When Salvatore returned from the basement, the mansion doors opened. Jordano entered with the twins, who had just arrived from school. Both their faces were somber, and seeing them, Salvatore felt a knot in his chest. They hadn't seen their mother in days, and he was the one who had forbidden it.

"Why the long faces, little ones?" he asked softly as he approached.

Melany avoided his hug, and Eithan pulled away.

"You smell like someone drunk, Daddy," Melany said with disdain, rolling her eyes before going upstairs. Eithan, his eyes full of tears, shook his head.

"Daddy… I don't like that school. They make fun of us because they...