[Salvo's POV—Back at the Estate]
The moment I stepped inside, the tension wrapped around my throat like a noose.
Bianca sat near the edge of the hallway, her eyes fixed on Alfio—guilt painted all over her face like a confession she hadn't spoken yet. Aria, sweet and oblivious, was tugging at Alfio's sleeve, trying to play with him.
But he didn't move.
Didn't laugh.
Didn't even smile.
He just sat there—rigid, empty, like a ghost afraid to haunt the living.
I stepped forward.
"Alfio."
His body jolted. He looked up at me with wide, glassy eyes—like a stray dog expecting to be kicked.
"To the room," I said, my voice cold, unreadable. "Now."
Bianca stepped forward, alarmed. "Brother, wait—what are you—?"
"Stay out of it, Bianca," I snapped. "This doesn't concern you."
Her lips parted like she wanted to argue, but the look in my eyes must've shut her up. Alfio stood—slowly, reluctantly—his legs trembling like they might give out.
And then he followed me upstairs.
