On the short timing of the ride back home, Suki checked her phone to see if her brother had done anything else. When they arrived home, Mrs Smith was quietly reviewing some files in the living room. Michael was sitting not too far with a tablet.

Michael: Madam, the children are back from school.

Mrs Smith: Ah... You're right, it's already that late. Children, how was school? Suki, are you not too tired? And you Vito, did you behave well?

Vito: As usual, Grandma, a model student!

Mrs Smith: If only... Grandma would be happy!

Vito: Are you working? I don't get why, at your age, you continue to do so many things instead of fully enjoying your free time!

Mrs Smith: We all have a part to play in that world, Vito... mine is to help those in need. I hope that one day, you will find your own.

Vito: My goal is to live of my family's money... (Mrs Smith frowned.)... Grandma, you know I'm joking... I will probably opt for a management cursus, to work in the family company later.

Mrs Smith: I am glad to hear that. And you Suki? Do you already know what you want to do when you will be an adult?

Suki: Not really...

Mrs Smith: You are still young and have time to find out.

Suki: Yes... I guess...

Mrs Smith: You should go to the kitchen to have a snack. (Suki smiled and left.) Now, Vito... tell me, how was your day as a child without a car or a phone?

Vito: Awful... (He smiled.)... so, can you be kind to your youngest grandson, and lift the punishment?

Mrs Smith: Are you ready to change your behavior?

Vito: Grandma... (He checked that no one was around except Michael.)... I already changed since that... since she came to live with us but... for now... I don't think that I can do more efforts.

Mrs Smith: Michael...

Michael: Yes, Madam?

Mrs Smith: You have half siblings, right? (He nodded.) Do you really consider them as your siblings even if you have different mothers?

Michael: (He stared at Vito with a cold gaze.) It's not even a question, Madam. In fact, I also have 2 step-brothers older than me, and there is no difference for all of us, we are a family... by blood or not!

Vito: (He sighed.) Happy for you, Michael! Grandma, I've got your point, but it won't change anything.

Mrs Smith: I guess it won't change your punishment too!

Vito: If you're trying to force me to be kind with her, it's not going to work with me, kind the contrary!

Mrs Smith: (She frowned and glared at him.) What are you insinuating?

Vito: That I will not force myself to like that girl! I made a deal with Dad, it's like that since months and things are good enough!

Mrs Smith: No, things are not good at all. I can't believe that you think like that and don't see how bad is it for her, but also for you! I'm afraid that you realize this too late... (Her tone seemed sad.)

Vito: (He sighed.) I'm going to my room...

Mrs Smith: That kid... he doesn't understand.

Michael: What do you plan to do with him?

Mrs Smith: I don't know... forcing him is not what I want. I hope that he can understand by himself that she is a precious member of his family and not just a girl that he has to live with by obligation.

Michael: You must be disappointed by their actions. Why didn't you tell him that you know what he had done to her? I mean, he injured her and could have done worst! I am sorry to say this, but Vito and Davide deserve more than a childish punishment!

Mrs Smith: I agree, and they will receive it in due time, don't worry. But before that and for them to truly understand, I need that they change. I saw the guilty feeling in Dante's eyes, and I am sure that he will never hurt or let someone hurt his little sister in the future. And it is exactly what I want from Vito and Davide. I want them to redeem themselves from everything that they have done to Suki... that poor child... if only I was there for her at that time....

Michael: Madam, you are not at fault. Mr Salvatore took the decision to keep his daughter's existence a secret for weeks, and as the father and head of the family, he decided to let his sons behave like that!

Mrs Smith: That idiot... he made a lot of questionable choices after his wife's death... but after finding out about having a daughter, he should have covered her of love and protect her at any cost!

Suki: Nonna... (Mrs Smith and Michael looked at her.)... Father is exactly like that... he is kind, he protects me, and he loves me... really.

Mrs Smith: Suki, come sit next to me. (Suki sat and Michael left the living room to give them a private moment to talk.) Sweetheart, I know that your father loves you a lot and it's normal, he is your father. Don't misunderstand my words, it's just that Salvatore shouldn't have let everything that happened to you in this house happening. (She touched Suki's chin and smiled.) Just by looking at those beautiful eyes, your father should have moved the world for you.

Suki: (She smiled too.) Father is really, really like that...

Mrs Smith: Yourfather is lucky to have such lovely daughter.

