The important meeting Rosetta mentioned to Dino was with their old school principle of course, to gain permission to use the school as a makeshift main base temporarily. She was also hoping to personally catch up with Emilio, who happened to be waiting for her at the main gate.

"Hey Rosetta, it's great to see you again." Emilio greeted cooly with a gentle smile as she approached him. "And might I add that you look even more breathtaking in person." - he paused and she smiled gratefully before he remembered something - "Oh, I almost forgot that you need to verify me first."

He then rolled up the sleeve of his right arm to show her the Mezzanotte emblem tattooed on his inner wrist. Rosetta flinched when shown the symbol she had grown to personally dislike and clenched her jaw while averting her gaze.

Her dark haired friend noticed her reaction and voiced his concerns by saying, "I know you've told me before that you dislike this duty…but this verification is necessary to weed out the Mezzanotte imposters that could do you harm. I only want to help you feel safer, so please…"

The Mezzanotte boss hesitated for a moment before taking her subordinate's wrist in her hands to examine the mark. "Okay, you're verified." She forced out her reply as she quickly let go of him and crossed her arms.

Emilio covered his arm back up but continued to gaze at her with concern. "If you knew things were going to be too difficult as the boss then why did you take the position in the first place?"

"It is my duty as a Mezzanotte, whether I like it or not. Besides, I left things to Antonio for long enough." Rosetta replied with a bittersweet tone.

"Still, shouldering everything can't be healthy either." The dark haired male stated. "Listen, if you need anything you can rely on me. I'll do what I can to help you, no matter what."

His boss cracked a small smile. "Thank you, Emilio. I…actually figured I'd be able to meet with your father. Is he available?"

"Not at the moment, but he read the report you sent before your arrival." He answered. "He says the school building is free for your use, and we'll do our utmost to keep you as safe as possible. He only wants one thing in return."

Rosetta cocked an eyebrow up in his direction. "And that would be…?"

"Oh, he just wants you to teach or observe some classes, that's all."

"I can do that at least." The brunette stated confidently. "Now, with a home base I can continue my search in earnest."

"How has that been going, by the way?" Emilio asked with concerned interest. "Have you made any breakthroughs at all?"

"Sort of. I've recently discovered that my brother didn't disappear with the main family at least."

"That's good news!"

"Yes, though we're having a hard time finding him and there are some unsavory rumors going around about him too…" Rosetta trailed off into thought, starting to look distraught.

"Don't worry. You'll find him." Her dark haired friend said encouragingly, breaking her out of her thoughts by taking her hands firmly in his. "Like I said before, I'll support you in any way I can…" - he trailed off and blushed - "Perhaps now that we'll be seeing more of each other we can become…a little closer…?"

"Emilio…"

"Hey, I had to try…" he uttered while letting her go, looking a little upset. "Still hung up on Cavallone then? I have to admit even he got more good looking."

Rosetta's eyes widened with mild surprise at his statement. "How did you…?" - she trailed off, chuckling sadly - "I guess it's pretty obvious though. I mean, of all the places I could've chosen as a temporary main base it had to be close to him. I must love torturing myself, choosing to live near the man I want to be with but can't."

"Right. The fact that you're a proxy boss means there are rules you must abide by." Emilio concluded thoughtfully. "Meaning you can't marry anyone not affiliated with the Mezzanotte family, which Dino is not. I however am…"

Rosetta shot him a brief glare. "Emilio."

"Just thought I'd remind you I'm available if you have to make that choice."

"I…don't want to marry for beneficial purposes…" she stated before going on in thought. 'But I can't marry the man I love either. It will be extremely difficult for me to keep my feelings in check going forward. Please don't let me crumble and succumb to them…'