Vittorio stared at Ellis, taking a deep breath before he began to explain everything. He approached her, looking into her eyes as he tried to find the right words.

"Ellis, when I made the deal with Jason, it was just before you started college. Jason agreed that I would become his mentor, helping him navigate this world, while he would help me make you happy. It was an attempt, but once we understood each other, I distanced Jason from the business."

Ellis still looked confused, ...