Chapter 8
660words
Donna Isabella’s voice, firm and beyond dispute, echoed through the Falcone family’s meeting room.
Leia had laid hands on me, violating the most basic rule of the family. In the Falcone family, a capo showing disrespect to the underboss’s wife was no different from openly challenging the family’s authority.
The so-called “reflection” was nothing more than house arrest. That estate was far from the city, surrounded by family guards, making escape impossible.
“Yes, Mamma,” Arnold replied with his head lowered.
However, through my ability, I could feel the fury boiling inside him.
‘It’s all that foolish woman’s fault, getting me into trouble again. When we get back, I’ll make sure she understands the consequences.’
That night, back in our room, Caspian carefully examined the marks on my face. His movements were gentle, yet the anger in his eyes was unmistakable.
“Does it hurt?” he asked, his fingers brushing the scratches on my cheek.
“It doesn’t,” I shook my head. “It’s just a minor injury. It’ll heal in a few days.”
“Why did she hit you?” His tone was calm, but I could sense the rage he was holding back.
I told him exactly what had happened in the restroom, including how Leia mocked me—how she said I was nothing but decoration and how Caspian never touched me.
When he heard that, Caspian’s gaze suddenly turned almost seductive.
He stepped closer, his voice low and suggestive. “So, is this an invitation?”
“What?” I froze, completely unprepared for that interpretation.
“She said I don’t touch you, and you made sure to repeat it to me,” he said, something dark flickering in his eyes. “What kind of message is that supposed to be?”
“No!” I denied it immediately, taking a step back. “I was only explaining why the conflict happened. You are well aware of our relationship. It’s purely a partnership.”
The expression on Caspian’s face darkened at once. The seductiveness in his eyes vanished. Without saying another word, he turned and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
The next morning, he placed the nightclub’s account books and keys in front of me.
“Handle it yourself,” he said coldly. “If you want power, fight for it on your own. Don’t expect anyone to help you.”
With that, he walked away without looking back. I knew he was angry, but I didn’t understand why. Had I said something wrong?
From that day on, I focused entirely on managing my own business. The nightclub was thriving, with large amounts of cash flowing in every night. Slowly, I began cultivating my own trusted people and building an independent intelligence network.
A month later, Leia returned from the estate. She looked much more worn down. The sharpness in her eyes had dulled considerably. Clearly, that month of “reflection” had not been easy.
“Elysia, I’d like to help you manage the gallery,” she said, taking the initiative to approach me. Her voice was cautious, almost ingratiating.
“Why?” I looked at her in confusion.
“We’re sisters. We should support each other,” she said, forcing a smile. “Besides, I’m very interested in art. I want to learn.”
On the surface, I agreed. However, the moment I did, her true thoughts flooded my mind.
‘I’ll be able to get close to her soon. After that, poisoning her will be easy. This b*tch got me locked up for a month. I’ll make her pay.’
At the same time, Arnold’s thoughts reached me as well. ‘Soon, Caspian will die in a hail of bullets. And you, my dear sister-in-law…’
Leia’s malice grew even darker as she thought, ‘You idiot. Just wait. Once Caspian is dead, I’ll drag you down to hell with him, and the entire Falcone family will be mine.’
My heart skipped a beat. So that was what went down in my previous life.
It seemed I could no longer afford to wait. I had to take action.
