Page 5 of Until It Ends

"Dante, we need to talk about your father," Vito says, his voice laced with worry. "His health is deteriorating, and his actions could jeopardize everything you've built."

I grip the steering wheel with one hand, and ran the other hand through my hair, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. "I know, Vito. Trust me, I've seen the signs. The cane, the moments of confusion... He's not in the best state to make rational decisions for the family or the business. He's scared. He's edgy."

Vito nods, his gaze flickering to the rearview mirror again before returning to the road. "Exactly, Dante. We've managed to keep things running smoothly during his absence. We can't afford any disruptions now, especially with the meeting with the families approaching. They'll want to know everything."

A sigh escapes my lips as I contemplate the dilemma before us. "I understand, Vito. I've worked tirelessly to establish our empire, to ensure its stability and growth. I can't let my father's return undo everything. If anyone among the families were going to challenge me in my reign these last few years, they would've already done it."

Silence settles between us for a moment, broken only by the hum of the car engine. Vito's voice breaks the stillness, his tone firm yet cautious. "What are you planning to do, Dante? How do you intend to handle your father's sudden interference?"

I turn to face Vito, determination flashing in my eyes. "I won't let him dismantle anything we've got going on. I'll confront him, make it clear that his involvement can only bring chaos. I'll protect our business, even if it means making difficult choices."

Vito nods, his expression one of understanding. "You've always been a strong leader, Dante. You've proven your worth time and time again. But we must also consider the impact on your relationship with Valeria. She has become a target and people are beginning to question her intentions and loyalties."

My jaw clenches at the mention of Valeria. The thought of her being in danger sends a surge of protectiveness through me. "I won't allow anyone to harm her, Vito. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

Vito's eyes meet mine, a mixture of respect and concern in his gaze. "Just be cautious, Dante. The Ciprianos will be looking for any weakness to exploit. We can't afford any missteps, especially now."

A flash of determination fills me as I grip the armrest, my resolve firm. "I won't let them succeed, Vito. Valeria is everything to me. I'll move heaven and earth to ensure her safety and our future together."

As the car speeds onward, I brace myself for the battles that lie ahead. My father may have awoken, but I am prepared to face him and anyone who threatens what I hold dear.

Valeria's safety is my priority, and no one will stand in the way of our love and the future we've fought so hard to build.

The upcoming meetings with the families loom on the horizon, and I don't know what the outcome might be. I know the challenges that lie ahead, the precarious dance we must perform to maintain control.

As the car nears the private lake house and farmland I acquired a year ago, an eerie silence descends upon us. My knuckles tighten around the steering wheel. But it's the sight that greets us as we approach the property that sends a chill down my spine.

Bodies lie strewn across the ground, a macabre scene of violence that defiles the tranquility of this once peaceful place. My heart pounds in my chest as I race out of the car before it even comes to a stop. I look everywhere for Valeria, but thank God she isn't among the dead.

I search every inch of the property and every room in that house, calling out Valeria's name, desperate to find any sign of her.

But she is nowhere to be found.

Dread seeps into my bones, mingling with a fiery determination. Valeria has been taken, snatched away from me once again. The realization fuels the fire within me, igniting a primal rage that demands justice.

"They took her, Vito," I breathe, my voice laced with a mix of fury and despair. "Valeria has been taken. We need to find her, whatever it takes."

Vito's eyes meet mine, his resolve unwavering. He understands the depth of my desperation, the lengths I'm willing to go to protect the woman I love. Valeria's captors will pay for their audacity, for daring to threaten what is mine.

"Who do you think did this?" Vito asks.

"You know who..."

They may have taken her for now, but they have no idea of the storm they have unleashed. I will unleash my wrath upon those who dare to stand in our way, for nothing and no one will keep us apart.

Valeria, I'm coming for you.

Five

Dante

As I step into my office, anger courses through my veins, fueled by the knowledge of Valeria's abduction. My focus is solely on finding her, on unleashing the full force of my resources to bring her back safely. But as I take in the scene before me, my anger collides with surprise and frustration.

My father, standing amidst the chaos, his presence a stark reminder of the challenges I face. The papers strewn across the desk, the files he's delving into with fervor—it's as if he's reclaiming what he believes is rightfully his. But this office, this empire, is now mine.

"What are you doing in here?" I demand, my voice laced with irritation and defiance.

My father's eyes meet mine, a mixture of disturbance and defiance mirroring my own emotions. "Was this not my office once?" he retorts, his voice laced with accusation.

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