Author Notes: Not mine, blah, blah. No copyright infringement. Can't sue if I don't charge..yadda dabba. Italics - speaking in another language.
Milian, Italy - early morning
Within the top floor of the Bulgari Hotel, the automated curtains slowly and silently open, and the early morning rays gently beam on the occupants of the lustrous room—messy long black hair contrast against the pristine white bedding. Broad tattooed shoulders peak from underneath the rumpled sheets. Rolling onto his back, his once pearl-pale skin is light tan from years exposed to the sun, long black lashes frame almond eyes, and angular features give way to his Asian heritage. Awakening next to a warm pale lithe feminine body, he sighs as the memory of last night filters through the sleepy haze.
Last night was another lavish dinner of the Kingmakers and businessmen filled with gestures and political movements, life within the Italian Mafia wasn't so different from businessmen in South Korea. The fake polite smiles manufactured slights, postering, and violence. They have the same dance, different language, and culture, but all predators look to be the ruler. No matter how much hyung Vin tried to shield him from the antics of his adoptive family. The blood in the pool of sharks proved too tempting. How could he not be drawn back to a place of corruption and darkness? Han Seok etched the lessons into the very marrow of his bones. Besides, how else could he protect his hyung from mortal harm?
The ringtone of his phone, 'The flight of the bumblebees, ' draws his attention, Nonna Masina. Paying no mind to the grumbling of the female as she left the bed for the bathroom. He answers in a raspy voice," Ciao Nonna." "Nipote, I need you to shake off the flea of the moment and be home by two today. I need your advice on some vineyards, I'm interested in South Korea." Not bothering to hide his delight, he snickers with a put-on sigh, "Nonna, didn't you tell me to make friends?"
Softly chiding," Kwan Tae, you young man need a steady woman, not a passing moment. Why don't you let me set you up with one of my friends' lovely daughters? I want to see you happy with pretty babies."
Rubbing his face, "Nonna, I know it is expected, but that would complicate things."
"Pft, Nipote, you don't want to give me grandchildren. You hurt my feelings, mi Tesoro. Do you not love me? I won't be on this earth long and need to see your babies. A nice strong Italian woman would do you good."
"It's too early for this conversation. Let me get some food in me, and I will head home. Please, no set-up brunches."
"Oh, Nipote, I feel bad. I didn't think Georgina was such a bigot. She had a good reputation and dated two Indian boys in the textile industry. That little brat not only embarrassed herself and her parents. Her brother married a lovely Maori girl just last year. I ripped her a new one and disinvited her to New Year's Gala. "
"It's not your fault, Nonna. Those men could be just her type. Look, let me get up, and I will see you later. Why don't you call Vin about your idea of grandbabies with Ms. Hong."
"Ha, throwing your brother underneath the bus doesn't mean I won't keep at you. Now I love you, mi Tesoro. Don't come home smelling like whatever flower you plucked."
Hanging up, he hears the shower. Quickly making his way to the bathroom, the dutiful child, Kwan Tae, listens. Now he knows how to make it fun.
Much later, as last night's delight was leaving, Vincenzo came in with the room service, helping himself to the only cafecito on the table. He removes his suit jacket and waits for Kwan Tae to settle for breakfast.
Vincenzo watches a flock of birds heading west.
Today was a strange anniversary, a death anniversary.
Seven years to the day, Jang Han Seo, the false Chairman of Babel, was mortally shot by the hands of his brother and puppetmaster, Jang Han Seok. After receiving the emergency call from Cha Young, two ambulances were dispatched and retrieved two persons and taken to Seoul General Hospital, one DOA and the other admitted.
Within days of the death of Jang Han Seo, his body was cremated and placed into the family ceremony, or mourners were present.
The gruesome details of his death were 'leaked' to multiple papers, media platforms, and television shows. The populous ate up the story as Babel Bio was liquidated, payout to the criminally impacted families and several charities.
During the chaos, a recovering Park Kwan Tae, aka Ettore Cassano, half-brother to Vincenzo Cassano, was protected by Noona Marina Cassano and Nonna Marsina Cassano.
He hears Kwan Tae settle, and then the cutlery hits the plate. "Nonna called me."
Looking up, Kwan Tae, who now has similar features to Vincenzo, swallows, "Sorry, not Sorry, hyung."
As much as Paolo likes to play the power behind the Cassano family, Nonna Masina is the Kingmaker. And she molded her replacement a long time ago.