Chapter 34 My Understanding of Marco

Elena Garcia POV:

Marco just nodded, looking like he didn't know what to say.

After I overheard that phone call, things got super awkward. Trying to start a new conversation felt pointless.

Thinking about that call, I gripped the balcony railing tight.

I wasn't out here on purpose, and I definitely wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but explaining that would be a hassle.

Not explaining might make things weird, but explaining could seem too forced.

I wanted to show Marco I wasn't a threat and that I wouldn't cause him any trouble.

"Maybe we should head out early? If you're cool with that?" I asked, trying to be careful.

"Yeah, that's probably best." Marco knew I heard the call. He hesitated, then nodded.

He looked out at the beach, his face full of apology.

"Look, I know this is sudden, but Albert shouldn't have dragged you guys into this. Trust me, I never wanted to put your family in danger." His eyes were sincere.

That made me relax a bit, realizing maybe I was overreacting.

I should try to trust Marco; he didn't seem like a bad guy.

When he found me, he didn't freak out or act like the gangsters I'd dealt with before.

He was different.

"I don't mean to pry, but can you tell me what happened?" I ventured.

"It's Mafia business. I figured you wouldn't want to know?" Marco said.

"I really don't like... I mean, I hope I didn't offend you. It's just, because of some past stuff, I'm not a fan of gangs. But now, it might be about my safety, my family's, and others," I said.

I almost said something that sounded like a dig at Marco. I bit my tongue.

But luckily, Marco didn't seem mad.

"It's about one of my brothers, Abner Bianchi. His mom isn't Italian, so the family thinks his bloodline is impure and took away his inheritance rights." Marco paused, not dodging my question.

"Another brother of mine, who also has no inheritance rights, got punished recently for disrespecting the former leader. Abner thinks the family is getting rid of those without inheritance rights." Marco explained the call and his background, though not in detail.

His agent called to warn him he was being targeted. Abner found out he was on the family's private beach and was coming.

I was shocked. It seemed not everyone in the Mafia family had the same goals. Marco's situation was dangerous and brutal.

"Why would he come after you? I mean, there are lots of heirs in your family, right?" I was confused.

Even if Abner wanted to go after his brothers with inheritance rights, Marco shouldn't be his first target. According to Marco, he was only recently recognized by the family and didn't have much influence.

"Weak ones are always targeted first, Elena. Infighting in a Mafia family is a lot like gang fights in the streets."

Marco smiled at me, leaning against the railing.

"The difference is, in the streets, someone might help you out of kindness, but in the family, no one helps without expecting something in return," Marco said.

I felt like Marco was hinting at something. His eyes seemed to say more as they bored into my eyes, forcing them to give in and turn away.

"It sounds like you've lived in some rough neighborhoods?" I asked.

"Maybe," Marco answered vaguely, which made me a bit suspicious.

Despite Marco's dangerous side, he seemed well-mannered and cultured, not like those street thugs.

When he said he had only recently been recognized by the family, I figured he must have lived in a normal, relatively peaceful environment before, not a chaotic neighborhood.

I'd seen those thugs in the neighborhood.

They'd curse nonstop, whistle at girls passing by, call them 'bitches,' and ask how much it would cost to sleep with them right there on the street.

I'd been asked those offensive questions before.

Once, when I couldn't hold back my anger and snapped back, I was almost dragged into an empty alley.

Luckily, someone helped me out. It was a skinny boy who often hung around the neighborhood.

The volleyball game on the beach ended quickly, and Albert and the others came back to the villa.

Before going inside, William looked up and saw Marco, his face turning sour.

"Did something happen between you and William?" I asked Marco. Since he had opened up a bit, I thought it might have improved our relationship.

After learning a bit about him, I didn't feel as scared and resistant towards him as before.

"I didn't do anything. He seemed to be arguing with your sister at the time, and he wasn't happy when I showed up." Marco replied, looking unsure.

I glanced at William again, who was strolling with Sofia and showing no signs of the aftermath of an argument, just like he did when I had seen him on the beach earlier.

But it seemed like Marco didn't need to lie, and Sofia and William hadn't said anything.

I could only assume it was a small misunderstanding.

After everyone got back to the villa, Marco pulled Albert aside for a private chat.

I told Sofia, William, and the girls with us that we might need to change our vacation spot.

"Why? Did something happen?" one of the girls asked.

"No, nothing at all, dear," I said, trying to sound relaxed.

I told the girls that if we only stayed at the beach, it would get boring. Maybe we could take the chance to visit a few other places.

The girls were a bit reluctant. After all, we had only been at the beach for a day. We hadn't had a party at the villa yet, and the bonfire on the beach hadn't started.

I told them we still had plenty of time. After we came back from other places, we could continue those activities.

Sofia probably saw through my lame excuse. When the girls were whining about their disagreements, she was the first to agree.

"We could go shopping at the Beverly Center and then spend the night at Disneyland, how about that? Besides, we still have plenty of time to come back to the beach later," Sofia suggested.

The girls hesitated for a moment, then showed interest.

No one hated having more options without affecting their initial plans.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Watching the girls excitedly go back to their rooms to pack some simple luggage, I felt relieved. Sofia came up to me and started asking if something had happened.

I didn't want to tell her; it might scare her, but Sofia was too smart.

"Is it about Mr. Bianchi? Did something happen to him?" Sofia asked.

"Nothing, dear. Everything is fine," I replied.

"Are we leaving because something is going to happen here?" Sofia's bold guess surprised me.

I quickly signaled her to keep her voice down. Seeing my reaction, Sofia knew she was right, and then she smiled.