Donatello steps out of the office into the bistro’s thin, storm-lit hush. The room is already holding its breath when he lifts one hand, and the silence tightens around Tommy and Erika.
He sets a folded manila packet on the nearest table. A few clipped pages slide partly free, copies of menus, reservation logs, and staff notes stamped with his private initials.
Donatello "Don" Capozzi
She was never meant to see the whole picture in one sitting.
Vicky’s face drains. Nikki goes rigid. Vinny’s stare flicks from the papers to Tommy, then back to Don, like the shape of the lie is finally clicking into place.
Donatello "Don" Capozzi
I kept her meeting clean on purpose. One room, one story, no family history. Let her learn the important parts first.
Another lightning flash strips the color from Don’s face. Erika stays still, but her head angles toward the packet, reading the truth in the silence before anyone says it aloud.
Donatello "Don" Capozzi
If she’s staying, she learns the real business from me, not from the rest of you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn Donatello’s true terms for Erika’s place in the family
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect Erika from the family’s control
“Let me stop you right there dad. Love doesn't need to earn it's place. And if you think it dies then i don't wanna be in this family. You made a oromise to support your children through their choices. Well Erika is my choice, dad. And if you dont support that then you can find someone else to be your damn accountant!”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -2)
Thomas "Tommy" Capozzi
Let me stop you there, Dad. Love does not have to earn its place. If this dies, I do not want in on it. You promised to back your children’s choices. Erika is mine, and if you will not stand behind that, find another accountant.
The words land hard enough to rattle the quiet. Tommy’s phone buzzes once in his pocket, and he stills it by reflex, the cost of the challenge hanging there with the stormlight.
Donatello "Don" Capozzi
You are making a line in the sand, son.
Don’s hand closes over the manila packet, then he slides it aside like the papers no longer matter. His shoulders ease, not in defeat, but in acceptance.
Donatello "Don" Capozzi
Then let me be plain. Erika is not a test case, she is under my protection because you chose her openly. That is my word.
Erika
Then we are agreed.
Vicky and Nikki trade a look that softens from shock into wary calculation. Vinny says nothing, but his jaw loosens a fraction as lightning washes the windows white.
Quest Complete
Learn Donatello’s true terms for Erika’s place in the family
Quest Complete
Protect Erika from the family’s control