Chapter 41: Arrival
The ferry moved steadily through the calm seawater, gradually drawing nearer to its destination, the Fortuna Grande Island. Athena’s heart filled with anticipation, eager for the reunion with her missing brother, Enzo.
"What do you intend to do after meeting him?" Vladimir broke the silence inside their cabin. His question hung in the air, carrying a sense of curiosity. It was directed to Lanny since he was unaware of Athena’s real connection to Enzo.
"He is now a fugitive. He is a wanted person in York City," he added nonchalantly. "Are you sure you want Kimmy and Aaron to meet their father? He has a criminal record."
Lanny glared at her brother for talking mindlessly. Athena was with them, listening to their conversation. And his words somehow hurt Athena’s feelings without his knowledge.
"Shut up, Vladimir! You are more evil than him. And you committed more crimes than him. You don’t have the right to judge Enzo." Lanny lashed out at her brother. She couldn’t bear Vladimir’s self-righteous attitude when he himself had a dark side.
The air in the cabin thickened with tension as Athena remained quiet in her seat. She must admit that Vladimir had a point. Enzo was now a fugitive. He couldn’t return to York City.
"Another question!" Vladimir raised his hand once again, ignoring the sharp gaze coming from his sister. "Five years had passed. What if he has already married someone, settling down on that island for good? What will you do? Will you tell him about the twins?"
Lanny found herself speechless, caught off guard by the unforeseen possibilities that Vladimir had presented. ’Honestly, these things didn’t cross my mind. He is right. What am I going to do?’
In the midst of her confusion, Lanny cast a glance at Athena and replied, "I don’t care. I just want to see him alive and well."
Vladimir cocked his eyebrow, casting a skeptical gaze at her. He knew his sister so well. She was a bit self-centered. When she desired something, she would go to great lengths to achieve it.
Her reply seemed entirely out of character, and it left him suspicious. She was not the kind of person who would suddenly give up.
"You’re lying," Vladimir responded with a smug smile on his face.