Mrs Smith had just surprised everyone by announcing that she was in a relationship with a man. She never brought that subject after Salvatore's father passed away and the head of the family never thought about that option. His sons seemed quite shocked too.

Salvatore: What do you mean you're seeing someone?

Mrs Smith: Exactly what I said. I'm dating a man that I met last year... he joined me in Europe, and we travelled together for 2 months.

Gianni: Since last year and you never told us? You even travelled with him? You went to Italy with him?

Mrs Smith: Gianni, I am not a child to inform you of whatever I do!

Dante: It's not like you went shopping! Who is that jerk? Where does he live? What's his job?!

Salvatore was silently staring at his mother. The news astounded him, and he didn't want to say something that he would regret few hours later. He saw his mother being annoyed by the boys' interrogation. He felt a gaze staring at him and it was Suki, shyly smiling to him. Salvatore smiled too; Suki's beautiful eyes helped him to calm down.

Salvatore: Boys. (He made them silent with a gaze.) Mamma, you could have told me about that man earlier and not casually, in the middle of a random conversation.

Mrs Smith: Salvatore, I know to whom I can give my trust, you don't have to worry about that. And Michael did his job correctly and checked everything.

Salvatore: Michael should have informed me. (His tone was a bit cold.)

Mrs Smith: Michael works for me, not you! Don't try to scold him!

Salvatore: Let's talk later about all of this later without the children.

Mrs Smith: Salvatore Smith, you are not my Father and knows that even my Father never dictated me how to live, so it's not my son that will do it! I didn't ask for your permission or approbation; I only inform you.

Gabriel: Nonna, Father speaks out of concern, that's all.

Mrs Smith: Gabriel, honey, I know how most of the men think, but don't forget that in our families, women are the real bosses!

Salvatore: I guess I forgot that important detail, excuse me.

Mrs Smith: (She smiled.) I knew that it was only a momentary forgetfulness. That dinner was excellent. It is always a pleasure to have a good meal with the family.

Enzo: Until when do you plan to stay with us?

Mrs Smith: Unfortunately, only for few days. I put my charity work on hold for too long, but I want to spend time with my granddaughter and all of you too, of course, before going home.

Salvatore: And your grandchildren are happy to have you with us, just like your one and only son.

Mrs Smith: Should we head to the living room for a cup of coffee?

Salvatore: Sure, but it's already pretty late and Suki has class tomorrow, so she has to go to sleep soon.

Suki: I can have just one cup of tea? (Salvatore smiled with a nod.)

Suki proposed to prepare the beverages and Gabriel offered his help. The others went to the living room, even if they didn't want to drink anything or not sure that their presence was wanted.

Suki: Nonna is a wonderful woman. (She smiled.)

Gabriel: Yes, but a terribly dangerous one too. As you saw, she can put all of us to silence easily.

Suki: Hum... I saw that Father was a bit different since Nonna arrived, but he must be also very happy to see her.

Gabriel: Yes, we are all glad to see her but at a certain age, being scolded by your parent is not really fun, even more when you already know that you are at fault.

Suki: But Father didn't do anything wrong.

Gabriel: Father, or even me, we didn't manage the situation with our brothers as we should. We didn't want to force things between you and them but by choosing that way, it's as if we agreed with what they had said and did to you. (His eyes showed sadness and remorse.) And because of that, they still act like... bad people.

Suki: One day, you said to me that we are not responsible of others' actions... so... why Onii-san or Father would be responsible in that case? It's not your fault.

Gabriel: We are, because we are family. (He patted her head and smiled.)

Suki: I understand... but I don't think that's fair. Hum... Onii-san, Davide and Vito, they will not be punished, right?

Gabriel: Don't they deserve to be punished? As they, once again, acted wrongly with you, they should face the consequences. You don't have to be sorry for them, nor plead for their mercy, as you did for the dinner. They are old enough to assume their decisions.

Suki: I don't like conflicts.

Gabriel: I get it. Let's go back to the living room first and see how things are evolving.

Gabriel picked up the tray with the beverages while Suki brought a plate with some cookies that suits well with coffee. The young man was not really favorable to let his brothers unpunished this time. The two boys could be defying with their father or him, but it was more difficult with their grandmother.

And at the view of them looking down when they entered the living room, Gabriel understood that there had been a serious discussion while they were not there.

