Adele was in Angelo's embrace once more. The brother and sister were having a peaceful moment before heading over to dinner under the watchful eyes of Costanzo who was sitting in the corner. The orders requiring Angelo to be watched at all times weren't lifted yet so he still had to be there.

Costanzo in many ways wanted to witness how Adele and Angelo interacted. They were raised in a loving family and their closeness was something he didn't witness often when he observed the people whom typically surrounded him. Angelo and Adele just had the perfect all American life prior to being brought to Francesco's mansion.

Costanzo was most impressed by Angelo from the day one that he was brought in. Costanzo had seen Angelo's suit cases that he had packed for his sister from that night they were brought in. The contents of the suit cases were inspected by Antonio later on and Costanzo had been present when they were checked for security reasons.

Angelo had given him the impression of being a loving brother. He had put Adele's belongings with such great care in a manner and order in the suit cases that reflected his attention to detail when it came to Adele. On the way to Francesco's mansion, Angelo had even convinced Antonio's men to stop so he could get some necessities for Adele from the shops. He seemed to have picked only the best and most classy items. Some happened to be expensive but they were all also well picked with even matching colours. Angelo seemed to know even what Adele's favourite colour was and had tried to match her favourite colours in items. Costanzo was so affected by seeing Angelo's care for his sister from the bags he had packed for her. Now he could see it in his eyes too so clearly how much he loved Adele.

That was not all. According to Antonio, throughout the time Angelo was watched by his men, Angelo just asked for Adele's fate and not about his own. He just wanted to know about Adele's safety. Adele and Angelo were indeed innocent passers by with a normal upbringing who were unlucky enough to be subject of interest of a criminal., He wished the brother and sister didn't have to go through difficulties of fitting in. He felt sorry for them. They were going to have a different life. He just hoped Angelo was never broken and his spirit was never crushed. He looked so fragile, thin and pale just like Adele. He looked so vulnerable. His fate was in Francesco's hand and he was the only one who could make sure Angelo was never broken. Costanzo truly hoped that was going to be the case and Angelo was never on the wrong side of Francesco. He could only hope for the poor doctor to become Francesco's close brother in law one day. He could only hope.

As Costanzo was staring at the brother and sister, he noticed the time as he looked at his watch and spoke " Dinner is about to start soon. We have to go. I am sorry."

Angelo sighed and pulled away. He took a step backwards. He turned to Costanzo "Please a few more minutes..." He then turned to Adele and spoke in a concerned tone " Adele you have to tell me how you convinced Francesco to drop my punishment."

Adele sighed " How many times do I have to answer this question? Why cant you believe me. He didn't do anything to me. Just drop it. Besides, he didn't remove your punishment completely. He reduced it. You still have to go to Emanuelle O'Neil's house for some time until Francesco calms down. Then you will be still watched when you are ordered to return to this mansion...."

Angelo shook his head " It doesn't sound like Francesco's desired punishment for me. That's similar to previous arrangements. I was watched before but now I will be under surveillance much closer and my routine would be stricter. That is all. Even his men don't look at me any differently and think i am watched for my own safety because I was abducted once and Francesco doesn't want this to happen again. Not much has changed .... except...."

Adele spoke " Your right to have a family. I hope Francesco can forgive you fully and grant you that. He said if you prove your loyalty, he will forgive you.."

Costanzo spoke " We don't have long left."

Angelo turned to Costanzo " I have to ask Adele more questions. We may not be able to say goodbye alone after tonight. There is a chance I am sent away to O'Neil's mansion soon and Francesco may not leave Adele and I alone. Just wait abit longer please." He then turned to Adele as his expression turned to a worried one " Did he hurt you?"

Adele spoke " No. He didn't. Nothing happened. We just talked and he agreed to forget what he heard from you about your beliefs that he would hurt me one day..."

Angelo put his hands on his hips " How is this possible. Please Adele. Tell me if he hurt you. I can't live with myself knowing you exchanged something for me to be spared. I don't want Francesco's pardon if he forced you to do anything. I would rather he hurt me. Please tell me the truth. Did he hurt you? Did he do anything to you? Men like him don't change their mind like that..."

