Chapter 44

ALESSANDRO

I walked stealthily. The hall seemed rather too quiet, but I couldn’t let my guard down—these were dangerous times. I wouldn’t risk alerting anyone and losing Ria. Just the thought of seeing her lifeless sent shivers down my spine. Looking sideways, I soon noticed the guards had started coming.

So they know of my arrival. Today, they’ll know why I’m called the Danger of Venice.

***

After warding off all the men he had sent against me, I finally reached the top of the villa. I was back here again, and it brought back memories—the wrong kind.

“You’re finally here, brother,” Charles announced, a cigar in between his fingers. His smirk grew wider at the sight of me.

“I’ve been waiting for you for a while… our long-awaited family reunion is finally happening. How do you feel about that?” He smiled, his forehead creasing to show his inner anger.

“You’ve got a bit of blood… everywhere,” he said, pointing at me.

“Where is she?!” I y