Mrs Smith: Suki, come sit here next to me. Your brothers have something to say to you. (She glared at Vito and Davide.)

Vito: Sorry. (His tone was not convincing, and he didn't look at Suki.)

Mrs Smith: Is this the best you can do?

Davide: Sorry to have talk a bit rough to you... and sorry Grandma, but it's how we are.

Suki: It's okay...

Suki stared at Gabriel as to ask for his support and the young man nodded with a smile. He changed the mood of the conversation and asked his grandmother how their family members in Italy were doing. Mrs Smith said that nothing really changed over there except that they were curious regarding the youngest Smith, not having even a photo of the little girl to have an idea of her appearance.

Salvatore: I didn't judge useful to send photos to everyone.

Mrs Smith: Yes, not even to your own mother, thank you! (The boys chuckled.) That coffee was excellent by the way.

Salvatore: Suki is pretty skilled in the kitchen. (He checked his watch.) It's time to go to sleep.

Mrs Smith: Oh, sure, have a good night, Suki, and Grandma will prepare a good breakfast for you tomorrow morning.

Suki: (She stood up and waved.) Good night, everyone. (She left.)

Gianni: I forgot sometimes that babies have to go to sleep so soon...

Enzo: Gianni, I don't think that Suki will be happy to hear you calling her like that

Gianni: She is a baby!

Dante: Clearly... (He mumbled.)

Salvatore: It's better for a child's development to have enough rest.

Gianni: Well... we grew up pretty well without that...

Mrs Smith: Hum... If you had maybe slept more when you were young, you would all have developed your brains too instead of your bodies only!

Mrs Smith just fired another hit to the men of the house, without even looking at them, finishing her cup of coffee.

Salvatore: Mamma, I know that you are disappointed, and I am deeply sorry for that.

Mrs Smith: Yes, I am, in all of you. You think of yourselves as men, but you are not acting like men of our family should do! A man is supposed to protect his family, to offer recomfort and love... but here, more than half of you failed in that job! And by letting the children do as they want; you are at fault too, Salvatore! (She sighed.) It's not difficult to understand that Suki is a kind child that hate to create inconvenience for others, and you didn't welcome her correctly... why? Is it because she is half Asian? Or a girl?

Dante: It was because she was... not the child of our mother. (His tone was cold, and his gaze lost.) It was difficult to admit that Dad had an affair just after Mom's death... and had an illegitimate child.

Mrs Smith: Dante, you're 27, I would have hoped a different way of thinking coming from you. It's already unimaginable to accept that type of reaction from your younger brothers, but from you, and Gianni too... I don't understand...

Dante: Because there is nothing to understand. It's useless to try to find excuses to jerks that act like assholes. As I said, I... we changed, but we can't erase what we did or say. It's up to the kid now, to forgive us or not and frankly, even if she never forgives us, I can't blame her... because we don't deserve it.

Mrs Smith: At least, you know that!

Salvatore: Everything is my fault.

Davide: Dad, I don't need you to take the blame for me. I assume everything. Grandma, it seems easy for you to accept that girl without thinking twice but not for us.

Mrs Smith: Why? Did she steal something from you? Was she a threat for you? An 11 years old girl? Come on, Davide, no matter what, if you were mad at your Father, why take on that anger on Suki? She is your little sister, for God's sake!

Davide: Because we refused that fact!

Mrs Smith: And now? You still reject her? After living with her for several months? You both still think of her, as someone that you hate?

Nor Davide or Vito answered the grandmother's questions. Because it would mean admitting that they changed and accepted the little girl as their little sister, but most of everything, that they were wrong from the beginning and acknowledge their misbehavior... And by extension, to face that feeling of culpability.

Gabriel: Nonna asked you something. (He wanted to hear them speak frankly.) Stop hiding yourselves behind a misplaced proudness and answer honestly.

Vito: I'm not going to change! I will stick to the agreement we made with Dad. I don't do anything to her, and she stays far from me!

Davide: Things are fine like they are.

Gabriel: (In Italian.) Idiots! Grow up! (He left the living room.)

Mrs Smith: You are avoiding my question... I guess you are not mature enough to act like men... and by that fact, should be treat like kids. Your father was maybe weak in front of you to give you the punishment that you deserve but not me! Be prepared to some changes, starting now. Put your phones, and cars' keys on the table and go to your rooms!