Suki let her grandmother to go shower and to do her homework. Then she had her piano lesson with her teacher. Mrs Lawrens was introduced to Mrs Smith, and they talked few minutes about music.

Later that day, when the twins came back from university, Davide also tried to negotiate with his grandmother to have back his stuffs. But contrary to Vito, he didn't argument when he understood what the old woman had in mind. He simply went to his bedroom and waited for dinner time.

The evening passed quietly and the next day, Vito once again asked for his little sister's phone for school times. He even didn't wait the beginning of the first class and requested it as soon as they crossed the school gate.

Vito: Give me your phone!

Suki: (She frowned.) Again?... why do you want mine... you have yours!

Vito: Idiot! If I had mine, you think that I would want yours?! (He made her turn herself.)

Suki: Ahhh... wait... what are you doing?! (She tried to move but he had already opened her backpack, searching for her phone.)

Vito: You're too slow and asking too many questions!

Suki: (She faced him.) Don't do weird things with it... please...

Vito: (He chuckled.) Weird things? It's not like I download photos of naked girls! And frankly speaking, there is nothing interesting in your phone... your life is not really crispy! (He spotted Mary coming.) Hot girl in approach... Bye idiot!

Suki shook her head while she watched her brother walking with his girlfriend toward their building. She found him more and more difficult to understand, even more difficult than Davide.

She joined her own classroom but 2 hours later, during the short break time, she was surprised to see Vito again. And all her classmates present were surprised too. He quickly looked at some of them with a cold gaze and stopped in front of his little sister's desk.

Vito: I forgot my wallet at home, give me money!

Suki: I only have 10 dollars... (She took her wallet in her bag.)

Vito: 10? No way that Dad let you go out with only 10 dollars on you! Give that to me! (He took the wallet and found 2 bills of 100.) See!

Suki: When... It's not my money... It's Father's money!

Vito: You don't even know that he put it on your wallet? Really... you're a lost cause... I'm taking that, it's not like you will use it anyway and when Dad will put back money in it, don't hesitate to give it to me if you don't want it! Bye, idiot!

Suki: Wait... (She saw everyone staring at her and was embarrassed.)

Vito returned to his classroom and after lunch time, he left the school with Mary and some other friends. They were free because the last year teachers were busy in a training.

The group had decided to chill at a sports bar, and they used one of the boys' car to go there. There was loud music playing in the bar and because of that, Vito didn't pay attention than the phone on his pocket received a notification. It was only one hour later, when he was busy kissing Mary in a box corner of the bar, that he felt the phone buzzing in his pocket. He instinctively answered without checking the ID caller, too immersed in his activity to remember that it was his little sister's phone and not his.

Vito: Yeah... be quick, I'm busy! (He kissed Mary in the neck.)

Gabriel: Vito??

Vito: Fuck!... (He looked at the ID caller and noticed that it was not his phone.) Gabriel...

Gabriel: Vito Smith, why are you answering your little sister phone? Where is Suki?

Vito: (He stood up to talk.) Well, the thing is that I maybe borrowed her phone today and as I had no classes this afternoon, I went out with my friends, why?

Gabriel: You maybe borrowed her phone? Are you fu** kidding me?! You clearly using it and you're not at school, so she is not with you! (He sighed.) The car in charge of picking up Suki from school had an issue and they tried to inform her, but they didn't receive any answer, because you have your phone! And now, she is alone, waiting at school, without any way to contact us! (He hung up.)

Mary: Vito, something is wrong?

Vito: I need to go... fu**!! (He grabbed his bag and left the sports bar.)

Vito grabbed a taxi, and he quickly arrived in front of the school. There was still some groups of students talking outside, mostly the oldest ones. He got out of the taxi and spotted Suki quietly waiting in a bench with her friend Haru.

He, somehow, felt relieved to see her at her usual spot, waiting like a good girl that someone comes to drive her home.

Unfortunately for him, one of his brother arrived at the same time, Gianni. He parked his car and, at his face while getting out, he didn't seem happy at all. Suki stood up when she saw him.

Suki: Gianni... I didn't know that you were picking me up.

Gianni: I was not supposed to! (He looked around.) Nothing happened?

Suki: No. Haru waited with me until the car arrives, but I don't know why they are late today... it's the first time.

Haru: I'm going home now that your brother is here. See you tomorrow.

Suki: Yes, thank you and be careful on your way back.

Gianni: Hey... Do you need a lift home?

