her vicious expression.
38:35You deserved it.
38:36Seduxing someone else's fiancé, crushing your fingers was going easy on you.
38:41I didn't argue with her.
38:42I simply took out my phone from my handbag, played a recording, and turned the volume to maximum.
38:49Antonio's voice rang out clearly in the quiet hell.
38:52My son was too reckless.
38:54This marriage was us reaching above our station.
38:58I only beg you to spare his life.
39:01The recording ended.
39:03The hall was deathly silent.
39:05Elena's hands began to tremble.
39:07Merchants beside her quietly shifted their chairs half a step back.
39:11It's fake!
39:12You forged it!
39:14I put away my phone and looked down at her, my voice calm but loud enough for the first three
39:18rows to hear clearly.
39:19Mrs. Lopez, your daughter once said something at the auction.
39:23In here, I make the rules.
39:24I raised my bandaged right hand and gently tapped above the wrappings.
39:29Now, I'd like to return the favor with a message of my own.
39:32Your daughter and the Merino family?
39:34In front of me, they don't even qualify as rules.
39:38Elena's face went from red to white, then to a sickly green.
39:41She suddenly grabbed the wine glass in front of her and hurled its contents at me.
39:45Red wine flew straight toward my face.
39:47I didn't dodge.
39:48The wine slashed across my face, hair and wine red gown almost blending in.
39:52Only a few drops slid down my chin and fell onto the marble floor.
39:57The entire hall gasped.
39:59Elena stood holding the empty glass, chest heaving violently, her eyes filled with mad triumph.
40:06You whore!
40:07That's what you get for being arrogant!
40:10I slowly raised my hand and wiped the wine from my face.
40:14Then I smiled.
40:16Mrs. Lopez, do you know what you just did?
40:19I took one step forward.
40:21My voice wasn't loud, but it pierced every ear like a nail.
40:24You just attacked the sole heir of the Borga family.
40:26In front of more than 30 family representatives.
40:29Everything that happened tonight, I will report it to my father in full detail.
40:35Elena's wine glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
40:40You...
40:41You're bluffing.
40:42I didn't answer her.
40:43I turned around to face the entire banquet hall, my voice clear and calm.
40:47From tonight onward, any family that does business with the Lopez family
40:51will automatically be considered unfriendly to the Borga family.
40:56Gasps rippled across the hall.
40:58Elena's face turned completely white.
41:01You wouldn't dare!
41:04She screamed, but her voice had already lost all confidence.
41:07I gave her one last look, then turned and walked toward the exit.
41:11Behind me came Elena's hysterical shriek.
41:14Stop that bitch!
41:16But no one moved.
41:17The allies, she thought she had all lowered their heads like frostbitten eggplants.
41:22As I walked out the main door, Vito Corleone was already standing by the entrance.
41:26He held a glass of whiskey and gave me a slight nod.
41:30Miss Borgia, you're even more ruthless than your father was at your age.
41:35Vito paused, his lips curving into a soft, genuine smile as he looked at her.
41:39And I'm liking you more and more, my lovely lady.
41:43I glanced sideways at him.
41:44Don Correano.
41:46Did you already know this would happen tonight?
41:49He smiled without answering, simply raising his glass.
41:52Welcome to the real Norton.
41:54I didn't clink glasses with him.
41:56I walked straight to the elevator.
41:58The moment the elevator doors closed, I let out a soft breath.
42:02My right hand hurt badly, but my heart felt incredibly satisfied.
42:07I walked forward slowly, the fingers beneath my velvet glove still throbbing with a dull ache.
42:12I've changed my mind.
42:14After what I just heard from Luca, I'm very disappointed.
42:18He doesn't look guilty at all.
42:20Antonio, is this the apology the Marino family is giving me?
42:24Every pair of eyes turned to Antonio.
42:26The man who usually ruled the room now looked pale.
42:29He drew in a deep breath, and at that moment he seemed to age a decade.
42:33From this moment on, Luca is no longer my son.
42:37He is no longer heir to the Marino family.
