The atmosphere in the room remained tense, with unresolved issues hanging in the air.

"Ellis, why did my mother leave so suddenly? Did something happen?" Vittorio asked, looking at Ellis, confused.

Ellis felt a tightness in her chest and fought the urge to reveal the truth at that moment. She looked at Vittorio's serene face and hesitated, questioning if she was ready to handle whatever reaction might come from the mafioso. So, she opted for a half-truth.

"I'm not sure, ...