Haru: No, I'm good, thank you, my mother just texted me, she is there.

Vito: Gianni...

Gianni: (He glared at him.) Kid, get in the car. (Suki quickly got in.) I hope that you don't count on me to take you home!

Vito: Yeah, why not? You're here and you're driving her home anyway.

Gianni: Give me back the kid's phone.

Vito: You're angry just because I took her phone?

Gianni: I'm angry because I had to come here in a hurry because no one was able to contact her and that her safety was not assured because of you! (Vito handed him the phone.)

Vito: She was at school! Waiting 15 minutes is not the end of the world! Why are you overreacting?!

Gianni: She is just a kid! (He yelled, attracting people's attention.) She is not like us; she can't protect herself if someone tries to harm her! Can't you understand that?! Stop being an egoist asshole!

Vito was not expecting that type of reaction from his brother. Gianni got in his car and left without a gaze for the young man. On the passenger seat, Suki stayed silent, not sure why Gianni seemed angry.

Gianni: (He asked, after a minute.) Why did you let him take your phone? Are you going against Grandma's orders?!

Suki: Grandma's orders?

Gianni: You don't know that Vito and Davide are punished? No phone, no money, no car.

Suki: I didn't know... Vito didn't tell me, he only asked for my phone because he needed it and didn't have his.

Gianni: And money? Did he take your money too?

Suki: Well... he seemed to need money, but it was not really mine, ... there was money in my wallet that Father put in.

Gianni: That money is yours! If Dad gave it to you, it's yours. That brat... stealing a kid... no shame!

Suki: He didn't steal my money, it was... (He gave her the look saying to stop talking back.)... I gave him because he needed it...

Gianni: Didn't we agree that you will stop being kind with everyone?!

Suki: No...

Gianni: Then you should! And don't give me the argument... Vito is not anyone, Vito is my brother..., because that brother doesn't deserve it!

Suki: Are you angry because of that?

Gianni: Not only... But it's not something you should concern yourself with. I'm just driving you home and go back to work. Dad will deal with that idiot of Vito tonight!

Gianni dropped the little girl off and left immediately. Suki thought to find her grandmother in the house, just like the previous day but there was no one.

She went to her bedroom, had a shower and checked her phone. She saw the different messages received and two from Gabriel. The first one was to ask her where she was and if something happened. The second one to ask her to rest quietly at home when she comes back. She sent a short message to reassure him that she was fine and at home. As usual, she took a light snack and talked with Chef Aldo about food. She wanted to learn a typical Italian dish to prepare for her grandmother.

The Chef proposed to teach her how to cook something during the weekend. The little girl thanked him and went to practice piano.

On Vito side, the young man took a taxi with the remaining money to join back his friends at the sports' bar. He didn't want to go home for now, sure to be scolded by his father or grandmother. He wanted to, at least, have a bit of fun before the trial that would wait him at home.

And his decision to hang out until dinner time had passed, was not the best idea. When his friend's car parked in front of the huge gate of the propriety, Vito exchanged a gaze with the bodyguard who had driven them this morning to school. The man immediately looked down.

When Vito entered the house, it was quiet and he thought to be able to go to his bedroom without troubles, but his father's deep voice stopped him when he was crossing the corridor. In the living room, Salvatore was there with his mother, Gabriel and Dante. Fortunately, the youngest siblings were not there.

Salvatore: Vito, you eventually decided to come back!

Dante: He's done hiding himself like a coward!

Vito: I was not hiding! I have no reasons to do that. (He showed assurance, but he knew that he screw up.)

Salvatore: Vito, your attitude is not what we can expect from someone who didn't respect his parents' orders! You created a situation that was at risk for a member of the family, are you even conscious of this?!

Vito: It was not on purpose. Yes, I borrowed her phone, and I forgot to give it back to her before leaving school, but frankly, it's not a big deal! If you are so afraid that something happens to your daughter, just keep her locked in that damn house!

Salvatore: That's not the point here, Vito!

Gabriel: You refuse to understand... or you're putting on a show... because I know that you ran to school as soon as I cut our call.

Vito: I don't care about her! I only went back there because I wanted to avoid all that shit! If you want to punish me, go ahead, if you want to hit me, I'm ready!

Vito stiffened when his grandmother stood up with a straight face. He kept his gaze on her, ready to be slap but instead the old woman, who was smaller than him, hugged him and patted his back.

Vito: Grandma...