42:40He is officially stripped of his name and cut off from all family assets.
42:45Dad, you can't do this to me.
42:48I'm your son.
42:49Luca shouted, his eyes full of despair and disbelief.
42:52No!
42:53That's impossible!
42:54How could she have that kind of power?
42:57Why didn't anyone tell us earlier?
42:58This has to be fake!
43:00You're all being fooled!
43:03Sophia's shriek cut through the hall like broken glass.
43:06One of Vito's men stepped out of the crowd and slapped her across the face several times
43:10until she finally shut up.
43:12That's enough!
43:13Luca suddenly snarled.
43:15He wrenched himself free from the men restraining him,
43:17and threw himself in front of Sophia.
43:20This has nothing to do with Sophia.
43:22I was a blind fool.
43:24I'm the one who offended Ms. Borjan.
43:26This is my fault.
43:28If you want revenge,
43:31take it out on me.
43:32And let Sophia go.
43:34Sophia leaned against his chest,
43:36her eyes glistening with tears.
43:38Luca,
43:39I knew you were the only one who really cared about me.
43:42The scene was almost touching in a tragic, ridiculous way.
43:46I couldn't help but lift my hands and give them a soft, slow clap.
43:49How touching.
43:51Since you're so devoted to each other,
43:53I'll let you go.
43:54Under everyone's stunned gaze,
43:55I went on,
43:56You can leave with her now.
43:58In the name of the Borja family,
44:00I give you my word.
44:02No one will stop you.
44:05Luca stared at me in disbelief,
44:07while a spark of hope lit Sophia's eyes.
44:10From this moment on,
44:11you have no connection to the Marino family.
44:13You walk away with nothing.
44:15Luca clenched his jaw,
44:16then bent to help Sophia steady herself.
44:19We're leaving.
44:20Everyone watched them limp out of the hall
44:22while leaning on each other.
44:23My father asked in a low voice,
44:25Are you really gonna let them walk away like that?
44:27I smiled.
44:29You'll see soon enough.
44:30Three months later,
44:31a headline shook the entire upper circle of Norum City.
44:34Former Marino heir,
44:35Luca Marino,
44:36killed his girlfriend,
44:37Sophia Lopez,
44:38in a run-down motel,
44:39then tried to take his own life.
44:41He was now in police custody.
44:43Word had it that after losing his status,
44:45Luca was penniless,
44:47and took Sophia to live with him
44:48in a shabby motel on the edge of the slums.
44:52Having grown up pampered and overindulged,
44:55neither of them could tolerate
44:57the hardships of an ordinary life.
44:59Sophia complained every day.
45:01She called Luca useless,
45:02and blamed him for dragging her
45:03from the clouds into the mud.
45:05She could no longer afford designer clothes
45:07or fancy goods.
45:09Even a proper dinner had become a luxury.
45:11Three days before the murder,
45:13someone had spotted Sophia
45:14in an upscale restaurant,
45:16linking arms with a middle-aged businessman.
45:18After that,
45:19she stopped going back to the motel at night.
45:21When she did show up,
45:23her attitude toward Luca was cold.
45:25On the night of the incident,
45:27neighbors heard them shouting
45:28through the thin walls.
45:29You think you're still the heir
45:31of the Marino family?
45:32You can't even buy me a new lipstick!
45:35I gave up everything for you!
45:37Luca roared back.
45:38If I'd known you were so useless,
45:40I never would have left with you!
45:42Then came the sound of things being smashed.
45:44After that was an eerie, heavy silence.
45:47The next morning,
45:49the cleaning staff opened the door
45:50and almost fainted.
45:52Sophia was lying in a pool of blood,
45:54having been stabbed over and over.
45:56Luca was on the floor beside her
45:57with his wrists slashed,
45:59barely alive.
46:00I heard the news while I was at home,
46:02sitting at my piano.
46:03Although my fingers hadn't fully healed,
46:05I could already play a few simple pieces.
46:07Just then, my father walked in
46:10and placed a folded newspaper on the piano.
46:13You saw this coming, didn't you?
