Penelope POV

I observed as Ruth's lifeless body was taken away, with the children standing behind me, Silvio gazing off into the distance, and Niolas lurking in the corner. I felt an overwhelming sense of pain, so much pain.

Nicolas rose to his feet, attempting to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Silvio called out to him, but he stopped and turned around.

"I'm going to find out who did this; I'm going to discover who killed her," Niolas declared, his anger palpable as he faced his brother, while I stood there in silence.

"Nicolas, please, we are all heartbroken over this, but let's calm down; the kids are still...