Chapter 4

Clodia was wearing stiletto heels that were over four inches high. She suddenly lost her footing and balance. She shrieked in fright as she rolled all the way down the long spiral staircase, letting out a series of dull thuds.

She landed at the bottom of the staircase, her forehead having struck the sharp edge of the marble step, with fresh blood coloring half her cheek. She shielded her head and wailed piercingly. "Please don't kill me, Eva! I'll let you have Simone, so please spare me!"

In that instant, whispers rippled through the main hall.

"Eva is so vicious. She didn't even spare her own sister."

"She clearly suffers from a lack of upbringing by her mother if she is jealous of her stepsister."

Simone shoved his way through the crowd and ran over. He gently gathered the bleeding Clodia in her arms and glared up at me with bloodshot eyes.

He then pointed and roared, "I'm deeply disappointed in you, Eva! You'd better apologize to Clodia this instant!"

I walked down the stairs one step at a time, looking down at the two of them. "I clearly didn't push her. I mean, how can you not see through such clumsy framing, Simone?"

Simone was enraged by my response. He got up and brought his hand down fiercely across my face, sending a searing pain through my left cheek.

He stood stunned after delivering the blow. He stared at his own reddened palm, a flicker of remorse visible in his eyes. He lifted his hand as if to touch my face, but ultimately let it drop back down stiffly.

I licked the blood from the corner of my mouth and stared coldly at him. I was right on the verge of fighting back when the heavy tolling of the bells rang out.

It indicated that my formal betrothal announcement ceremony had officially commenced.

Don Conti emerged from the study, leaning heavily on his cane.

In that instant, everyone in the hall fell dead silent, the crowd parting automatically to clear a path.

Don Conti furrowed his brow deeply as he took in the chaotic scene below the stairs. His Consigliere, who was standing behind him, held a velvet tray, upon which rested the Leone Ring—the ultimate symbol of authority in the Conti Famiglia.

"You may step forward and make your choice, Eva," Don Conti commanded solemnly.

In that instant, everyone's gaze was focused on me, as this was the moment that would determine the future Don of the Conti Famiglia.

I walked over and picked up the ring, then made my way toward Simone one step at a time.

Clodia was helped to her feet by some Made Men in the corner. She glared at me, her eyes filled with malice and spite.

Simone's eyes lit with satisfaction. He felt certain that I had merely been throwing a temper tantrum due to the intensity of my love for him. He proudly straightened his suit jacket, which had just been creased, and took a few steps forward.

He confidently extended his right hand to me, his tone filled with condescension while saying, "You've played this scene long enough now, Eva. You should just give me the ring—and I'll marry you."

I ignored him completely, walked straight past, and stopped in front of Aldo, who was standing behind him, instead.

Simone's hand hung frozen in midair as the smile stiffened on his face.