46:16I took my hands off the piano
46:18and glanced at the newspaper's front page.
46:20It showed Luca being shoved into a police car.
46:23Sophia never loved Luca.
46:25What she loved was his status and his money.
46:28Once he lost those,
46:30her betrayal was just a matter of time.
46:32As for Luca,
46:34I went on,
46:35letting my fingers drift lightly over the keys.
46:38He was born into wealth.
46:40He was never going to survive losing everything.
46:43Especially after the woman he loved cheated on him.
46:48My father studied me for a long moment.
46:50You gave them the cruelest punishment.
46:52I shook my head.
46:54No, they chose their punishment.
46:57I just handed them the knife.
46:58Sunlight poured through the windows,
47:00warm and bright.
47:01Their tragedy had no effect on me.
47:03In our world,
47:04the strong preyed on the weak.
47:06Mercy toward an enemy only ever led to destruction.
47:09Luca and Sophia's ending only proved that truth once again.
47:13They were nothing more than stepping stones
47:14on my way to the top seat in Corvina's mafia world.
47:19The sunlight was beautiful,
47:20but my hand still throbbed with dull pain.
47:23The doctor said the nerves had been damaged.
47:26Even after recovery,
47:27it would never be as flexible as before.
47:30I might never be able to play those difficult pieces again.
47:33I sat in front of the piano,
47:35placed my right hand on the keys,
47:36and gently pressed a single note.
47:38A clean, lonely sound rang out.
47:41The door was pushed open.
47:42Father walked in.
47:43He was wearing a deep gray suit.
47:45His tie knotted perfectly.
47:47Sophia's funeral is at two o'clock this afternoon.
47:50Are you going?
47:51I thought for a long time,
47:52so long that father thought I wouldn't answer.
47:55Yes.
47:56Father nodded,
47:57turned to leave,
47:57then stopped.
47:58Isa,
47:59this isn't your fault.
48:01I didn't speak.
48:02Only after he walked out,
48:03did I whisper to the empty room.
48:05I know.
48:06But what I knew wasn't just that.
48:08I knew Sophia would die.
48:09From the moment she crushed my fingers under her heel,
48:12from the moment she answered my father's call,
48:14she was already dead.
48:16I simply didn't stop it.
48:17I didn't stop it,
48:19because I didn't want to.
48:20This thought was like a thorn lodged in a corner of my heart.
48:23It didn't hurt,
48:25but it was always there.
48:27The church was small,
48:29so small that even from the last row,
48:31you could clearly see the white flowers on the coffin.
48:33Not many people came.
48:35Sophia's parents sat in the front row.
48:37Her mother was crying so hard,
48:39she couldn't sit straight,
48:40while her father sat rigidly like a stone statue.
48:43Luca didn't come.
48:44He was in the hospital,
48:45with more than a dozen stitches on his wrist,
48:48under police guard.
48:49They said he wasn't in danger of dying,
48:51but his mental state was very poor.
48:53I stood at the very back,
48:55leaning against the wall.
48:56Father didn't come inside.
48:58He waited for me in the car.
48:59While the priest was reading the eulogy,
49:02Sophia's mother suddenly stood up and staggered toward me.
49:05Everyone was watching.
49:07She stopped in front of me.
49:08Her tears had ruined her makeup,
49:10leaving streaks down her face.
49:12Are you satisfied now?
49:14Her voice was hoarse,
49:16like sandpaper scraping glass.
49:18I said nothing.
49:19My daughter is dead,
49:21and you still come to her funeral.
49:23She grabbed the sleeve of my coat,
49:25nails digging into the fabric.
49:27Are you here to watch the show?
49:29Her husband rushed over and pulled her away from me.
49:32He glanced at me.
49:33That look contained hatred,
49:35fear,
49:35and deep exhaustion.
49:37I'm sorry.
49:38She didn't mean it.
49:39I nodded,
49:40then turned and walked out of the church.
49:42The sunlight was blinding.
49:44I stood at the entrance for a while,
49:46taking a deep breath.
