Ellis's gaze remained steady, her voice resolute. “These encounters I had with Vittorio, all the chance meetings... were they all part of the plan?”

Rocco stared at her, recognizing the need for transparency. “Yes, Ellis. However, you need to understand that the Moli di acqua plan was designed to protect you and Donna. Vittorio only did what was necessary to maintain the disguise.”

Ellis processed this information, the complexity of the situation becoming increasingly ...