Adele spoke " Enough Angelo. He would never hurt me. Just believe it. Don't worry about me. You should worry about yourself. You will be with Emanuelle and Sancia O'Neil's mansion for a while. Please don't make anyone angry and take care of yourself. She then stepped closer and embraced Angelo tightly...."

Costanzo couldn't help looking at Angelo and Adele in awe. They interacted like a real family. Moments like this made him realise what was missing in his life. He needed to get closer to Francesco and have a family of his own. He looked at his watch and whispered "Let's go. Francesco might give you time to say goodbye tonight."

Angelo pulled away and held Adele's cheeks in his hands "You must tell me if he hurt you. You must do that. What kind of brother am I if I just hand you over to a criminal and look the other way. I won't act irrationally this time. I would be careful. Please just be honest with me and tell me if anything goes wrong in your life with Francesco. I know you may say there is nothing I can do but I can be there for you, I can listen to you. I can offer my own suffering in exchange for yours to Francesco....."

Adele spoke " No. You never need to do that and you never should. Francesco will never hurt me. I trust him with my life and believe that he will keep his word...."

Suddenly a knock came on the door. It was Antonio " It's me. I have a matter to discuss." He then turned the handle and since it was not locked it was the sign he could come in. He closed the door behind him and turned to Adele and nodded respectfully " Alright. He then gave Angelo a hateful, cold look and then turned to Costanzo and spoke in a serious tone" Do you want the good news or bad news?"

Costanzo walked to Antonio " Both."

Antonio sighed " O'Neil is on his way. Costanzo you must watch it around him tonight. He is the key to your chances of marrying Amaranta. He will be arriving any minute now. I just thought I let you know..."

Costanzo gritted his teeth " Did you call him up?"

Angelo and Adele were listening intently at the exchange between the cousins. They were taking the new information while they looked at each other with raised eyebrows and kept nodding. They knew this was a crucial night for Costanzo from the sound of it. They didn't think how interesting things had gotten. They had no idea. They were not expecting to hear what was coming next.

Antonio spoke " Me? You think I would call O'Neil on your behalf? I am selfless but I would not risk giving Arturo's secrets out to O'Neil and making an enemy out of him. Anna only is capable of such stunts. She called O'Neil up and told him all about what Arturo is planning to do. She told him that Arturo wants to take Amaranta and Alessio as prisoners to Italy and wishes to declare war on the Voltolinis jointly with the help of the Marcianos....."

Costanzo asked " Why did Anna call him. O'Neil will complicate everything. Him and Arturo don't see eye to eye....."

Antonio spoke " Exactly. She tried to save your backside and also she lives to challenge Arturo. Wait until Arturo finds out who called up O'Neil. At some point he is going to find out and all hell will break loose. She did it in a smooth way. She called up O'Neil and said to him that Arturo is about wiping out the Voltolinis who happen to be distant relatives of Sancia Giovanni through marriage in some branch of their family. She said it in a way to taunt to O'Neil that look, my boyfriend is coming at you indirectly. Watch it... That did it...O'Neil then became hell bent on saving Amaranta and Alessio.."

It was Angelo who spoke as he was taking in the information " But why would O'Neil do anything about Amaranta or any Voltolini? It looks suspicious. Why would he do something so easily? What does he have to gain? Besides he was on that ship torturing Voltolinis men after taking over..."

Antonio turned to Angelo " You are smarter than you look traitor. He of course has you to gain as a doctor either way. I hope Sancia teaches you a lesson..."

Costanzo objected " Don't call him a traitor."

Antonio sighed " Fine." He then turned to Angelo and explained " To answer your question, Voltolinis are not O'Neil's allies but not his enemies either. He found out they didn't have a hand in his assassination and it was just some of his old enemies involved with his unfortunate near death experience on his plane awhile ago so he is now keen to make up for all he has done and return to being on neutral terms with the Voltolinis. He also likes Amaranta because she is one the few people that his wife actually gets along with. Some members of Giovannis and Voltolinis are distant relatives. So he is basically here for his wife. Emanuelle and Sancia had a massive argument when he got involved in attacking Ambrogio's ship at the hotel where there was a meeting with Francesco's allies about what to do with Ambrogio before they came to get you. Anna knew Sancia would want to interfere now that O'Neil had found out Ambrogio had nothing to do with his assassination. So she called him up. Of course, interfered for his wife. He called up Arturo's parents and arranged some marriages to solve the issue."

