Death Attends the "Masquerades" in 'Hotel Portofino' Season 3 Finale

Given all that has transpired this season, I’m sure none of us thought the third season finale of Hotel Portofino would end on a happy note. But this finale episode, “Masquerades,” was still a tragic punch to the gut. Everything is leading up to the party Bella is having at the hotel for Claudine’s new perfume line. The women get word that the head of the fashion house can come to hear their presentation about Bella’s new skincare line, but he’s coming in one hour. They scramble to prepare. Bella, who has reconciled with Amelia, named the line “Sorelle, “meaning “sisterhood.”

Bella admits she is nervous to make the presentation, “Women are always nervous when trying to gain the approval of a man,” she tells him. “So much of our freedom depends on it.” Bella appeals to his daughter, the younger generation, “who want to define beauty for themselves.” She confidently tells him, “You cannot know these women... and I do. I can understand what they want and make it for them.”

Cecil’s ill-advised plot to kill Danioni continues, which is a shame because he’s not a criminal mastermind. He invites Danioni to the party but tells him no “black coats.” Marco narrowly escapes Danioni and his men but knows Danioni is after him. Marco arrives at the party to tell Bella he has to leave town. Not knowing Cecil has invited Danioni, Bella assures him Danioni isn’t coming to the party and hides Marco in her lab. She also tells him that Carlos has arranged for an investigator from Rome to come the next day to launch a full investigation into Nish’s death. Lucian tells his mom he will leave town but will return as soon as the inquiry ends. Nish’s brother Virat is not doing well. “How can you think about a party when my brother is out there?” he asks Lucian. Lucian assures him that they have to keep up appearances.