Chapter 2

It was the following day when Donna Marchetti suddenly called to call off the collaboration with the Vittorio Famiglia, citing the lack of harmony within Leone's Famiglia.

Leone was enraged. He threw a vase that shattered right at my feet the moment I stepped into the room. "I truly underestimated you, Valentina, seeing that you managed to get Donna Marchetti to act on your behalf!"

I stepped over the shattered pieces on the floor and walked toward Leone with a look of feigned timidity on my face.

"I intended to build a relationship with Donna Marchetti, but she caught sight of the marks on my neck by accident. I believe she assumed that you were the one who did it, which is why she called off the collaboration.

"Donna Marchetti is quite interested in me, though. She said she would ask me out for afternoon tea in a couple of days. How about I take Carina with me when that happens?"

Leone's eyes darted to my neck, a flicker of guilt crossing his face as he cleared his throat. "Carina is pure-hearted, so Donna Marchetti will definitely adore her naive nature. You did well regarding this matter, Valentina."

I acted as if I were deeply moved and rushed into Leone's arms.

I had enraged Leone at the previous banquet, so my project's cash flow was cut off, forcing me to secretly sell the sapphire necklace Papa had given me. I had left with nothing but that single piece of jewelry when I eloped with Leone for love back then.

I couldn't return to my Famiglia in such a disgraceful condition now that I had failed so miserably.

I divided the proceeds from selling the necklace into two funds. I used one part to fund a new scientific research project, and the other part to hire mercenaries to follow Leone. I wanted to catch proof of his affair with Carina, the so-called foster daughter of the Vittorio Famiglia, while we were still married.

Leone's hand started moving along my back, making me feel absolutely sick.

I shoved him away, proposed to make dinner myself as a pretext for compensation, and hastily left the living room.

Carina walked into the kitchen, glaring sharply at me. "I don't blame you for the incident at the banquet a few days ago anymore, Valentina. After all, Leone specially bought this sapphire necklace for me at an auction just to cheer me up."

There was an unmistakable hint of provocation in Carina's voice.

I glanced sideways at her neck, and sure enough, it was the necklace I had sold. "It's quite a pretty necklace, looking like it's worth a lot more than you."

I cocked my brow slightly as I looked at her.

Carina's smile stiffened before she ran off in a huff to complain to Leone.

Leone didn't take her side this time. He brought up the birthday banquet that Nico Moretti, the Don of the Moretti Famiglia, was hosting at the end of the month instead.

The Moretti Famiglia was the leading Mafia Famiglia in North Aurelia, and given Leone's status, he fell far short of the qualifications needed to attend the banquet.

Leone said, "It's a very important banquet, Valentina. If we can get Donna Marchetti to introduce us to Don Moretti, it will definitely elevate the Vittorio Famiglia to the next level."

I paused for a moment before voicing my agreement.

Carina tugged on Leone's arm, saying, "I want to attend the banquet too, Leone. I swear I'll properly prepare the flowers this time so that Don Moretti remembers the Vittorio Famiglia."

Leone patted her head affectionately and softly gave his assent.