Costanzo gasped " So he is coming over to discuss this with Arturo?"

Antonio smirked " Oh, no. All the discussing has been done. He is just coming for a simple thanksgiving visit. He has done his discussing already. Don't you know how he works? O'Neil called up Arturo's parents and convinced them to arrange a marriage between Alessio and Alicia, Arturo's sister. He also asked for Ambrogio to marry Arturo's distant cousin, Portia. There is more. O'Neil guaranteed that if Alicia is dishonoured by Alessio or if Portia is dishonoured by Ambrogio, he would act against the Voltolinis alongside Agostinis. As you know the Augiustinis, normally don't like to give their daughters away without taking a daughter for their sons. So Amaranta is safe to marry you, Costanzo. O'Neil offered his peace solution and it all worked out as Arturo's father couldn't say no. The Marcianos also are not going to war without their close allies, the Augustinis so war is over before it starts. You can have Amaranta ..."

Costanzo was shocked "But I am sure, it is not as simple as you put it. I cant have Amaranta so easily because what O'Neil has done. How is this possible?...."

Antonio spoke "It is that simple. O'Neil has done all the work. Arturo's father must have asked for Amaranta to be given to Arturo because he gives a daughter only if he takes one from the voltolinis but of course O'Neil knew Arturo was going to make sure that didnt happen. O'Neil knew how much Arturo loves Anna and he knows, Arturo would make sure the war went ahead to avoid marrying Amaranta. So he offered a second Voltolini brother to marry into the family with his guarantee on top of it..... He is clever...When O'Neil interferes, alot changes. You don't have to do anything. Just nod your head at dinner and hope Arturo doesn't convince Francesco to take his side. If Francesco take his side, you are done for. So is Anna. But I don't think Francesco would want to take sides. He gains more if you marry Amaranta and have some heirs to guarantee this family's future. I am sure he may reprimand Anna for calling up Arturo in private but if what she has done hasn't damaged Rosarios or endangered any Rosario in any form, she would be cleared of any charges. Besides O'Neil is an ally so she hasn't broken any rules..."

Costanzo spoke "But O'Neil is not Arturo's ally..."

Antonio spoke " Exactly. So what she has done may only insult him. But I told you all this to give you a heads up. Indeed, the one we need to watch is Anna. Once Arturo finds out who called O'Neil, then we need to dissolve the situation if it escalates. She saved Amaranta this way by convincing O'Neil to use his neutral position to keep the peace. Let's hope she just doesn't break under pressure and carry on doing what she does best, holding the key to Arturo's heart. If she breaks, you are going to say goodbye to Amaranta forever."

Costanzo spoke " How do you mean?"

Antonio spoke " Come on Costanzo. Imagine if Arturo takes Anna to Italy and forces her to marry him immediately. Then that's it. He will be taking over from his father that way because that's what his father wishes before he hands the position to him. But that's not the only way and you know it. Arturo could take over from his father if he overthrows him and even kill him. Who knows what he is capable of. Only Anna can change his mind because he only loves her and nothing else and no one else. So we must be on alert. As long as the two Voltolini men marry into Arturo's family, then he can't be enemies with them. He doesn't need to be friends but he just can't attack them with no provocation like he is going to do now."

Costanzo sighed " The provocation is in his past with Ambrogio and you know it. It's ironic how he is technically motivated to go to war just for Anna and she is the one that stops his plans...."

Angelo and Adele looked at each other in surprise. Adele spoke "I never thought this feud would be solved simply by marriages."

Antonio nodded "It is being solved not by just marriages but specifically by O'Neil's interference. He just knows what to say and how to say to convince you to a deal. He just can do it. It helps that he has Irish roots and not Italian roots because he is seen as a neutral one. He is quite like my uncle Piero and Antonio when it comes to negotiations I would say. My father loved him like a son and wished he had a daughter to give away to me as wife. Luckily O'Neil is an only child and has no sisters. In that case I would have been pushed to marry an O'Neil. I cant see myself becoming related to an O'Neil. Rosarios and O'Neils just don't get along. Let's go now. I think we should make our way. I can hear engines. He must be here."

