Chapter 4

Dominic's voice carried a chilling authority, instantly silencing everyone in the living room. He stood in front of me like a sturdy wall, one hand resting on my shoulder. His touch was firm but gentle, and it gave me peace of mind.

"I accompanied Isabella here," he said evenly. "I was simply late because I had to handle something on the way."

He then stepped to the side and signaled for his assistant, who came in carrying several exquisite gift boxes. He placed them on the coffee table and opened them, revealing a luxury custom crocodile leather watch of superior quality. It was several times more luxurious than the one Vivienne had given.

There was also a rare pink diamond necklace. It sparkled brilliantly, immediately making Vivienne's sapphire necklace look dull by comparison.

Upon seeing the gifts, Mom and Dad's expressions eased slightly.

Vivienne stared in disbelief before she yelled shrilly, "How can this be! You don't even have any authority in the Romano famiglia! How could you possibly afford all this!"

Dominic flashed her a faint, mocking smile. "It seems you still don't quite understand the extent of the Romano famiglia's reach, Ms. Vivienne."

I slightly tugged at Dominic's sleeve and whispered, "Just let it go. Don't waste your breath on Vivienne."

Dominic looked at me with an expression that shifted instantly to one of tenderness. He patted my hand gently and said, "Don't worry. I'm here with you."

Then, he redirected his chilling gaze toward Vivienne and said, "Watch what you say from now on and stop slandering my wife."

Vivienne flinched in fright and hid behind Mom.

"Those gifts are for you, Mom and Dad," Dominic said coldly, but his gaze softened as he looked at me. His expression was of profound affection as he continued, "Isabella deserves only the best, so I've prepared a special gift just for her."

Mom and Dad's expressions shifted rapidly, as their previously vehement accusations were abruptly silenced.

Vivienne, shaking with fury, gripped the diamond ring in her hand, her nails biting into her palm. "How could you give her something so extravagant, Dominic? She's merely—"

"Isabella is my wife," Dominic cut her off in a chilling tone, speaking with absolute resolve. "She has a gentle nature and a kind heart—nothing like the monster you're trying to make her out to be. If you continue to slander her again, Ms. Vivienne, you'll have to face the consequences."

I froze for a moment and looked at Dominic. I never thought he would stand up for me, even doing it openly before Mom, Dad, and Vivienne.

Vivienne was at a total loss for words. She stood there with her mouth open, unable to fight back. She could only glare at me with a look of pure, unadulterated hatred.

I caught the bewilderment flickering in her eyes and instantly knew what baffled her.

In her past life, Dominic had never stood up for her, nor had he ever returned home with her. She couldn't understand why things were turning out differently this time.

Upon seeing the situation, Mom and Dad forced an awkward smile and tried to ease the tension. "You're truly thoughtful, Dominic. You should have a seat."

Dominic didn't move. He just gripped my hand tight as a silent declaration of his stance. He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, acting very close to me. "If anyone dares to bully my wife, they are picking a fight with me—that includes her parents."

I looked up and met his gaze. His usual arrogance and teasing were gone, leaving only a look of sincerity that made my heart flutter for no reason.

Vivienne stood to the side, watching our intimate exchange with such indignation that her features became distorted.

She refrained from her typical outbursts, knowing the Romano famiglia's strict discipline. With Dominic backing me, I was no longer an easy target.

She stomped her foot and muttered, "It's not even that big of a deal."