The cold light of the interrogation room cast long shadows across Dante and Sofia, their hands bound but their spirits far from broken. Don Vellucci sat opposite them, his eyes hard and unyielding — a judge ready to pass sentence.

“You both thought you could dismantle my empire from the inside,” Vellucci sneered, voice cold as ice. “And Sofia, your little vendetta? A dangerous game. You nearly destroyed everything.”

Sofia lifted her chin, defiance burning in her gaze. “You killed my parents. You took everything from me. This was never just a game.”

Dante’s heart clenched at her words — her pain, her rage. Despite the betrayal, despite everything, he found himself stepping forward. “She did what she had to. But that doesn’t mean she’s your enemy. Not anymore.”

Vellucci laughed harshly. “And you, Moretti? Still defending the woman who betrayed you? Blind loyalty will be your downfall.”

Sofia’s voice cracked with raw honesty. “Dante... I never meant for you to get caught up in this. But somewhere along the way, I stopped being able to hate you. I love you.”

The words hung between them like fragile glass.

Dante’s breath caught. The lines between duty and desire blurred completely. “I forgive you,” he said slowly, “because I love you too.”

Vellucci’s eyes narrowed, fury twisting his features.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Enforcer Alessendro strode in, weapon drawn but aimed not at Dante or Sofia — but at the Don himself.

“Enough, Don,” Alessendro said, voice steady. “This empire isn’t worth more blood. Dante’s right. There’s a better way.”

Chaos erupted. The men in the room hesitated, torn between old loyalty and new conviction.

Seizing the moment, Dante twisted his wrists free with a practiced flick, pulling Sofia to her feet. Together, they fought back-to-back, their movements synchronized — a desperate dance of survival and trust.

Amid the fray, Vellucci vanished into the shadows, his final words echoing like a curse:

“This isn’t over. You’ll pay for this. Both of you.”

Breathing heavy, bruised but alive, Dante and Sofia exchanged a look — equal parts relief and fear.

They were fugitives now. But together.

And for the first time in a long time, hope flickered in the darkness.