Regione Siciliana, the land of his birth-Sicily, Italy.
Below, the Mediterranean waves crashed against the jagged rocks, their ceaseless roar blending with the steady hum of the chopper blades. The water reflected the moonlight in fractured ripples, shimmering like molten silver against the ink-black sea.
As we neared the helipad, the full majesty of the mansion came into view-a marvel perched precariously on the edge of the cliffs, as though daring the sea to claim it.
The mansion sprawled like a labyrinth of pale stone and glass, its towering archways and cascading balconies illuminated in a soft, golden glow. Each balcony jutted out toward the ocean, capturing the untamed beauty of the water while simultaneously proclaiming dominance over it.
The estate stretched wide, its grandeur unmistakable even in the dark-a masterpiece of Italian architecture, with ivy-covered stone walls and intricate archways carved into its façade. Rows of cypress trees lined the driveway, standing sentinel under the silvery glow of the moon.
"Brace yourself," I said over the headset, glancing back at Valentino. His usual calm demeanor was set in stone, his jaw clenched and eyes sharp as he watched our approach. He nodded but said nothing, trusting me to do my job.
The chopper's skids met the pad with a firm yet controlled thud. The vibrations reverberated through the ground as the rotors began to slow, their rhythmic pulse giving way to the sounds of the island-the relentless waves, and the faint whisper of wind weaving through the cliffs.
I let out a slow breath, removing the headset and leaning back for just a second to take in the scene. The air was thick with salt and power, the kind of atmosphere that demanded respect.
I unfastened my harness, the leather straps releasing with a snap, and stepped out of the cabin. The wind caught me immediately, tugging at my jacket and sending my hair whipping around my face realizing how overdue I was for a haircut. I took a steadying breath, the ocean air filling my lungs as I glanced toward Valentino.
