Christian was at school. He was playing billiard by himself deep in thought in an area that only he had access to and used. He was aware that so much must have been going on but did not know anything about specific details.

That morning, his uncle, Artan Armstrong, was not home but had given out his orders. Christian was not allowed to contact Italians. He was not allowed to go to any Italian territories until further notice and that included the Italian school site. This was nothing new. Sometimes when tensions rose he had been instructed to be cautious this way. He only went to Bellaggio territory anyways. That was banned now until further notice.

Christian was not allowed to cantact Gianluca even by telephone but he ignored the rules. The rules did not stop him if he wanted answers. When he was sure there was zero risk of getting caught he broke the rules gladly. So Christian had tried to communicate this with Gianluca via telephone but Gianluca had not answered his phone calls. He knew something was up if he did not answer the phone.

When Christian had arrived at the school, he had noticed that the Irish school had banned the students from the Irish school to cross over to the Italian school until further notice and the Italian school had done the same. This did not look good. Tensions may have risen very high. Christian then, had tried to get in touch with Gianluca to get him to come over through the American teachers who worked at both sites but they had said that the children of many of Italian families were absent that day from school including Gabriela, Lena, Luigi and Gianluca.

Christian had felt annoyed. Why was Gianluca absent? Why was Gabriela absent? What was the emergency? Just when him and Gabriela were getting close and even pretending to be going out together, this had come up.

Christian was so frustrated that he hit the ball so hard it shot off the billiard table.

Cristian walked away and picked up the ball from the floor. Just then the door opened and Lorcan entered. Christian threw the ball in the air and caught it "Did you have any luck?"

Lorcan nodded "Yes." He then stepped aside and waited. He then sighed and stepped outside "Come inside..."

Christian watched as a reluctant looking Alfredo entered. Christian had sent Lorcan over to the Italian school to get Alfredo who was in a similar position as Lorcan for Gianluca. He was an underboss in training and answered to Gianluca only. But unlike Lorcan who had been scouted for his role and had landed at Christian's doorstep by fate and luck, Alfredo had been born into this life. Generations of his family before him had served the Bllaggios. Alfredo had always shown potential above all other children of men who worked for the Bellagios and were Gianluca's small army in school. He had proved himself and Gianluca always knew he was potentially his future underboss and confided in him the most.

Lorcan closed the door behind him and said "He said he can only can stay 5 minutes..."

Christian walked towards Alfredo and said "Oh... So you are setting me a time limit to question you now? Are you?

Alfredo sighed as he looked at Christian. "I follow orders from Gianluca. He warned me you would try to contact him..."

Christian was now standing in front of him as he crossed his arms over his chest "Go on... What did he order you to tell me if I caught up with you?"

Alfredo hesitated and sighed. "Everything..."

Christian chuckled. It was obvious Alfredo did not think it was a good idea. Alfredo was loyal to Gianluca and only to him. Just like how Lorcan was loyal to Christian.

Alfredo gave Lorcan a look "You need to leave..."

Lorcan did not react and stood there.

Christian was finding this interaction amusing. Alfredo was looking at Lorcan with contempt. Lorcan had managed to cross over and locate Alfredo and pass on Christian's summon call to him. It was obvious Alfredo blamed Lorcan for him being there.

Christian said "There is no need to look at Lorcan like that. He follows my orders. He found you... Now. Tell me everything..."

Alfredo turned to Christian "I refuse to talk in front of him..."

Christian said "Did Gianluca specifically tell you to defy me if I asked you to speak in front of someone else?" Christian knew how Gianluca worked. He was very specific when he ordered people and so was Christian.

Alfredo hesitated and then shook his head.

Christian said "Then Lorcan stays... I have a feeling you don't want to be best buddies with Lorcan but he is my top candidate to become my underboss one day. As Gianluca's top candidate for underboss position, you better start getting along with him... Now... Talk Alfredo...."