Mrs Smith: Little boy, your brother is right... you're putting a lot of efforts to look like a stupid brat... but it's useless...

Dante: Nonna, you shouldn't be like that with him, he will never change otherwise!

Mrs Smith: Grandma was not enough present for you when you were younger. I thought to have been of some help after your mother passed away, but I guess you needed more of my time and attention, just like your father's ones.

Salvatore: Mamma...

Mrs Smith broke the hug and stared at Vito's shining eyes for few seconds. The young man was touched by his grandmother's words. But the comforting part was over and now, Vito had to face the old woman's anger because of his bad behavior. Her facial expression changed in the blink of an eye, and she grabbed her grandson by his ear, making him bent of pain. Dante laughed at the scene.

Vito: Grandma... stop... what's wrong with you!!!

Mrs Smith: The role of the kind grandma is done! Did you really think that I will not punish you after putting your little sister safety in the balance? Are you that stupid?! It was not enough for you to go against my punishment, you dare to defy us?! (She slapped the back of his head.) You want to be hit?! Great, I didn't exercise for a long time!!

Dante: Nonna, I can hit him for you if you want, you don't need to tire yourself because of that brat!

Gabriel: Dante... (He nodded and Dante sighed.)

Dante: You wanted to kick his ass too, 10 minutes ago!

Salvatore separated his mother and his younger son because he didn't want Mrs Smith to hurt herself in the process. The young man touched his painful ear and dared to glare at his grandmother. When she saw that, she was ready to do a wrestling hold to the young man and Vito stepped back. It was maybe time for him to stop his childish behavior or she would find a way to kill him during his sleep. Gabriel grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him to the kitchen.

Gabriel: Are you not done with your stupidities?! Do you plan to give her a heart attack?!

Vito: Grandma is on my back since she came back from her trip... just because of that girl!

Gabriel: It's because you are acting like a jerk and talk like that that she is angry at you, or should I say disappointed! Today, you made another bad choice that could have led to a dramatic situation. Our enemies are always keeping an eye on our family to find an opportunity to attack us. There is also the Tanaka, who can show up anytime to harm Suki. Are you not old enough to understand that?!

Vito: I get it... but nothing happened, and I can't change anything.

Gabriel: Don't repeat the same mistakes, again and again. It is my last warning. If I hear you bad talking to Suki, threatening her or anything like that, I won't hold back this time for Father's sake, understood?! (His tone was cold, just like his dark blue-green eyes.)

Vito: I won't give you the opportunity to go against Dad, don't worry!

Gabriel: Vito... (Vito was about to leave.) It's still time to change.

Vito: (He didn't look at him.)... hum... thanks for the advice... (He left.)

Vito went to his bedroom, took a long shower and went to see Davide and Enzo. They were both playing in the game room while drinking some beers. They knew at Vito's face that the discussion that he was supposed to have had with the adults was probably not pleasant. Enzo handed him a can of beer without asking anything. They played until midnight, avoiding the scolding subject, then went to their respective rooms.

The next day, Vito didn't utter a word during the ride to school. Suki knew well not to bother him when he was silent like that. At the end of the day, Suki walked alone to the school entry gate; Haru had an additional class that day. As soon as she passed the gate, a young man stopped in front of her and leaned at her eyes level with a smile.

XX: You must be Suki? You are really beautiful...

Suki was startled by that young man that she didn't know but who knew her name. She stepped back and looked around to find her bodyguard.

XX: Eh... don't freak out, I'm not dangerous... (He saw the fear in her eyes and stepped back.) I swear, you can trust me, I only... (She ran toward the school but bumped into someone.)

Vito: Why the fu** are you running like that?!

Suki: Vito! There is a boy... he...

Vito: (He looked ahead and recognized the guy.) The fu**!! What are you doing here?! When did you arrive?!! (Suki was lost.)

XX: This morning... (He stepped ahead.) It's been a while, bro'! (He exchanged a brotherly hugged with Vito.) So... should I introduce myself? That cutie seems scared.

Vito: That idiot is always scared... (He looked at Suki who was hiding behind him.) Don't freak out, he is my cousin; Danilo Accardo. He is from Grandma's family side.

Danilo: Nice to meet you, little Suki...

Suki: Ah... nice to meet you too... and sorry, for my reaction...

Vito: Dad knows that you are here? Did you stop at home?

Danilo: Yes, I saw Grandma Gina and came here, I was eager to see her!