Summary

In Chapter 25, Elena reflects on Nino. Once again she ponders that every woman he follows has something to offer his career… except for Lila. Lila, she muses, will never be reduced by anything. Even in her pain and annoyance, she is not reduced. After moments of pondering the idea of Dede throwing away her vast intelligence on begging with Rino, she suddenly understands why Nino uses women to social-climb, and why Pietro’s mother was ashamed that he married her.

During Chapter 26, Elena returns to Naples and reports Nino’s findings to Lila, mentioning his warning about Nadia. Lila reports only that Rino has run off, without Dede.

In Chapter 27, Elena arrives at her home to comfort Dede, only to find that Rino has left with Elsa. Lila did not know, but thinks it is funny. They try to track down his...