Alfredo did not argue. He followed Gianluca's orders and did not defy him even if it meant losing his life. He started talking about the account of Eden's aunt Eleanor and what Eden had gone through and how she was safe with Luigi and knew everything and Luigi was now officially going out with Eden..."

Christian was looking at Alfredo with surprise "Hold on... You are telling me Eden now knows everything and Luigi is going out with her in the open? ...."

Alfredo said "Yes. All correct. They are together and she knows everything. She knows who are from crime families in our school and in your school..."

Christian said "And... Isn't she going to run a mile after that after hearing what's happening?" He did not want Eden to run. If she did then Luigi could be a bigger threat to taking his Gabriella. When he dated Eden it had not put Christian's mind at ease very much. Luigi was a threat until he married Eden.

Alfredo said "No..."

Christian said "And... Luigi's family... Are they ok with this? This girl is dating Luigi and is not from a crime family..."

Alfredo said "Well... Her family have seen and heard everything now and know everything... I told you that the Alessandrinis managed to strike a deal with the Fontanas and saved them from their wrath and got them amnesty and forgiveness... In return they will help rescue Eden's aunt Eleanor. It may not sound like a lot to you but that family now feel so much gratitude to the Alessandrinis. They are alive and being protected from revenge because of their role in Eleanor Fontana's abduction... Eden's family are being treated in hospital for the trauma they endured right now. They will be released from hospital soon and will go back to normal life...."

Christian said "How would they guarantee that Eden would not pose a threat and most importantly she would not be under threat herself? The Carters have no crime family behind them even if the Alessandrini name throws a protection blanket over them..."

Alfredo said "That's a good point... As caution, Eden's family will move to live close to the Alessandrinis... So now that they live on Alessandrini territory there won't be ray of doubt in their safety as long as they dont leave the territory without informing the Alessandrinis. Their main chemist shop would remain on the Bellagio territory though... But I am surprised that they are not required to work for the Alessandrinis to repay the debt for their lives being saved. But Alessandrinis dont ask for payment when they choose to save people. Either way Eden is still not from a crime family. Her aunt is married into one but she is still a neutral American. The Alessandrinis dont see her as an enemy and frankly there is minimal risk to Alessandrinis. So its all well..."

Christian could not believe this "So... There is no resistance from the Alessandrinis against Luigi dating this girl? Isn't she seen as a threat in any way at all?"

Alfredo rolled his eyes "No... How can the Alessandrinis not trust Eden to date Luigi?... The Carters are so grateful to the Alessandrinis and have no problem with this arrangement. The Carters are not part of any crime family to have any interests in any businesses that could rival the Alessandrinis in any way... And its not like Eden and Luigi are getting married... As long as Eden is judged not to be a threat to the family, then they can date.... But marriage has different criteria to dating for crime families and we both know that..."

Christian was too relieved to hear Eden and Luigi and were now officially dating that he decided to forgive Alfredo for his last sentence. Alfredo had emphasised on "we both know that" and had given Christian a knowing look. No one dared comment on his relationship with his Gabriela. Alfredo was pushing his luck by faintly pointing to his situation. His rival for now was pursuing Eden and that was all that he cared about.

Christian asked "What else is there for me to know Alfredo?"

Alfredo sighed "Look... You will find out everything else that's been going on if you just ask around from your own people... Why dont you just ask your uncle, Artan Armstrong?"

Christian stated "Because I want to know the Italian version before I hear it all from the Irish side..."

Alfredo said "Alright... So Eleanor Fontana was abducted. The Alessandrinis are trying to free her and the Bellagios have joined in. But... there are more people linked to Italian crime families who were abducted after Eleanor was abducted... This is act of war... Some Italian families have been strategically targeted. This is to put fear in the Italian families that their people are not safe... Italians want to rescue the hostages and get revenge. So now the Irish are reacting by protecting their own people... As you can see we are not allowed to cross over to each other's school even out of safety concerns until this hostage crisis is resolved..."

Christian nodded and thought over his words.

