Dante’s POV

I truly hated that she just walked back in here thinking everything would be fine now. Deep down, I was happy she was back home—I had missed mia bambina more than I could admit—but I also felt this deep resentment because her absence felt like it cost us our mother.

After speaking my mind to Leon to explain how I felt, I hoped he would understand. This life is no place for a girl; the Mafia is dangerous and unforgiving.

"I think you are too quick to jump to conclusions without knowing what her life was truly like," Leon said, looking me straight in the eyes. "Look at the facts, Dante. She is dangerously thin, she struggles to eat, and she is terrified of making a single sound. Have you noticed she eats in complete silence?"

I was taken back. "I noticed she was thin, but I thought it was on purpose... you know, how girls think it’s sexy these days. And I thought her silence was just her thinking she was better than us."

Leon looked at me with profound disappointment. "I promised Talia I wouldn't share her story with you and Nico because she believes you haven't earned the right to know it—and I agree. With how you’ve been acting, she’s afraid you'd use it against her. She wants you to like her for who she is, not because you feel pity for her past."

That hurt. He didn't trust us. But as I looked at my lap, I realized... he was right. I hadn't given either of them a reason to trust me.

"I’m also scared she’ll disappear again," I said, my voice cracking. "It hurt too much last time. I don't want to open my heart just to have it shattered again."

Leon sighed. "I know you're scared, Dante. But pushing her away only increases the chances she’ll want to leave." His voice was unusually soft.

"She’s changing you, Leon," I said with a small smile.

"I’m happy for it. It’s time this house had some warmth again," he replied. "As punishment for your behavior last night, you’re finishing these files by the end of the day while I spend time with her."

It was a fair punishment. Hours later, while putting finished files into Leon’s safe, I saw a piece of paper from Talia’s notebook. Curiosity took over. I opened it and read.

My heart broke into a million pieces.

“Gregor and his daughter were monsters. I was never allowed to make a sound. If I did, I was beaten, cut, or worse. On his worst days, he treated me like property, handing me over to his cruel associates to be tormented and broken. If I cried or made any noise, it only got worse. At school, I was bullied, and if I ever showed a smile, I faced more terror when I got home. I lived like a doll, lucky to get a slice of bread once every three days.”

I staggered back, the note trembling in my hand. Mia bambina had been living in hell, and only hours ago, I told her she had a better life than us. I felt like the worst brother in existence.

"You weren't supposed to read that," Leon’s voice startled me. He was standing right there, looking stern.

"I’m a dick," I choked out, tears streaming down my face. "I don't deserve to call myself her brother."

"Don't say that," Leon said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Focus on making it right. Wash your face—the rest of the family is arriving for lunch. Treat her better, but don't be obvious about what you know. She needs to feel accepted, not pitied."