The Sicilian's Obsession

A Tight Corner

Sophia's POV

That night, even the antiseptic scent of the hospital was disturbing. I sat weakly on the corridor bench right in front of the ICU room, cupping my face with my palms which still felt cold.

Behind the glass wall in front of me, Antonio Bianchi, the man who was the only family I had and the reason for my life, lay helpless. Dozens of complicated tubes and cables were attached to his frail body, connecting him to cold life-sustaining machines.

The heart attack was massive. The doctor on duty said my father would make it through the night, but there was no guarantee of another.

"Dottoressa Bianchi?"

I looked up slowly, lowering my hand as I saw a middle-aged man in a neat suit approaching me. It was Signor Marchesi, my father's trusted accountant and old friend. However, seeing the gloomy expression on his face, I knew he didn't bring a single bit of good news.

"How's the administration going, Marchesi? Can the air ambulance to Milan be scheduled yet?" I asked repeatedly. I had trouble keeping my voice steady.

However, Don Vito's words kept ringing in my head. Father had to be transferred to Milan immediately if he was to survive.

Marchesi didn't answer immediately. He let out a heavy, exasperated sigh, then handed over the document folder he was carrying with trembling hands.

"The cost of insurance for the ICU here is already very high, Sophie. And to transfer him to Milan using a specialized medical facility..." Marchesi paused. He paused for a long moment before continuing. "The hospital demands a full deposit up front. The amount is... too high."

I frowned, sensing something was amiss. "Use the padre's reserve account. Or just liquidate all the bonds in my name."

"Mi dispiace, Sophie... there is nothing left,” Marchesi whispered. His gaze on me was filled with guilt. "Your padre's import-export business has been experiencing a series of problems over the past two months. Our logistics are being held up for no apparent reason at the port, and some investors are unilaterally withdrawing their capital. La Famiglia Bianchi... we are nearly completely bankrupt.”

I didn't answer right away. If what Marchesi said was true, even saving Father's life might be beyond my capabilities.

My world seemed to be spinning. All this time, I'd focused my life solely on the scalpel and the operating room, entrusting all my financial affairs to my father. I never knew that behind the warm smile Antonio always showed every time we had dinner together, the man was carrying a heavy financial burden, ready to destroy Bianchi's great name at any time.

"How much do we need?" my voice was barely audible.

Marchesi then mentioned a figure. A fantastic figure that I, as a young surgeon, would never have been able to accumulate overnight, even if I sell my apartment and all the jewelry I currently own.

"We only have until tomorrow afternoon before the hospital stops the referral procedure," Marchesi added weakly. "Scusa, Sophie. I've tried contacting all of Antonio's old colleagues, but... for some reason, all the doors have suddenly closed on us."

Hearing Marchesi's final words, my entire body instantly stiffened.

All the doors suddenly slammed shut.

Realizing what was happening, my chest suddenly felt tight. My mind raced back to the incident in the VIP room a few hours earlier. The image of his predatory green eyes, a thin, menacing smile, and the deep voice that uttered the words rang out clearly again: “You will need my help one day, Dottoressa Bianchi.”

Vito wasn't predicting my future. He already knew. Or worse... he was the one who orchestrated this downfall.

The Greco family controlled the ports, controlled the investor network, and controlled all businesses in Sicily. Destroying Father's business and cutting off all access to financial assistance was a piece of cake for the Don. Vito deliberately cornered me into the tightest corner, cutting off all my escape routes, until I had no choice but to crawl to him in defeat.

I clenched my fists in the pockets of my medical gown. Anger and fear collided in my mind.

Medical bills I can't afford. A father who needs help as soon as possible. And the only person who can help me is the man I turned away just hours ago.

I stood up slowly, trying to straighten my wrinkled white robe. I stared at Dad's silhouette behind the ICU glass before walking confidently toward the exit. The night was getting late. As soon as I left the hospital, the cold air of Palermo greeted me. That night, I knew where to go.

I must meet Don Vittorio Greco. Not as a doctor refusing his help, but as a son seeking to save his father.