Alfredo asked "Am I dismissed?"

Christian asked "Is that all? Or you are hiding something from me? We both know the end won't be pleasant for you if you hide anything when Gianluca has instructed you to tell me everything..."

Alfredo said "Actually the ball is in your court now... I dont know what else is happening... My instructions are to stay in school for now... The members of all the absent families are affected and linked in some ways with what's happening..."

Christian narrowed his eyes "Has anyone struck the Bellagios from the Irish side? Tell me now."

Lorcan noticed the first sign of anger from Christian in a long time. He was always composed and patient mostly even when angry. But he watched as Christian now was in Alfredo's personal space and looking at Alfredo with a message loud and clear in the way he was staring into his eyes "Hide anything from me if you dare."

Lorcan noticed how Alfredo seemed composed to his credit. Maybe because he was sure Christian won't kill him out of respect for Gianluca.

Alfredo shook his head quickly. "No. No. The Bellagios are helping the Alessandrinis and other affected families but they have not been targeted at all. The Bellagios are not in school because they are helping out and as precaution Gianluca and Gabriella are not in school. Besides, Luigi and Gianluca are old enough to be involved in the business front. So they are involved and their absence from school is not technically for safety. Luigi and Gianluca are busy working with their fathers..."

Christian snapped "What about Gabriela? Why is she absent? Who would dare hurt her in school?"

Alfredo knew he was close to getting a taste of Christian's wrath if he gave him the wrong answer. He knew Christian cared for the Bellagios. He did not understand the friendship between Christian and Gianluca and it made no sense to him but he knew their bond was like brothers if not stronger. He said honestly "I agree with you. She would be safe. But this is just protocol. She is alone at the Bellagio mansion and she is just catching up on their studies. This reminds me, she wants astronomy notes from you. She asked Gianluca to get a message to you to send her work..."

Christian's expression changed slightly "She asked for astronomy notes?"

Alfredo nodded "Yes. You can give them to me or get it delivered somehow to her. I dont know by post maybe. The choice is yours... Either way I have to go now. My job is done... Can I go?"

Christian nodded "Yes. You can go.... after you give me names of all people who have been abducted... I need to know."

Alfredo sighed and complied. After writing down what Christian wanted, he asked "Can I go now?"

Christian nodded "You know the way out..."

Alfredo said "I do... Very well..."

As Alfredo walked to the door and was about to open it, Christian said "Wait..."

Alfredo turned "Yes."

Christian said "I think you deserve a bonus reward. I give you amnesty for the next minute. No consequences. Say what you want to say. Ask for what you want to ask... Use your imagination."

Alfredo said almost with a hint of a smile "I want to save this bonus reward for later..."

Lorcan knew Alfredo was wise to do that. If Christian gave you any bonus reward you had to cherish it. Christian must have respected Alfredo for most likely defying the Bellaggios and interacting with Christian against their orders. Alfredo's loyalty to Gianluca was rewarded by Christian too. Lorcan wondered what kind of treatment he could expect to get from Gianluca in a similar situation.

After Alfredo left, Christian said "You heard him. Gabriela wants astronomy notes... I will get it to her... You will cover for my absence..."

Lorcan asked "Absence?"

Christian nodded "Yes. I am going to Gabriela's house and hand over the notes."

Lorcan shook his head in disbelief. Christian couldn't be serious. Could he? He stared at Christian in shock. "You are leaving?"

Christian said "Is there a problem?"

Lorcan composed himself "Please forgive me for this. But what about your safety? What if you get hurt? Your uncle would not be happy if he hears you have defied his orders."

Christian said "Lorcan. You don't question me. I made it clear."

Lorcan said "I would obey all your orders and this time is no exception. But I am asking you to reconsider for your safety..."

Christian said "Request denied. I will tell you what to do and what to say in this situation... It would not cause any problems..."

****

Gabriela was walking in the gardens. She had decided to go to her tree house. As she was walking alone amongst the threes, she almost screamed when she came face to face with Christian. She covered her mouth.

