I'm a Costello

(16) Threat

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[Third's POV]

The day Valentina flew to Texas the boys attended school and conducted a brief investigation regarding the said incident that led to Valentina's suspension.

They spoke to her friends to see if there is more to the story than what they already know. To say that her new friends were pissed upon receiving the news of Valentina's suspension would be a splendid understatement.

Iris ripped Emily into a new one and suffered immediate detention as a consequence for threatening the girl of breaking her leg for real in front of the teacher. Ethan, Liam and Madison even marched into the principal's office in protest for Valentina and made very compelling arguments about this 'incident' being a facade.

One thing led to another and the boys, with the help of Val's new friends, were able to force Emily into admitting her actions. As a result, the principal revoked Valentina's wrongful suspension.

Vincenzo was beyond upset upon getting the apology call from the school authorities. He gave them an earful for allowing such serious allegations against his daughter without conducting a thorough investigation. He subtly reminded them that his consistent generous donations to the school over the years should alone guarantee a proper look into the matter before racing to declare punishments.

There was no doubt some of his anger towards the school was a projection of his own frustration. He was disappointed with himself for handling the situation the way he did. Why did he turn a blind eye to Val's confessions?

The guilt the Costello men felt as a result of the events that unfolded in Valentina's absence were heavy to bear. They knew they had to ask for forgiveness for their part in this. Only when Valentina would forgive them would they feel at peace.

So they waited for her to return back home.

"What if she decides to stay there and not come back?", Matteo asked, biting his nails.

"She won't", Xavier shook his head rather confidently.

"More like she can't", Xander frowned. "She isn't of legal age yet. So.. you know... she has to come back", He muttered, his words not bringing much assurance to anyone.

Enzo smacked Matteo's hand to stop him from biting his nails though his eyes were trained on his father. "But she was so mad at us. I can't forget the look on her face when she said she wished she'd never come here to live with us", He said nervously. "That is frightening dad!"

Vincenzo sighed, his eyes closed.

The man had no words of comfort for his sons. He knew they were right to be worried. Val is no ordinary girl. She has inherited Costello stubbornness just as much as any of the boys, and she can hold a grudge if she fully intends to. That much he knew.

Now he started feeling like an asshole and a poor excuse of a father. His daughter hadn't been here a month and she was already revolting against his presence in her life. How big of a screw up do you have to be to accomplish that?

Also, his biggest fear had come true. His only daughter, his angel—not wanting him in his life...

A sudden phone ring pulled him out of his thoughts.

Vincenzo sighed, answering the call. "Yeah?"

Alessandro and the rest of the boys studied their father's face as it slowly went from nonchalance to shock and then to fury. It was when Vincenzo abruptly stood up from the couch, his jaw clenched, did the others follow after him looking curious.