In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Introducing Chloe to Emanuele

Isabella was startled by Emanuele's sudden embrace. She shook her head and said, "It's nothing, I'm fine."

How could she answer when one demon inquired about being harmed by another?

Madelyn, engaged in a conversation with Sophia, mentioned that her husband had injured his leg, making it inconvenient for him to attend the wedding. She also mentioned that Chloe was still abroad and would return in a few days.

"When your brother recovers, you should all come over here to visit. This estate is huge, with plenty of rooms. You can stay as long as you like," Sophia warmly invited. As Leo's wife, she was now the mistress of the house and wanted her relatives to know how well she was doing.

"Sure, I'll tell him when I get back," Madelyn agreed. In the past, she had disliked Sophia and Isabella, considering them burdens. Although Sophia's deceased husband had left a substantial sum of money, how long would it last? Spending it on dresses and jewelry would quickly deplete it. But things had changed. Sophia had married Leo, and Emanuele had become the most popular man in all of Chicago. Everything was different now.

As Madelyn spoke, her gaze fell on Isabella. Her eyes were like venomous snakes. In that instant, Isabella felt goosebumps all over her body. She clenched her hand into a fist, nails digging into her flesh. The pain was the only thing that could remind her to control her fear and disgust of Madelyn.

"Isabella, it's been a long time. You've become so beautiful," Madelyn walked toward Isabella, trying to hold her hand.

Isabella instinctively pulled her hand away, doing her best to restrain her overt fear and aversion to Madelyn.

"Hi, Aunt," Isabella said with a trembling voice.

"If you have time, you can come to our place. Haven't you forgotten your favorite meadow? You can herd cattle and sheep with your uncle," Madelyn suggested.

Madelyn's words made Isabella's complexion even paler. No, she didn't like it, not at all! When she was very young, her daily routine involved herding cattle and sheep. In the evenings, she had to sleep with the animals. She still remembered the foul, pungent smell of that herd vividly.

Madelyn was so cruel. After all these years, every time she saw her, she brought up this memory, as if she wanted Isabella to relive those terrible moments.

Unaware of the trauma, Sophia smiled and added, "Yes, Isabella loves being with cows and sheep."

Sophia was clueless about Isabella's past, but she recalled seeing Isabella with the animals a few times when she came home early. Chloe told her that Isabella loved small animals, and Isabella confirmed it when asked.

Emanuele, who had been paying close attention to their conversation, especially Isabella, noticed a significant change in her demeanor. Her face turned incredibly pale, and her body seemed to tremble.

This puzzled Emanuele. If she truly liked being with cows and sheep, she shouldn't react this way. She appeared to be facing something terrifying.

He couldn't help but ask her in a hushed tone, "Do you like it?"

Isabella shook her head instinctively. For some reason, she felt that the man beside her, even after what he had done to her recently, wasn't as terrifying as Madelyn and Chloe. It was terrible. Even though this man had done dreadful things to her not long ago, she now felt more comfortable around him than she did with Madelyn and Chloe.

In fact, she dared to resist Emanuele, but she couldn't defy Chloe.

Madelyn noticed Emanuele, and her expression was filled with surprise. "Mr. Lombardi, hello. I'm related to your stepmother. May I ask if you're married? I have a daughter, six years younger than you, and she's very sweet and pretty. Would you be interested in meeting her?"

Emanuele was a well-known figure in Chicago, the head honcho, young and handsome. Many girls had expressed a desire to marry him, including Chloe. The rumor was that he didn't have a woman by his side, so if she introduced her daughter to him, it could be their ticket to a prosperous life.

"Oh, God, please let this be a perfect match!" Madelyn thought, wishing for a successful connection between her daughter and Emanuele.

However, Emanuele's gaze was ice-cold and sharp, as if it could pierce through her. His demeanor was as cold as ice. This young Chicago mob boss had climbed to the top by stepping over countless bodies. Just one look from him could make most people uncomfortable.

Madelyn was taken aback by the intensity of his stare. She had forgotten just how ruthless he could be.

Yes, he had achieved his current status because of his ruthless nature and his lack of mercy towards enemies. He believed he wasn't in a position to let someone else arrange his marriage. He was Chicago's master, and he would decide who he would marry. The woman he would marry had to be someone he found truly captivating, someone he could protect as fiercely as he guarded his territory.

Madelyn's face turned ashen. She realized she had said something wrong. However, Emanuele's cordial demeanor toward Isabella made her think she could proceed.

"Introduce your daughter to me? This lady here wants to get her daughter stripped naked and left on the street to be raped by hobos, or maybe shot in some random crossfire one day?" Emanuele thought that he wasn't at the point where he needed someone to arrange his marriage. He was the master of Chicago, and he could decide for himself whom to marry. The person he married had to be someone who truly moved him, so he could protect her like he protected his territory.

Madelyn's face turned pale instantly. She realized that Emanuele's youth had hidden the brutality of his character.

Yes, he had achieved his position through cruelty, showing no mercy to his enemies. If she married her daughter to him, what if they had disagreements, and he decided to kill someone?

So maybe it was best to forget about the whole idea. It was a bit disappointing, but still better than losing their lives.

Isabella, watching this unfold, found it a bit amusing. Why did Madelyn seem less terrifying now? It was funny to see her so frightened in front of Emanuele. At least Isabella could keep her composure when faced with Emanuele, even when he had threatened her with death several times.

"Let's not talk about this," Sophia intervened, sensing the awkward atmosphere between the two. She grabbed Emanuele's arm, called a waiter, and brought two glasses of champagne.

"Emanuele, I'm delighted to be a part of your extended family. I promise we will have a happy life together in the future."

Emanuele clinked his glass with Sophia's, and his cold and intimidating aura mellowed.

Madelyn had been so frightened that Emanuele didn't look at her again, and the atmosphere eased slightly. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she tried to strike up a conversation. She noticed Isabella standing there quietly and pulled her into the discussion.

"Isabella, Chloe often tells me how much she misses you and wants to visit you in Chicago. Why don't you two set up a meeting?"