Chapter 26

The hospital corridors seemed longer and more oppressive than Sofia remembered as she made her way to her father's room. Vincent walked a few paces behind her, a silent but reassuring presence.

As they approached Marco Russo's room, Sofia paused, her hand on the door handle. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.

"I'll be right out here," Vincent murmured, taking up a position by the door.

Sofia nodded, grateful for his support, and pushed the door open.

The sight of her father, propped up in the hospital bed, hit her like a physical blow. Marco Russo had always been a larger-than-life figure in Sofia's eyes - powerful, intimidating, untouchable. Now, he looked small and fragile, his skin pale against the white sheets.

His eyes lit up as she entered. "Sofia," he rasped, his voice weak but filled with warmth. "My little girl. You came."

For a moment, Sofia felt like a child again, wanting nothing more than to run to her father's side and be comforted. But she fo