Finally, he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's start discussing the plan. We don't have much time."
The group immediately switched gears, their banter fading into sharp focus. Six hours later, Marcel's phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen. It was Archie calling him. A flicker of unease crossed his face. He thought something was wrong at home? He stepped aside, answering the call.
Archie's voice came through the line, ragged and broken, like someone was beating him. "Ahhh, boss save me. Your sister found out the real reason you left and she's hitting me!"
Marcel froze, his brow furrowing. Before he could respond, another voice cut in sharply. "Give me that phone!"
There was a scuffle, and then Lira's voice, fierce and trembling with anger, filled his ear. "You asshole."
Marcel was silent, caught off guard. "You could have told me you were off to do a job!" Lira's words came fast, heavy with emotion. "What the hell is wrong with you? What am I supposed to tell Leo if anything happens to you, huh?"
Marcel stood there, at a loss. He had told her he was going to visit old friends, to relax a bit. He hadn't expected her to beat the truth out of Archie.
"I just didn't want you to worry," Marcel said quietly. "It's a small job. I will be back in about two weeks."
Lira's voice was sharp, unconvinced. "And this has nothing to do with those bastards?"
By "bastards," she meant their estranged families. Lira had never wanted him involved with them again. He had promised her he wouldn't. But this... this was something he had to do.
"This is the last time," Marcel said firmly.
Her fury boiled over. "Marcello Lucius Verrochi," she spat, using his government name like a curse. "What could those fucking bastards have that's worth you risking your life again?"
Marcel pursed his lips, uncertain whether to tell her the truth. But Lira wasn't letting it go. She had seen her brother riddled with bullets, lying on his deathbed for that old man and his evil spawn. Countless times she thought he would die, and all she could do was kneel and pray, begging any god to answer.
These past few years, she had been happy. He was done with that life and she didn't have to worry anymore. But now, he was jumping back into the fire pit.
"Tell me!" Lira demanded, her voice trembling with fury and grief.
Marcel sighed, his shoulders heavy. "Mum's ashes… and her belongings."
Lira froze. She had been ready to yell, to unleash her anger, but his words cut through her like a blade. Her heart broke instantly. Terrible memories surged. Memories of her finding their mother in that pond belonging to the Varcano family. The image haunted her every night.
Their mother, Thalia, had been kind, gentle, too loyal to the family that exploited her. They dressed her in fine clothes, gave her the illusion of luxury, but demanded obedience in return.
She was told her only duty was to repay them by marrying who they chose, living the life they dictated. Thalia never thought to stand up for herself. She did everything they asked until the day she was driven to her death.
Lira knew. She had always known that her mother hadn't committed suicide. Just weeks before, Thalia had whispered her plan to her: she was finally leaving the Varcano family. She wanted to take Lira far away, to protect her from the same chains she had endured. But a week later, she was found dead.
Tears spilled down Lira's cheeks before she realized she was crying.
Marcel's voice softened. "I really want us to lay her to rest. That family shouldn't keep her. They made her suffer in life, she shouldn't keep suffering in death too."
Lira wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "I understand… but just be careful. I can't afford to lose you too."
Her words hung heavy. It was like a plea wrapped in fear. Marcel smiled faintly, though his tone carried a weary edge. "You are overthinking it. It's just a simple job."
Lira's lips pressed together, her eyes still wet. "Okay," she whispered, though her voice betrayed her doubt.
He then asked, "Where's Leo?" Lira turned, her gaze softening as she watched the boy. Leo was kicking a punching bag with his short legs under Toni's patient instruction, completely unaware of the storm swirling around the adults.
Lira didn't want him to see her crying, so she handed the phone to Archie. "Let him talk to him," she said quietly.
Archie nodded, offering her a box of tissues. "Okay." He walked over to Leo, crouching down. "Hey, it's your uncle. He wants to talk to you."
Leo's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Uncle? You went on vacation without me! I am stuck here doing math, and you're out having fun!"
Marcel chuckled softly. "I will take you with me next time, that is if you get an A on your math test."
Leo's smile faltered at the mention of an A. His shoulders slumped. "Uncle, if you don't want to take me, just say so. I will never get an A."
Marcel sighed, his heart aching at the boy's defeat. "You… you have to at least try."
Leo pouted, his voice small. "Fine, I will try. But it's so harddddd."
Marcel's tone softened, warm and encouraging. "It is hard. But it doesn't hurt to try your best."
Leo's pout softened into a reluctant smile. "Fine."
Marcel's voice grew gentle. "Listen, while I am gone, take good care of your mum for me, okay?"
Leo nodded earnestly. "I will. Just come back soon. She is too much work! Last night she made me watch that cooking show with her. She was screaming at the TV the entire time. Uncle, I can't take it anymore."
Marcel chuckled, the sound warm. "Your mom is a little passionate, but she means no harm."
Leo sighed dramatically, then grinned. "I understand. I love you, Uncle."
Marcel's chest tightened at the words. "I love you too. Take care of your mum, okay?"
Leo's dazzling smile lit up the room. "Okay."
Marcel hung up, his expression softening. Lila, who had been watching him from across the warehouse, walked over. "Le Le?" she said quietly and Marcel nodded
"He must be all grown up now," she said with a smile
"He has. But he is really bad at math," he said with a throaty chuckle.
Lila raised a brow. "Really? I was bad at it too, and I turned out fine."
Marcel smirked. "Didn't you get fired as a waiter for failing to calculate change?"
Lila groaned as she said, "Why bring that black history back up?"
He chuckled, remembering the day he met her. She was being kicked out of a restaurant after insulting the manager for calling her a dumb bimbo.
"I told you to never use cash," Marcel teased. "You will get robbed."
Lila rolled her eyes. "My girlfriend said the same thing. Trust me, I stay clear of cash now."