Chapter 3

"Where's your husband?" Christopher pressed. "What kind of man lets you end up like this?"

I didn't answer.

A sharp laugh escaped him. "You almost had me. Pretending you're married just to get a rise out of me? Making up a kid to make me jealous? Well, you're wrong. I don't care in the least."

They knew how proud I was—I'd never marry just anyone or have a child just on impulse.

Lina didn't believe me either. She looked at me with utter contempt.

"Since you're so proud and strong-willed… Chris and I just so happen to need someone to tend to the horses at our estate. Why don't you shovel manure for us? Sure, it stinks, but it's still better than being a cleaner here."

I almost burst out laughing.

"I'm sorry, but I have actual business to take care of. I don't have time to joke around with you two."

In all these years, she was the first person to publicly humiliate me like this.

If I so much as said the word, their entire family would be on their knees polishing my shoes. And she wanted me to slave away for them?

My repeated refusals made Christopher's face turn livid. Even Lina, who'd been pretending to be elegant the whole night, couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Voices rose all around us.

"Mr. Vittorino, this is just a broke, stubborn cleaner. Talking to her is a waste of breath."

"It's better to have the bodyguards drag her out before the Don sees her and gets mad."

Lina hooked her arm around Christopher's and smiled smugly, looking at me as if I were a joke.

"Exactly. Let's not waste time on someone so beneath us. Let's head over. The Don and the Donna will be here any minute. It won't look good if they can't find us.

"This is the Don's first big Famiglia banquet, and he's taking it very seriously. We need to think carefully about how we're going to leave a good impression on the Donna.

"I hear the Don is madly devoted to his wife, and that she's his only weakness."

They weren't wrong. The only person who could make the mighty Don yield… was me. But I just gave a light chuckle and didn't explain further.

Seeing Lina turn to leave, I quickly grabbed her wrist.

"Give me the medal back. Otherwise, don't blame me for what happens next."

Lina jerked away, looking a little guilty. "What do you want exactly? You've stolen the ruby ring, and now you're eyeing my medal too?"

As we struggled, Christopher suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Isla, I can't believe you're this infatuated. You're actually still wearing this charm after all this time?"