Emerging from a five-year stint behind bars, Anthony chose to pay respects at the grave of his deceased girlfriend, Sophia. As he bent closer to the headstone, his face drained of color at the sight before him…

They arrived in a quiet neighborhood, with tree-lined streets and large houses, all with immaculate facades. George parked on a discreet street, just a few meters from the residence they had tracked down. Anthony stood silent for a moment, staring at the brick house.

The lights were on, and he could see shadows moving behind the living-room curtains. Are you ready? George asked, observing Anthony’s tense demeanor. I’ll never be, but I need to do this, he replied, getting out of the car.

He walked to the front door, feeling the weight of each step. When he rang the doorbell, the sound seemed to echo through the silent street. A few seconds passed before the door opened.

There she was—Sophia, or Charlotte, as she was now known. Her face was slightly different, her features more mature but still unmistakable. Her eyes met Anthony’s, and he could see the wave of shock that passed through her.

Anthony? she whispered, her voice almost inaudible. She looked around, as if expecting someone to appear and stop them. You shouldn’t be here.

Anthony took a deep breath, struggling to control his emotions. We need to talk, Sophia. I can’t live without understanding what happened.

She hesitated for a moment, but opened the door, gesturing for him to come in. The interior of the house was sophisticated, decorated with modern and elegant furniture, but to Anthony it felt like a gilded cage. They sat in the living-room, and Sophia looked visibly uncomfortable.

What do you want to know? she asked, avoiding looking directly at him. I want the truth. Why did you pretend to be dead? Why did you never reach out to me? And where is our son? The last question came out more like a whisper, laden with pain.

Sophia brought her hands to her face, clearly shaken. I never wanted to leave you, Anthony. My father—he forced me.

After the accident he said you were dangerous, that being with you would put our son at risk. He forced me to disappear, to change my name, and marry Victor, all to maintain control over me and over Enzo. The name of their son, Enzo, sounded like a blow to Anthony.

He tried to process everything he heard, but the anger began to grow. You had a choice, Sophia. You could have fought for us, he said, his voice choked.

You knew what I was going through, what I was losing, and still you let him destroy everything. Sophia began to cry, but soon looked up, her expression determined. You think it was easy for me.

I was pregnant alone, and he threatened me in every possible way. He said he would take my son from me, that he would do to you what he did to so many others who crossed his path. I did what I thought was necessary to protect Enzo.

Her words hit Anthony like a blow, but he began to see beyond his anger. Sophia was also a victim, manipulated, and forced to make terrible decisions. He felt the anger subside, replaced by a deep sadness.

Enzo. Does he know about me? Anthony asked, his voice trembling. No.

He thinks Victor is his father. It was the condition my father imposed when he forged the whole lie. But Enzo is yours, Anthony.

He always has been, she replied, tears streaming down her face. The weight of those words fell upon him. He had a son, a boy who knew nothing about his existence.

Anthony closed his eyes for a moment, trying to compose himself. When he looked back at Sophia, the pain and resentment were still there, but something else emerged, a renewed determination. This needs to end, Sophia.

Your father won’t control our lives anymore. He destroyed my past, but I won’t let him destroy the future we can still have. I will fight for Enzo, for you, for everything he took from us.

Sophia nodded slowly, as if she finally felt there was a way out. Anthony knew the battle was just beginning, but in that moment he found something he hadn’t felt in years—hope. The sun was beginning to rise when Sophia, Anthony, and George gathered for the first time in a safe place, a discreet inn on the outskirts of the city.

Sophia looked nervous, casting furtive glances at the windows and her hands trembling slightly as she held a folder full of documents. The decision to help Anthony and George had not been easy. Betraying her own father, even after all he had done, was an act that haunted her, but she knew she had to act.

The truth needed to come to light. Here is everything I managed to gather over the years, Sophia said, placing the folder on the table. Forged contracts, suspicious bank transfers, names of people involved in his network.

My father is not just a powerful businessman, Anthony. He leads a scheme that involves corruption, drug trafficking, and money laundering. He controls everything, from local politicians to members of the police force.

George opened the folder and began to analyze the documents. His gaze was attentive, but filled with indignation. This is enough to make a big impact, but we need additional evidence, something more direct, so that it won’t be dismissed or buried by the people Robert controls.

Sophia nodded. I know where he keeps the most important files, at the main house on the farm, but getting in there will be dangerous. He has guards, cameras, and a system that monitors everything.

Anthony, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. I’ll go in. I’ve wasted too much time letting him set the rules…