The two boys looked at their Father who nodded toward the table. They emptied their pockets and left without a word. It was useless to go against their grandmother, she was a stubborn woman. They separated in the corridor to enter their respective bedrooms.

Downstairs, Mrs Smith didn't stay much longer after she finished her cup of coffee. Gianni served a stronger beverage to his Father, feeling that it was necessary tonight. Dante asked for one too.

Salvatore: Thank you, Gianni. I didn't receive such scolding in decades.

Gianni: Grandma is still full of energy!

Enzo: I thought to have welcomed Suki well... but hearing Grandma, I think it was not enough...

Salvatore: You have nothing to reproach yourself, Enzo. You were very helpful to your little sister when she joined our family, just like Gabriel.

Dante: Dad is right. You were able to do what we couldn't... and Nonna was not mad at you, but at us... grown ass jerks... (He chuckled and finished in one go his drink.) I think I need few more to be able to sleep tonight! (He filled his cup with the brown liquid and drunk it.)

They went to sleep after emptying the entire bottle. The next morning, Mrs Smith was the first one to wake up and she prepared, as promised to her granddaughter, breakfast, with Aldo's help. Maria was glad to talk with Mrs Smith.

Salvatore had finished to prepare himself and he was about to head downstairs when Suki came out of her bedroom, ready to go to school.

Suki: Good morning, Otô-san. (She smiled.) Did you sleep well? You seem a bit tired. (She stared at his face with attention.) Are you not feeling well? Are you sick? Is it...

Salvatore: (He patted her head.) I'm fine... don't worry that much... it's just that I stayed with some of your brothers too late last night. After a cup of coffee, you won't be able to see tiredness on my face.

Suki: If Grandmother sees you like that, she will also be worried!

Salvatore: I'm not so sure... (He mumbled.) Let's go have breakfast. (They went downstairs and entered the kitchen.) Mamma...

Mrs Smith: Good morning, we just finished to prepare everything, sit!

Salvatore: We should go to the dining room.

Mrs Smith: Just for the 3 of us? The kitchen table is enough. Suki, Grandma prepared this just for you. Try it and tell me if you like it.

Suki: Thank you, Nonna. Did you have a good night? Are you not too tired with the jetlag?

Mrs Smith: Not at all. I am used to wake up early, like most people of my age. Vito is still waking up at the last minute to go to school?

Salvatore: Unfortunately, yes. He prefers to skip breakfast to sleep more. He is old enough to manage himself.

The breakfast passed quickly, and Suki wished to her Father and Grandmother a good day, before heading outside where the driver was waiting for her. She was about to get in the car when Vito showed up.

Suki: Vito... What... you're not taking your car?

Vito: Get in and don't ask questions! (He was not in good mood.)

Suki: Okay... (She sat and put the seat belt.)

Vito: Oh, and when we arrive, you wait 2 minutes before coming out!

Suki nodded and looked outside. She didn't want to know why he hadn't taken his own car as he usually did. Her Father didn't mention anything during breakfast, so it was not a safety issue like last time, or at least, she was hoping that it was not.

They arrived at school, and she let Vito join his friends first then she came out of the car after thanking the driver and her bodyguard.

The morning classes passed liked every other days and at lunch time, the little girl sat at a table with Haru, as usual. She talked about her grandmother's arrival and how she had the upper hand on everyone in the house. The young boy was happy for his friend and glad to see her smiling so much while talking.

When they were done, they decided to go to the Arts' room. They were in the corridor with only few other students present when they were stopped by Suki's brother.

Vito: Eh! (Suki looked at him.) Give me your phone!

Suki: My phone?...Why?

Vito: Just give me your phone! I need to check something.

Suki: I don't have my phone; it's in my bag in the classroom.

Vito: Seriously?! (He sighed.) Let's go take it! (He lightly pushed her to her classroom.) And keep your phone with you now! What if there is an emergency?! How do you plant to call for help?!

Suki: We're at school... (They walked toward her section.)

Haru: I can... lend you mine if you want...

Vito: (He looked at him from head to toe.) You're ready to give me yours even if I keep it until tonight? (He saw hesitation in Haru's eyes.) That's what I thought...

They arrived near Suki's classroom and there was 3 girls and 2 boys talking inside. They were surprised to see their classmate's brother here. One of them was the girl who invited Suki to her birthday party.

Suki: Here...(She handed her phone to Vito.)

Vito: (He frowned.) You still hasn't put a passcode on it?! (He looked around.) Keep it on you or put a damn passcode on it!

