"Alessandro returned to his father's mansion, his face a mask of fury. He found Salvatore in his study, sipping a glass of whiskey, a smug look on his face.'You won't find her,' Alessandro said, his voice low and dangerous.'Find who, Alessandro?' Salvatore asked, feigning innocence, but a flicker of annoyance crossed his face.'Clara,' Alessandro snarled. 'Don't pretend you don't know who I'm talking about. She's under my protection, and you will not touch her.''You think you can hide her from me?' Salvatore scoffed. 'I have resources you can't even imagine. I will find her, and when I do...''When you do, you'll have to go through me,' Alessandro interrupted, his voice rising. 'I will not let you harm her. She is under my protection, and I will defend her with my life.''You're choosing her over your family?' Salvatore asked, his eyes narrowing. 'Over everything we've built?''She has nothing to do with our business,' Alessandro said, his voice hardening. 'And I will not let you drag her into this. She's innocent.''Innocence is a luxury we cannot afford,' Salvatore said, his voice dripping with disdain. 'You're being sentimental, Alessandro. It's a weakness.''Maybe so,' Alessandro said, his jaw tightening. 'But it's a weakness I'm willing to embrace. I will protect her, Father. And if that means going to war with you, then so be it.'He turned and walked out of the study, leaving Salvatore seething with rage. Alessandro knew he had just made a powerful enemy, but he didn't care. He would do whatever it took to keep Clara safe, even if it meant destroying his own family."
