Chapter 3

The scene quieted down. Everyone was waiting to see me make a fool of myself.

I looked at Gabriel's arrogant expression and found it completely ridiculous.

Just as I was about to talk back, my father's warnings echoed in my mind.

"Never show your hand too early. Wait for the right moment to strike. That is how we survive in our world."

After a brief moment, I held my tongue.

I understood my father's concerns.

After all, the rival capos were eyeing those wealthy territories on the West Coast. I could not alert my enemies right now.

So, I didn't waste my breath on Gabriel.

I let those foolish men laugh, then turned and walked away.

To avoid this toxic crowd, I walked toward the back garden to get some fresh air.

I had not gone far, but Mila followed right behind me.

She deliberately swayed the pink diamond necklace, making it sparkle under the courtyard lights.

"So what if you become Gabriel's wife? I am the one he truly loves and protects."

In the eyes of outsiders, Mila was always a sweet and innocent angel.

But behind closed doors, she showed her true, venomous colors.

Looking at her current state, I couldn't help but recall my previous life, when she and Gabriel hooked up in that exclusive club, conspiring to strip away my power.

Back then, she was also curled up against Gabriel's chest like a tame kitten.

Looking so vulnerable and pitiful.

Gabriel held her and said matter-of-factly, "Once Kiara gives birth to an heir, the whole family will be yours."

"By then, every last bit of her value will vanish completely."

Those words were the last straw.

Broken by their betrayal, I went into premature labor out of sheer despair and died in a pool of blood.

Now that I have a second chance, I'll gladly let them have each other.

At this thought, I smiled faintly.

"You are right. If you can't win a man's heart, what is the point of forcing him to stay?"

"I hope you grow up quickly. When you are old enough, you can rightfully marry him."

"I wish you both a long and happy life together."

Hearing me say this, Mila paused for a second, then raised her chin again.

"I know you are just playing hard to get. But no matter how much you pretend, Gabriel will always love me."

As she spoke, she ran her fingers over the heavy jewelry around her neck, completely unaware of how tacky she looked.

"Sister, do you think this necklace is pretty? I rejected it, but Gabriel insisted. He swore that only I had the elegance to wear it."

I frowned. I was not in the mood for this.

I turned, wanting to walk around her. But she blocked my way again.

"Sister, I just wanted to share my happiness with you. Why are you being so cold?"

"I know you are jealous, but winning a man takes real charm."

As soon as she finished speaking, fake tears rolled down her cheeks.

I didn't want to argue with her, so I reached out to push past her.

But as I moved, she fell backward and plunged straight into the fountain pool.

Water splashed everywhere, and her crying grew louder.

"Kiara, how could you push me! I am your little sister!"

Right then, Gabriel heard the noise and rushed over.

"Kiara, what are you doing!"

Gabriel pulled the drenched Mila out of the pool and into his arms, his eyes full of disappointment. "How have you become so heartless? Mila is so weak, and you would even hurt your own sister?"

I looked at him, then at the drenched Mila. "Mila, I didn't expect you to use such cheap tricks."

"Shut up! How can you talk to your sister like that?"

Gabriel lowered his voice, unable to hide his anger. "Kiara, watch your mouth! As a mafia heir, do you not have any grace at all?"