Antonio then turned to Adele " Before we go I just want to say I am sorry to have kept you waiting. I just had to tell everything to Costanzo. I also don't hide anything from you because I fully trust you Adele. You saved Georgina from Francesco. I admire you for that. But I can't trust Angelo. I am afraid he needs to do something to prove himself to all of us." He then turned to Angelo "Don't keep your hopes up that I talk in front of you. You will be watched so closely from now on. You won't get the chance to do anything against Francesco...."

Costanzo reached his hand up and patted on his shoulder " He is trust worthy. Otherwise Francesco wouldn't have pardoned him."

Antonio mockingly coughed. He then cleared his throat " Francesco did what?"

Costanzo spoke " He reduced his punishment but he still will be watched. Now I think we should go."

Costanzo then walked to the door and held the door open for Adele and nodded respectfully to Adele " After you, Mrs Rosario."

Adele, Angelo, Antonio and Costanzo walked out and made their way to the lobby. Adele immediately felt how the atmosphere changed. She was now walking side by side with Costanzo and Antonio but Angelo was walking behind them as Francesco's men watched them closely.

As they reached the party room, they spotted Emanuelle O'Neil and his wife holding drinks while standing and talking with Amaranta at one side of the room as Alessio, Georgio with his fiancé, Flora, Anna and Georgina were standing a few feet away looking on.

Antonio whispered as they walked closer to middle of the room " It seems like Francesco and Arturo haven't finished talking yet. But what's up with Alessio and his dirty looks he is giving O'Neil" He then laughed "Alessio is most likely too shaken up to be friendly with O'Neil since he didnt want to be handed over to Francesco at that ship. The shock from the face off with O'Neil at the ship hasn't worn off otherwise Voltolinis don't hate O'Neils no matter how many rules they break."

Adele stopped alongside Costanzo, Antonio and Angelo in the middle of the room as they collected drinks from the table. Just at that point the room fell silent as the guests looked at the entrance. Adele, Antonio, Costanzo and Angelo turned they saw Arturo and Francesco at the door. The people looked between Arturo and O'Neil wanting to know how they greeted each other. People also noticed the distance between Arturo and Francesco.

Francesco walked to Adele and embraced her and kissed her forehead as he took the filled wine glass from her hand. He smelled the wine and spoke " You have great taste sweetheart. This is my favourite wine too." He gave back Adele's wine glass and got himself another glass. He then took a sip from it as he announced to the room " Ladies and gentleman, thank you for coming. Dinner will be served in ten minutes. take your time networking. Shortly, I wish for us to make our way to the dinner table."

Adele kept glancing at Arturo who was now at the drinks table while his stare didn't leave O'Neil's. Francesco took Adele's hand and took her towards O'Neil and Sancia. He said " Emanuelle, it is great to see you here on time."

Emanuelle turned to Francesco and walked to him as he wrapped his arm around Sancia's waist. As he stopped in front of Francesco, he spoke " Happy thanksgiving Rosario. Sancia and I are very glad to join you tonight. We even brought our turkey with us. Sancia's big brother Sergio decided to celebrate thanksgiving at his fiancé's house so we were alone. Sancia doesn't like his fiancé that much. How are you dining Adele?"

Adele smiled " Fine thank you. I am glad you have come with Sancia."

Sancia nodded " Emanuelle is a man of surprises. He loves the unexpected."

Arturo suddenly joined the conversation as he dragged Anna to the crowed " Speaking of surprises, I am very shocked to see you here. You know when I look around this room, everyone has Italian blood but you. O'Neil, you are the only Irish. That's surprising definitely. Remind me who invited you? It's a genius surprise to see you here."

O'Neil smiled " I was invited by a Rosario. Simple."

Arturo spoke " Very simple indeed.... Very well. Tell me ... How is business?"

Emanuelle smirked "Business is as usual. Francesco can tell you about how smoothly my business goes. We are allies afterall and there are hardly many secrets between us." He then raised his glass and touched it to the wine glass that Francesco was sipping from. " Cheers." He said.

Francesco nodded " Cheers." Francesco was silent deliberately. He wanted to see the exchange between O'Neil and Arturo. It was just too good to miss. He then turned