Page 8 of Monster in Disguise

"Signor," she starts, keeping her gaze downcast. "I wanted to apologize for Signorina Venezia's behavior earlier. She is young and headstrong, and has never had proper guidance before."

I can already see the judgment in her eyes, no doubt assuming that I am just like my father. As much as I want to prove her wrong, I know that there are always ears listening in this house. I must maintain a strong facade, even if it means being seen as a cruel and self-serving man. Though my motives may not be entirely selfish, they certainly aren't pure either.

"Yes, go on," I say sternly.

"I... please forgive her impertinence towards your absence. She did not mean it with malice."

"I understand that she may have her own opinions about my absence. However, that does not excuse her tone and lack of manners. Who has been responsible for her education?"

"That's the thing, Signor... no one," Amelia replies somberly.

A deep frown creases my brow, my confusion growing with each word from Amelia's mouth.

"What do you mean, no one?" I ask, my tone sharp with disbelief.

Amelia fidgets nervously, as if she's trying to reveal a secret but can't decide if she should. "Signor Valentino was never thesame after Signora Romina died," she finally admits, her voice hushed with sadness. "He closed himself off, and left Signorina Venezia on her own."

"That was eight years ago," I interject, my mind reeling at this new information. "You mean to tell me that no one has taken care of her since then?"

Amelia looks away, her disapproval of Venezia's treatment evident in her expression.

"Yes, that is correct," she confirms reluctantly. "I've tried to take her under my wing, teach her some things... but Signor Valentino did not like her getting too close with the staff. There was only so much I could do."

My brows furrow as I try to process this revelation. So Venezia has been essentially alone all this time? No wonder she acted out and sought attention in any way she could get it. And it explains why she was so upset by my absence; in her eyes, I had abandoned her just like everyone else.

I purse my lips in thought, feeling a pang of sympathy for the young girl who never had someone to guide her and show her how to behave properly.

"Thank you for your information. I will see that she receives a proper education from now on."

Amelia looks as if she's about to add something, but then she just nods and exits the room.

As I unpack my bags, my mind swirls with concerns. Venezia going to school on her own feels too risky, and I can't shake off the anxiety. Perhaps I can arrange for her to be homeschooled. But there is the matter of finding the right person for the job...

I decide to take a drive, hoping the change of scenery will help calm my nerves. But just a few miles away from home, my phone starts ringing. Instinct tells me to ignore it, but when I see the caller ID displaying Vlad's name, I pull over and answer.

"Vlad," I say, trying to mask my curiosity.

"Marcello," he replies in a serious tone. "I thought you should know about a sudden development."

My heart sinks as I wait for him to continue.

"All entry routes through NJ have been shut down."

"All of them?"

"Including mine." The anger seeping through his words is palpable. This news does not bode well. I hope no one is near him.

"I assume ours are affected as well then." My family has a long-standing partnership with the Russian mafia based in Brighton Beach. My father was close friends with their former Pakhan. And our businesses mainly involve drugs—the same trade the Russians are known for.

"Yes." Vlad's answer is clipped.

"The Irish?"

"Unconfirmed. Maybe." That is unusual. Vlad is in the loop about everything. Either he truly does not know, or he doesn't wantmeto know.

"If not them, then who?" I inquire.

"Cartels. Jimenez's death created a power vacuum. There are too many factions fighting for power. It's hard to pinpoint which one did this." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "But I will find out. Andyouwill help."

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