In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27: No Reporting Allowed

"Isabella, how have you been lately?" On the phone, Sophia's mood seemed quite cheerful, and her voice carried a hint of amusement.

"I've been good," Isabella replied, not daring to mention that she might be under surveillance.

"We're coming back to Chicago tomorrow. Why don't you come over for dinner with us?" Sophia suggested.

Dinner with her mother? Isabella's heart tightened. She would have to go back to that place that filled her with fear. The first time she went, Emanuele had threatened her with death. The second time, he had forced her into a kiss. It was terrible.

"I might have to work late tomorrow," Isabella attempted to decline. "How about another day? We can meet up somewhere else."

"Isabella, we haven't seen each other in so long. I really miss you, and your stepfather does too. Can't you come to see us?" Sophia's tone had a touch of pleading.

Her mother was the most important person in the world to her. Isabella bit her lip, unable to refuse her mother's request, no matter how much she wanted to.

But the thought of seeing Emanuele again made her feel that suffocating dread once more. He never gave up. He wanted her to get married, and now he had given her a deadline to get married when she graduated from college in a month. Oh, it was terrifying. Perhaps she should tell her mother. Sophia would surely stop it.

...

"Isabella, it's been a while. You look so much prettier now. That's how young girls should dress up!" Sophia embraced Isabella warmly and kissed her cheek.

Isabella had chosen this outfit from the clothes Emanuele had prepared for her, a simple white dress. It was a straightforward style, but it made her look youthful and exceptionally attractive.

Sophia believed it looked much better on her than the dark-colored clothes she used to wear, which made her appear much older.

But now, this outfit was just right.

Grazia also approached and hugged Isabella.

"Isabella, our family is hosting a banquet tomorrow. You should come over," she warmly invited Isabella, who wanted to decline.

Although Grazia was a nice person, she was the Mafia Princess, and Isabella didn't want to associate with anyone involved with the Mafia.

"I've been quite busy lately, so I probably won't have the time..." Isabella smiled as she declined.

"Don't say no," Grazia insisted. "You said the same thing last time. You can't keep declining every time, can you? It'll make Dad angry."

Isabella glanced at Leo when she heard this. Although he didn't say anything, his eyes carried a warning.

Isabella sighed, "Okay, I'll come."

She felt powerless, slowly stepping into the life of the Mafia family, becoming one of them. It was a terrible feeling.

At that moment, Emanuele walked in. He still had that menacing aura, his presence commanding attention from everyone in the room.

He started by hugging Sophia and Grazia. When it came to Isabella, he also hugged her gently, handling her with care, not the rough dominance he usually exhibited.

"This man really knows how to put on a show!" Isabella thought to herself.

"Isabella, how's your studies going? Is it tough working at the hospital?" Emanuele asked her, and they seemed formal, not at all familiar.