49:47Father got out of the car and stood beside me.
49:49Let's go.
49:50I got into the car,
49:52leaned back in the seat,
49:53and closed my eyes.
49:54Outside the window,
49:55the church bells rang twice.
49:57Two o'clock in one minute.
49:58Sophia Lopez,
49:5922 years old.
50:00A short life,
50:01an ugly death.
50:02I silently recited these words in my heart,
50:05then opened my eyes.
50:06There was still a long road ahead.
50:09Three months later,
50:11Luca's case went to trial.
50:12I didn't go.
50:15Father sent a lawyer to observe,
50:17who came back and reported the result.
50:19Luca Marino was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter.
50:22The wound on his wrist left a permanent scar.
50:26The psychological evaluation stated he had severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
50:32The lawyer said Luca didn't speak a single word throughout the entire trial.
50:37When the judge asked if he pleaded guilty,
50:39he simply nodded.
50:41The lawyer also said that Antonio Marino sat in the gallery,
50:44his hair completely white.
50:48When the sentence was announced,
50:49he didn't cry.
50:50He just closed his eyes and didn't open them for a long time.
50:56Later,
50:57at a gathering,
50:58Vito Corleone told me,
51:00Antonio is finished.
51:02He saved his son's life,
51:04but the Marino family is done for.
51:06I held my wine glass and said nothing.
51:09You know,
51:09in Luca's first week in prison,
51:12someone asked if he wanted to see a lawyer.
51:14He said no.
51:15Someone asked if he wanted to see his father.
51:18He stayed silent.
51:20Finally,
51:20the person asked,
51:22who do you want to see?
51:24He said he wanted to see you.
51:26My hand froze.
51:27He found out you stay at the manor every day
51:29and wanted to ask if you could visit him.
51:32Vito looked at me.
51:34You won't go,
51:35right?
51:36I put down the wine glass and stood up.
51:38No.
51:39No.
51:41Some people once missed are missed forever.
51:46Half a year later,
51:47my fingers had recovered most of their function.
51:50The doctor called it a miracle,
51:52saying my recovery speed far exceeded his expectations.
51:55I knew it wasn't a miracle.
51:58For the past six months,
51:59I had done three hours of rehabilitation training every day.
52:03Even when the pain made me sweat,
52:05I didn't stop.
52:07Father would sit beside me,
52:08saying nothing,
52:09only handing me a towel.
52:11Can you play the piano yet?
52:12I tried.
52:17I placed my right hand on the keys and ran through a scale.
52:20It was slow and clumsy,
52:22but every note came out.
52:23Soon.
52:24Father didn't smile,
52:26but his eyes brightened.
52:27That night I sat alone in the piano room
52:29and played a very simple piece,
52:30Debussy's Claire de Lune.
52:32My left hand carried the main melody,
52:34while my right hand only added a few occasional notes.
52:38I closed my eyes and imagined myself standing on stage,
52:41spotlights shining on my face,
52:44the audience packed below.
52:46That feeling was still there.
52:48The desire to stand at the very top was still there.
52:51Sophia was dead.
52:53Luca was in prison.
52:54The Marino family had fallen,
52:56but they were not my destination.
52:59They were just stones on the road.
53:00I stepped over them,
53:02got a little mud on my shoes and wiped it off.
53:07One year later,
53:08the power structure in Norum had completely changed.
53:12The Marino family had been squeezed out of the five great families.
53:16The Corleone family had taken the top seat.
53:20And I,
53:21Isa Borgia,
53:22was no longer just Don Borgia's daughter.
53:25I began taking over the family's businesses.
53:28Not all at once,
53:29but gradually father handed them to me piece by piece.
53:33First a few small casinos.
53:36Then a port.
53:38Then control of the entire northern district of Corvina.
53:41Every time he transferred power,
53:43father stood behind me without speaking,
53:46but always present.
53:47Once,
53:48when Vito was drunk,
53:50he put his arm around my shoulder and said to the whole table,
53:53This little girl is even more ruthless than her father.
53:59I smiled and removed his hand from my shoulder.
