CHAPTER 67

ACCOUNT BALANCE

USD: - 355,892.25

MOVEMENTS:

Today

AMORIELLE, VITTORIO ------- 06:00 AM

+ $5,000.00

Ellis woke up the next day feeling irritated and frustrated with the situation. As she grabbed her phone, a notification caught her attention: Vittorio had deposited another $5,000 into her account. She sighed; it only increased her frustration because he seemed to try to appease her desires with money instead of addressing the issue of her move to Brownsville.

Determined to resolve the matter once and for all, Ellis walked to the breakfast table, where she found Vittorio and Antonietta enjoying their morning meal. She wasn't in the mood for formalities.

"Vittorio, I want you to give me a copy of the contract right now. I can't stand receiving notifications about money that I have no idea why I'm receiving. Besides, we need to settle this matter of my move to Brownsville, whether you like it or not," she demanded, in anger.

Antonietta watched her daughter-in-law, puzzled. Vittorio looked at her with a calm expression, but his eyes revealed a hint of interest, and he responded with a touch of sarcasm.

"You seem very hungry, Ellis. Perhaps it's better to eat before we discuss this."

Ellis replied, anger evident in her voice, "I'm not hungry, I'm angry! I want to resolve this situation once and for all."

He abruptly stood up and ordered her to follow him. "Come with me, Ellis."

She followed him, still dressed in her sleepwear. However, when they reached the hallway, Ellis turned towards the stairs.

"Where do you think you're going, Ellis?" Vittorio asked, sternly.

"I'm going to change," Ellis replied, turning around.

"Since you don't have time to wait for my response, I don't have time to wait for you to get dressed. Come as you are."

Surprised, Ellis briefly considered her options and finally agreed to accompany him as she was. The two left the mansion and got into Vittorio's car, heading towards the city center.

After two hours of silence during the journey, Vittorio drove through the city center until they arrived in front of an exquisite condominium in West Village.

The mafia boss led her to the entrance of the condominium, where a doorman received them with reverence. Ellis's curiosity grew as they were escorted to the elevator and went up to one of the higher floors.

When the elevator door opened, Ellis was stunned. Before she was a luxurious apartment with a breathtaking view of the city. She looked at Vittorio, surprised and confused.

Ellis looked around, somewhat confused about the chosen location.

"What are we doing here, Vittorio? Weren't we supposed to discuss my move?"

Vittorio, with a mysterious smile, replied, "Don't worry, Ellis. We are here to discuss exactly that. Let's go inside."

Ellis walked through the apartment and was amazed by the stunning, unobstructed views of the skyline that extended through the living room, kitchen, and spacious bedroom. She looked around, admiring the decoration, elegant furniture, and well-distributed rooms. The stunning floors, high ceilings, and spacious living room with a corner dining area for entertaining guests or converting into a home office/guest room were impressive.

"Vittorio, this place is incredible," Ellis said, still amazed by the apartment.

He smiled, satisfied with her reaction. "After dealing with some matters yesterday, I decided to tour the city with Philipp, my real estate agent, until we

found this apartment," explained Vittorio.

Ellis looked at him, somewhat surprised. "Did you buy this apartment just to prevent me from moving?" she asked.

Vittorio calmly explained, "No, Ellis. I bought it as a compromise between Brownsville and the mansion. It's a way to show the respect I have for you and your needs. It's also a gesture of concession on my part. It's just a six-minute walk from the university. However, you won't walk. I'll provide a car for you."

Vittorio looked at Ellis seriously and said, "While you're here, we'll need twenty security guards per shift to ensure your safety at all times."

Ellis raised her eyebrows, surprised by the number. She questioned, "Twenty security guards? Vittorio, that's excessive! I don't need that many security guards around me. There's not even enough space for them here."

"Yes, it's necessary to ensure your protection. We can't take any risks," he replied firmly.

Ellis crossed her arms and countered, "I understand the importance of security, but twenty security guards are too much. We can find a middle ground."

A negotiation ensued between the two, with Vittorio compromising and suggesting, "We can have 16 security guards per shift."

"One is enough," Ellis retorted.

Vittorio shook his head. "One won't be able to do the job properly. How about twelve security guards?"

After a brief pause, Ellis finally relented and said, "Fine, I accept four security guards per shift, as long as one of them is Rocco."

Vittorio hesitated for a moment but replied, "Rocco can't stay with you. He's my Capo. I've already assigned a security guard named Mauricio to take care of you; he's as good as Rocco."

Ellis crossed her arms and responded with determination, "If Mauricio is as good as Rocco, then he can stay with you, and I'll have Rocco. I've known Rocco for a longer time and trust him."

Vittorio sighed, realizing that Ellis was determined in her choice. "Ellis, we're not negotiating the custody of our children here; we're talking about my capos. Mauricio will be better for you," he argued. "Rocco is preparing to travel with me."

Reluctantly, Ellis relented, knowing she wouldn't be able to convince Vittorio otherwise. "Fine, Vittorio. If that's how you want it, I accept Mauricio as my security guard," she agreed, resigned. "But if Rocco asks, tell him that I had a clear preference for him."

Vittorio nodded, pleased to have reached an agreement, even if it wasn't exactly what Ellis wanted. "Thank you for understanding, Ellis. I'll make sure Mauricio treats you just like Rocco," he said, with a tone of relief in his voice.

Before Ellis could say anything, Vittorio announced something that surprised her even more. "Furthermore, I've decided to follow your advice and deal with my business partners more directly. This will keep me away for a while, focused on my business," he said.

She asked, concerned, "How long will you be away, Vittorio?"

He looked at her sincerely. "I don't have an exact timeframe, Ellis. I can't say how long it will take. But I believe this time apart will be beneficial for both of us. I've thought a lot about the things you told me yesterday, and I really need to reconsider what I want from this marriage. I was wrong to force you into marrying me, but now I'm willing to make

things right. However, yesterday I realized that it's not up to me to decide if there's something to be fixed."

With that, Vittorio opened his folder and handed the marriage contract to Ellis. "Ellis, I leave this choice in your hands. The next time we speak, I'd like you to give me an answer about whether you want to stay married to me or not. Whatever decision you make, I want you to feel free to think it through."

Ellis held the contract, surprised by the response, feeling the weight of the decision she had to make.

Vittorio gently kissed Ellis' forehead, showing tenderness amidst the complex situation they found themselves in. Then, he stepped away and said, "I'll send your belongings to the apartment. Welcome home."

Without saying another word, Vittorio walked away, leaving Ellis alone in the apartment. She looked around, contemplating the breathtaking views and realizing that this place would be her new temporary home. Now, with the contract in her hands and the opportunity to reconsider their relationship, she prepared to make a decision that could change their lives forever.