26

Giovanni Haynes

I walk into my mansion at 9:30 PM, hoping my mother is already asleep. Only God knows what she might say about those people who made her travel for hours just to see me—she absolutely detests traveling.

"Gio, honey. Finally, you're home," she calls out. I pinch the bridge of my nose and toss my key onto the coffee table in the living room.

"Hello, Mother," I say, hugging the woman who is dressed as if she were preparing to meet the Queen of England, despite the late hour. "What did I do to deserve the honor of your presence?"

"Please, Giovanni, I don't have time for your sarcasm," she replies sadly, her voice steady but urgent. "We need to talk, and it has to happen tonight; I need to get back home as soon as possible."

I walk her over to the sofa and sit beside her. "What's the problem, Mother?" I ask, sensing her hesitation. "It's Stefano," she finally says, her voice trembling as the weight of the situation sinks in.

My blood boils at the me