Christian said "Hello. I brought you the astronomy notes you asked for..."

Gabriela let her hand down and looked at Christian in pure shock "What on earth are you doing here? My parents even have banned me and Gianluca from calling you until this mess is over... And you are here? Are you mad?"

Christian said "You needed notes. I brought them over. This is no crime..."

Gabriela sighed "You take nothing seriously. You ignore all the rules. What is wrong with you?" She then looked around "No one should see you here. Come to the tree house. You came all the way here. You might as well teach me the content. Why waste the trip?"

Christian was so excited at the suggestion "Sure. Why not?"

Gabriela lead him inside the tree house and closed the door. "Sit."

Christian sat down and did not need to be asked twice. He asked "How is Gianluca? I was hoping to go say hello and kick his backside for not picking up the phone..."

Gabriela sat down "He is not home... Only my mother and I are home... I dont know when I see him again... Limited contact is just temporary..."

Christian nodded "Fine... I forgive him.... I think...."

Gabriela rolled her eyes "I bet he would contact you at some point either way. He is like you. He doesn't care about the rules. You shouldn't be here you know..."

Christian smiled "Well. You are right. Gianluca and I don't care much about the rules... But you are no different to me or Gianluca... You are sitting in a room with me of all people... You can't be in touch with me because of this so called crisis..."

Gabriela said "I bend the rules. I don't break them..."

Christian said "I guess we have a lot more common than you think..."

Gabriela stared at him in silence and then looked away as she felt her cheeks hearing up for some reason. When he looked at her like that, it made her nervous. She cleared her throat "Let's get down to studying..."

Christian said "Let's do that..." He then went through the contents of the notes gladly as he was helping himself to the candy jar she had kept in the tree house.

Gabriela was sat down and was making some notes as he was eating candy. While looking down at the notes she said "I can't believe you did this for me..."

Christian said "You are my girlfriend."

Gabriela stopped writing and looked up "But we are not really dating... We are pretending to date. One day you will find a real girlfriend."

Christian stared into her eyes in silence intensely. It made her nervous just like last time and she looked away. The look in his eyes was so intense but also was in some ways reprimanding. Gabriela felt like her heart was racing. Why did she feel like she had said something wrong and had insulted Christian. It made no sense. The look in his eyes made her feel that way.

Christian said in a firm tone that did not give his feelings away in any way "Either way... I will do anything for you to make you happy. You can think of us as anything you want. You are my girlfriend. It doesn't matter if you see it as pretence for a different cause. I will look at you like my girlfriend and will treat you like one... until you break up with me..."

Then came silence again.

Gabriela did not know why her heart was still racing. Something suddenly hit her. She liked Christian. The more she thought of it. The more the thought of him becoming her real boyfriend sounded right. She had never thought of him as a potential boyfriend. Why would she? She was Gianluca's baby sister to Christian. And Christian was like a brother to Gianluca. That was it. She ignored him and just tried to take his sarcasm and annoying ways into heart. Christian was seen like a brother by Gianluca. She treated her with respect, looked out for her, looked at her like she mattered and always did anything he could to help her. He had never refused to be there for her. he was suddenly realising... Christian was like a brother to Gianluca. Gianluca looked at Christian like a brother.... And Gabriela confessed to herself in that moment that she actually liked Christian and not... like a brother.

Silence was not broken. Gabriela was still looking away as her heart was racing. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Gabriela felt more nervous as the seconds went past in silence. She felt like something had changed inside her. She never had seen Christian like this. Why? She had just fallen in love with him. Had she? Was this it? She had spent years around him but had she ever tried to get to know him. Right now he had come all the way from the Irish territory to see her not caring for the consequences. Wasn't this boy worth being her man? He was. And her heart was even beating faster now. What was she going to do? She couldn't possibly admit to him that this was the moment she had just realised she liked him more than just a friend that he had always been to her without expecting anything in return.