Chapter 4

I looked down, only to realize that the charm I'd always worn had somehow fallen to the ground.

Christopher bent to pick it up, his expression soft with a deep affection.

Six years ago, when he went out on business, he was not only set up by a rival Famiglia, but he nearly lost his life as well.

Because of this, I'd personally sewn this protective charm for him to keep him safe.

But I knew that he'd long since discarded that charm.

The one he was holding now was the one the Don had personally sewn for me to keep me safe. I treasured it and wore it every single day. The stitching was slightly crooked, but it was filled with his heartfelt care.

After so many years, if not for Christopher mentioning it, I would've nearly forgotten about that part of my past completely.

But given my husband's identity, I didn't want to elaborate.

Seeing my silence, the smug Lina continued to mock me.

"You're not still hung up on that shabby little charm you made, are you? Chris threw it into the manure pit a long time ago. I can't believe you actually fished it out and kept wearing it all this time."

Lina pinched her nose and sneered in disgust.

Christopher, however, gripped the charm tightly and sighed. There was a trace of apology in his voice as he said, "Isla, I didn't realize you loved me this much. But you need to wake up—there's no future for us."

Actually, he was the one who really needed to wake up.

To prove my identity, I took off the faded apron and revealed a black velvet gown embroidered with subtle dark gold rose patterns underneath—the most prestigious pattern in the mafia world.

This was a one-of-a-kind custom gown made for the Donna.

I thought this would be enough to prove who I was, but Lina merely curled her lips into a sly smile. Covering her mouth dramatically, she exclaimed loudly, "Where'd you dig that rag up? It's in tatters, and you still want to show it off?"

Only then did I notice that the hem of the gown had somehow been ripped in several places.

Paul barked loudly, "You're just a crazy lady! Get lost right now!"

Just then, someone tugged at my gown.

I looked down and saw my son, Toby Vittorino. His face was streaked with tears as he called for me.

I crouched down, about to tell him that I'd found his Black Rose Medal, when Lina suddenly rushed over and shoved me aside.

"Isla, have you lost your mind? You're trying to kidnap a child from a Famiglia right here on the Don's territory?"

Toby burst into terrified sobs. Lina quickly scooped him up to comfort him. "Sweetheart, don't be scared. She's a crazy lady. I'll take you to find your real mommy, okay?"

Toby struggled wildly in her arms, his little fists pounding against her shoulder.

"Let me go! That's my Mamma! She's not a crazy lady!"

Seeing Toby's tear-streaked little face made my heart feel like it was being torn to shreds. I lunged, trying to grab him, but Lina's bodyguards held me firmly in place.

The surrounding guests immediately erupted in outrage, pointing fingers and throwing accusations.

"That woman has some nerve, trying to trick a child from a Famiglia here."

"Exactly! That kid is wearing the Famiglia crest, and she still has the guts to go after him? She must have a death wish!"

Toby reached for me desperately, his voice growing hoarse from crying. "Mamma, save me!"

My eyes burned with tears as I struggled, trying to soothe him. "Don't cry, Tesoro. Mamma's here. I'll save you."

Christopher's hand clenched tightly, as if he'd made some kind of decision. He ordered someone to prepare a car, then grabbed me and dragged me toward the exit.

Toby stretched his hand out to me, wailing, but he couldn't reach me, no matter how hard he tried. I struggled with everything I had, but Christopher didn't slow down even a little.

"Isla, stop making a scene. The Don is about to arrive any second! I'll take care of your mess for you. Go out of town and lay low for a while."

I watched Toby grow farther and farther away, my heart breaking bit by bit.

"Let go of me, Chris! If you keep this up, I'll never forgive you! Not ever!"

But Christopher acted as if he hadn't heard me, his steps quickening.

Just as I was about to be sent away, the crowd in the ballroom suddenly parted down the middle, and a tall, imposing man stepped forward.

A familiar, commanding voice rang out.

"Stop!"