Episode 5

Don Paolo arrived home after a tiring trip he made to resolve some problems. His ninetieth birthday was approaching, and despite his lucidity, he felt his body complaining because of his age.

"Grandpa… Carlo, upon seeing him, immediately got up to greet him, but Paolo, upon entering the De Vincenzo mansion, the first thing he did was call for his favorite grandson."

"Matteo... Matteo… Bambino… Paolo called, his hoarse voice echoing through the house."Where is my grandson?"He asked Carlo who was visibly annoyed, making Anna, who was sitting beside him, smile."

"Grandpa… I haven't seen him today. Carlo, with a displeased expression, replied dryly, sitting back down next to his wife."

"Enzo, Enzo… Paolo, dissatisfied with the answer, turned his back on Carlo and started calling for another member of his trusted circle."

Enzo, who was working in Matteo's office, heard Don Paolo's call and ran to attend to him. As he approached, he noticed the irritation on his face.

"Where is Matteo?" He asked impatiently.

"Don Paolo, Matteo is in Brazil," Enzo informed cautiously.

Old Paolo De Vincenzo was visibly annoyed by the news.

"Call him immediately. Don Paolo ordered, his voice firm and authoritarian."

Enzo nodded and quickly picked up the phone, dialing Matteo's number. After a few rings, Matteo answered, and Enzo handed the phone to Paolo.

"Matteo, where the hell are you?" Paolo asked without even greeting him. Matteo took a deep breath on the other end of the line, already anticipating his grandfather's reaction.

"Nonno, I'm in Brazil taking care of some business. I'll be back soon. Matteo's response was not enough to calm him down."

"Matteo, you know how important it is to be here now. With my birthday approaching, the families need to see that you are ready to take command in my place. Don't disappoint me."

"I understand, Nonno. I'll be back in time, I promise!" Matteo replied firmly but respectfully. Paolo paused, still dissatisfied, but recognizing the determination in Matteo's voice.

"I hope you keep your promise, Matteo. Our family will come to depend on you. Paolo closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of decades of responsibility on his shoulders. Paolo wanted to rest after passing command to Matteo." Besides, Matteo, it's time for you to get married and give me a great-grandson. You can choose any woman you want, and I'll make the wedding happen. No excuses. Paolo stated.

On the other end of the line, Matteo shook his head. He knew that going against his grandfather could cause problems in his ascension to Don, which he didn't want.

"Of course, Nonno. I... will think about it." Matteo replied, trying to sound convincing to his grandfather.

Don Paolo smiled, pleased with Matteo's apparent agreement.

"Good. I trust you will make the right decision and find a beautiful woman who will give you many bambinos."

"Yes, Nonno. I will not disappoint you." Matteo said, although in his heart he knew he had no intention of getting married or having children. He didn't like children very much, and the idea of being tied to someone didn't appeal to him.

Paolo said goodbye to Matteo, ending the call a little calmer, as he trusted Matteo to do whatever he wanted. Enzo watched in silence as Paolo handed him back the phone.

"Enzo, prepare everything for my birthday. I want it to be a memorable occasion, and I want everyone to know that the leadership of the De Vincenzo family will be in good hands. Paolo ordered."

"Yes, sir. Enzo responded, bowing his head in respect before withdrawing to carry out his orders."

Paolo ignored Carlo and went to his room, he needed to rest.

Carlo watched everything attentively, feeling a mixture of envy and frustration. Once again, Matteo was the center of attention, and he needed to find a way to turn the tables in his favor.

Anna approached Carlo, her face full of provocation. The marriage was going from bad to worse, and each interaction seemed only to fuel the resentment between them.

"You see, your grandfather only thinks about Matteo. Anna provoked."

Carlo, already irritated by his grandfather's constant preference for Matteo, lost his patience. His face contorted in anger as he turned to face Anna.

"Shut up, Anna! Carlo snarled, advancing on Anna and grabbing her arm tightly. His expression was dark and menacing." I want to see what happens when Nonno finds out that his favorite grandson is telling lies. Matteo has no intention of getting married, I know him, and you should be laughing at me, you'll still see me at the top, and you'll be by my side with our son, whether you like it or not!

Anna tried to pull away, pulling her arm to free herself from the painful grip.

"Let go of my arm, Carlo! Anna demanded, her voice trembling slightly but keeping her determination." Matteo getting tired of it or not doesn't change the fact that your grandfather prefers him. And you know that as well as I do, everyone knows!

Carlo released Anna's arm with a rough shove, feeling his anger rise. He knew she was right but didn't want to admit it. Instead, he turned to the window, trying to control the fury building inside him.

"I'll do whatever it takes to prove to my grandfather that he's wrong… that I'm the one who deserves to be the new Don. Carlo murmured, more to himself than to Anna."And when I'm at the top, everyone who sided with Matteo will regret it.

Anna rubbed her sore arm, her gaze fixed on Carlo's back. She knew that the power struggle within the De Vincenzo family was just beginning and she was determined to play her cards right to get what she wanted.

"We'll see, Carlo… Anna whispered." We'll see who really ends up on top! Anna was increasingly certain that she should tell Matteo about Carlo's plans.

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