Chapter 15

The tension in the Stefano household was palpable. Mr. and Mrs. Stefano stood across from each other in the dimly lit living room, both of them clearly shaken by the phone call. Mrs. Stefano, her face pale and tear-streaked, wiped her eyes furiously.

"You need to do something about this," she said, her voice sharp with both fear and frustration. "I can't lose another child, not again." Her words cracked at the end, and before Mr. Stefano could respond, she turned and stormed out of the room, her sobs echoing down the hallway.

Mr. Stefano stood motionless for a moment, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. The thought of losing Elly—or what this sudden visit could mean after all these years —was too much for him to bear. He clenched his fists at his sides, then made a decisive motion, signaling Marcus, who was standing by the doorway.

"Call Albert," Mr. Stefano said, his voice low but urgent. "Get him and his best men to San Nicolas immediately. I want Elly guarded, no matter what."

Marcus nodded quickly, understanding the gravity of the situation. He reached for his phone, dialing the number to their head of security without hesitation.

(A few moments later)

Albert entered the room, his presence commanding yet calm, as always. His eyes met Mr. Stefano's, and without a word, he stepped forward.

"Sir, you called for me?" Albert's voice was steady, professional, but there was a glint of concern in his eyes. He understood the urgency.

Mr. Stefano didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I need you to go to San Nicolas, now. Take your best men with you. Make sure Elly is safe. And keep an eye on anyone who comes near her. If there's anything or anyone suspicious, handle it."

Albert's expression hardened into a mask of resolve. "Yes, Sir. It will be done."