54:02It wasn't because I was ruthless.
54:05It was because I had no way back.
54:07I was the only daughter of the Borgia family.
54:10This entire empire would eventually be mine.
54:14The power structure in Norum had finally settled,
54:18and life seemed to have returned to a certain calm.
54:20Every week,
54:22I would spend three afternoons in the piano room.
54:24Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows,
54:27illuminating the black and white keys,
54:29and my right hand,
54:30the hand that had nearly been destroyed.
54:32Footsteps stopped at the doorway.
54:34I didn't turn around,
54:35but my fingers paused on the keys for a moment.
54:38Your piano skills are much better than your acting.
54:42His voice came from the doorway,
54:44slightly hoarse,
54:44carrying a lazy smile.
54:46I turned my head.
54:48Vito stood leaning against the doorframe.
54:50Instead of his usual signature dark suit,
54:53he wore a charcoal gray thin sweater
54:55with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms.
54:57He was holding a long, slender black box in his hands.
55:01Don Corione,
55:02has no one ever taught you to knock before entering?
55:04Has no one ever taught you
55:06not to be so cold toward a guest who came from afar?
55:10He walked in.
55:12His leather shoes stepped lightly,
55:14yet heavily on the wooden floor with every step.
55:17Isis,
55:18for the past year,
55:20I've been looking for the right moment.
55:22He paused,
55:23the corner of his mouth lifting in a self-mocking smile.
55:26But I realize that with you,
55:27there will never be a right moment.
55:29He opened the black box.
55:31Inside was a necklace.
55:33It was an exact match to my single earring.
55:36Your father told me about this Borga family tradition.
55:39His voice grew lower.
55:40When a daughter has been provoked,
55:42but has not yet fully taken revenge,
55:44she wears only one earring.
55:46Once revenge is complete,
55:48she wears the other.
55:50I stared at the gemstone,
55:51but didn't reach out.
55:52So?
55:53Vito took a deep breath.
55:55In this moment,
55:56one of the most powerful men in Norum
55:58looked like someone standing on the edge of a cliff.
56:01So I wanted to ask,
56:03if one day you decide to wear the other earring,
56:06could that spot
56:08be left for me?
56:10Silence.
56:11The only sound in the piano room
56:13was the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.
56:16My heartbeat was slow and steady.
56:19Do you know what you're saying?
56:20I know very clearly.
56:22Isa,
56:23I don't need a woman who stands behind me.
56:25And you're not that kind of woman anyway.
56:27The Corcioni family and the Borja family
56:30don't need to swallow each other.
56:31But I'm willing,
56:33for a lifetime,
56:35to stand in the place closest to you.
56:37The sunlight outside the window grew brighter,
56:40falling on his face
56:41and illuminating details
56:42I had never noticed before.
56:44There was a tiny mole at the corner of his eye.
56:46A faint scar on his left eyebrow.
56:49The fingers holding the necklace
56:50were long and strong,
56:52yet they were trembling slightly right now.
56:55This man,
56:56who didn't even blink
56:57during the Five Great Family Summit,
56:59was trembling.
57:01Suddenly,
57:02I felt the urge to smile.
57:05It's okay.
57:07I told you.
57:08I can wait.
57:09I didn't say I wouldn't accept it.
57:11My fingers still rested on the edge of the box.
57:14But I need to think about it.
57:16How long?
57:17Maybe a year.
57:19Maybe two.
57:20Maybe after I finish thinking,
57:22I'll return this box to you completely untouched.
57:25Then I'll wait.
57:26He turned and walked toward the door.
57:28At the doorway,
57:30he stopped without turning back.
57:32By the way,
57:33what piece were you playing just now?
57:35Debossi's Claire de Lune.
57:36Next time,
57:37if I hear you stop playing this piece again,
57:44consider that your answer.
57:45I'll be right back.
57:45I'll be right back.
57:45I'll be right back.
57:46I'll be right back.
57:46I'll be right back.
57:47I'll be right back.
57:48I'll be right back.
57:48You
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