Suki: Okay... I will...

Britany: Hi Vito... It's rare to see you in that section... (She smiled.)

Vito: Hum... (He was focused on the phone.) Type 6 digits. (He gave her the phone but looked at what the code she chose.)

Britany: By the way, you must know my older sister, Betty, in the grade below yours... she is preparing a little party for this weekend. Suki, as last time, you couldn't attend my birthday party, you have to be present this time... and Vito, you can come too! My sister would love to have you at her party.

Suki: I'm not sure...

Vito: If it's your sister's party, why are you inviting her! (He stared at Suki.) Are you friends? (Suki stayed silent and he smirked.) I don't think so! That kid is not allowed to go to parties, so no need to ask her again! And using her to have me coming is pointless too!

Britany: It was not for that... we are classmates, my friends are coming too.

Vito: (He glared at her.) As you said, your friends and she is clearly not one of yours! Just be a good kid and don't be a bit** at your age!

Britany was a bit shocked by Vito's attitude. She knew that he had a hot temper, but she didn't imagine that he will be like that with her, and even more because of Suki. He seemed to be protective of his little sister that he was supposed to dislike.

Suki: Vito... Can we go?

Vito: Yeah... I keep that, until tonight, you don't need it anyway.

Suki: Okay... Haru, let's go... we still have times before the next class. (The two friends left first; Vito was following too but he stopped when he heard one of that girl and a boy talking.)

Boy: The Smith family is out of reach for your family... you should forget the idea of befriending her. That idiot doesn't understand how high society works!

Britany: With her background, we can't expect more...

Vito: (He stopped and glared at them.) Who the fuck do you think you're talking about?! (He stepped ahead.) Did you forget who that kid is? From which family she is or are you just stupid?!

The teenagers stared at Vito with big eyes, knowing that the young man was capable to beat anyone in that school, without fearing the consequences.

Britany: Ah... no, we know... we were just saying that...

Vito: That what? (He made another step.) Do I have to remind you how to behave with the members of our family?

Boy: No... sorry...

Britany: We only tried to integrate her into our group...

Vito: And why do you think that she needs to be in your group? She has nothing to gain with that and if you tried to use her, you will have to face my brothers' anger. Are you ready for that? (The teenage boy shook his head.) So?

Britany: I won't talk to her anymore...

Vito: Great! That's the best option, for all of you!

Britany: But rumors said... that you hated her...

Vito: None of your business! Only remember that her last name is Smith! If one of you try to do something stupid, I will know it, understood?!

Once again, the group nodded in silence. Vito left with a satisfied smirk. He hadn't plan to intervene at first, but he thought that he had too because of his family's honor. Or that was the reason he wanted to believe in.

He went to his section and used Suki's phone to navigate on the web. There was not much students in his classroom and after checking his emails and messages at distance, he watched videos on his Instagram.

When the next lesson began, he didn't put the phone away but continued to discreetly use it. But instead of surfing on internet, he took the liberty to check Suki's message and activities she did on her phone. He also looked at her photos and videos, without thinking twice about her privacy. As guessed, she had only her family, that boy, Haru and her piano's teacher on her contacts' list.

Vito had to stop when the teacher asked him to focus on the lesson, but as soon as the class was over, he got back at it. He found out that she had noted the birthday of all her brothers and her Father in her calendar, with every time, a little annotation of birthday cake's idea.

Vito was surprised to see his name and date of birth noted. He was so mean with her that he didn't expect to be mentioned as Gabriel or Enzo. He let escape a little smile that he erased immediately when figuring it out.

The classes finished and the students headed outside one after one. Suki walked carefully; her height was not an advantage at times like that. She spotted her car and approached it, ready to go home after a long day. She greeted her bodyguard and Vito arrived just when she got in the car.

Vito: Here, your phone! (He gave it back to her.)

Suki: Thank you... the battery is really low...

Vito: Normal when you use it... and don't tell Dad or Grandma that I borrowed your phone.

Suki: Okay... (She looked at it and saw an evil emoji added on her calendar on today's date.) You... searched in my phone?

Vito: I had time to kill... why? You have things to hide?!

Suki: No... but... (She hesitated a second.)... it's not...

Vito: Not kind? Not fair? That's life, get used to it! I'm a bad guy, you know that! (He chuckled at her reaction.) Stupid...