The Orphan He Dismissed Was A Mafia Princess

In the bridal boutique, I gathered the layers of ivory silk in my arms and handed the gown back to the attendant."Miss Riley, should we take the waist in another half inch? Don Lucciano specifically requested everything be perfect for the ceremony." The attendant followed me with a measuring tape still looped around her wrist, her voice bright with professional eagerness.I looked at the white fabric pooled in her arms—three months of fittings, countless emails, a dozen samples sent from Milan. All of it, suddenly, was meaningless."No need," I said, my voice flat and calm. "The wedding is off. I won't be needing this dress."The attendant froze mid-step. "Miss Riley, if you cancel now, the fee is non-refundable. There's a substantial deposit that—"I pulled my card from my clutch and held it out to her. "Deduct whatever you need. And don't contact Salvatore."She opened her mouth, closed it, then took the card with trembling fingers. I watched her process the payment and felt nothing

I tucked my phone away, crouched down, and resumed packing.The disposal crew arrived quickly. A worker picked up one of the black bags and asked, "Miss, are you sure you want to get rid of all of this?""Yes. Get rid of everything."The house was slowly emptying out. I was bending down to pack the last pair of shoes into my suitcase when I heard the lock turn.Salvatore pushed the door open, two soldiers behind him, each wheeling three pink suitcases. He scanned the living room, and his brow immediately furrowed. "What are you doing? Why is the place so empty?"Before I could reply, Linsey peeked out from behind Salvatore, a hesitant smile on her face. "Chiara, I hope I'm not intruding…"Salvatore shoved the suitcases forward, his tone matter‑of‑fact. "Linsey's landlord kicked her out. It's not safe for her to stay alone in a hotel. She'll be staying here for a while."Instead of being upset or arguing with him, I nodded, my voice flat. "Which room?"Salvatore pushed the suitcases tow

A murmur rippled through the crowd. I saw Linsey press her lips together to hide a smile.I looked at the auctioneer. "The bid is eight million.""Eight million once," the auctioneer repeated.Salvatore's eyes narrowed. "Ten million."I gave the auctioneer a single nod. "I'm done. Let him have it."The gavel fell. "Sold to Mr. Lucciano for ten million."I rose from my seat when my eyes met Salvatore’s. He frowned at me. "Chiara, you’re playing games to get my attention, aren’t you? You don't have a cent to your name." I shot back without hesitation, "You're really narcissistic, Mr. Lucciano."Without waiting for his reply, I turned and walked out of the hall, my heels striking the marble floor in sharp, deliberate rhythm. I didn't falter. I let the heavy doors swing shut behind me, sealing off his stunned silence.I was in the lobby, adjusting my clutch and drawing a slow breath, when a familiar voice cut through the quiet."Well, well. Walking out on Salvatore? That's a first."I loo

Linsey stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Chiara, is that gown from the man you were with at the auction? The one who grabbed Salvatore? My God, you really didn't waste any time finding someone else to pay for your things, did you?""Enough," Salvatore snapped at her. Then, he turned back to me, his voice softer. "Please. I'm giving you one last chance. Come back to me, and I'll make you my donna. The position is still yours. It was always meant for you.""You're pathetic," I said calmly. "You think I still want anything from you? I walked away from you. I left your house. I left everything. And yet here you are, still thinking I will crawl back to you. That's not going to happen."Salvatore's face flushed with anger. "You think you're so high and mighty now? Just because you found some man to support you? I could crush him without lifting a finger. You…"At that moment, a voice boomed from the stage at the front of the room."Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. I a

A month passed.In that time, my father purchased a sprawling estate in the Hamptons—a fortress of stone overlooking the Atlantic. I moved in immediately, converting one wing into my office.The Rizzo name was already feared in Italy. Now I was determined to make it feared in America too.I worked eighteen-hour days. I met with every family that mattered—the Ferros, the Vitales, the Romanos. I struck deals, forged alliances, and quietly dismantled the operations of anyone foolish enough to stand against us.Within weeks, the Rizzo family's influence in New York had doubled. My father watched from a distance, pride flickering in his eyes.Salvatore started showing up at my gate the second week.The first time, he arrived with a basket of fresh pastries and a bouquet of red roses. He stood at the iron gates, waiting.I watched him from my office window. Andrew approached me. "Shall I have him removed?""No," I said. "Let him stand there. He'll get bored eventually."But I was mistaken th