Guardian — Episode 7

He stopped Mr. Rossi and said in a raised voice, All right, fine. But a public apology isn't enough. You're going to have to slap yourself in front of everyone tomorrow.

And you won't stop until I'm satisfied. Only then will I not call the police. Clenching my fists, I agreed to all of his terms. The humiliation cut deep, but it was all worth it so long as my sisters weren't dragged into this.

That evening, when I pulled my cap low over my face and dragged my exhausted body back to the small apartment, my second sister, Julia Bianco, had rented for me, I found my sisters bustling away in the kitchen. The moment they saw me walk in, they immediately surrounded me, their faces lighting up with joy. Dante, you're back. Dante, I heard you're getting an award at school. Why didn't you

let us come pick it up with you? By order, it should be my turn now, right? As if. It's mine this time. A lump rose in my throat, and I almost broke down, but I managed a strained mile. It's just a minor award. There's no need to go to any trouble. I'll call you when I win something big next time. All right, we won't fight over it. Eat up first. They excitedly

bowl with food. But as we were eating, Alessia's expression suddenly sharpened. She then stood up and took a phone call. I faintly caught a few words. That shipment's been flagged. Threw