Chapter 24

• The heavy door of the Mancuso family's residence in Tuscany closed behind me, isolating me from the turmoil outside. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically, after the confrontation with Dante. Without looking back, I made my way straight to my room, seeking refuge in the familiarity of the space.
• I hugged myself as I walked through the corridors, trying to block out the distant voices that still echoed in the villa. My mind was foggy, and I just wanted the solitude of my room to process everything that had happened. Upon entering, the familiarity of the environment enveloped me, yet at the same time, the tension lingering in the air was almost palpable.
• As I closed the door, I let myself slide down to the floor, feeling the coolness of the wood against my back. A wave of exhaustion washed over me, but my mind continued to race, replaying the night's events.