In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Emanuele Suddenly Appears in Her Room

Grazia's calm aura was like a soothing balm to Isabella's escalating fear. It was crystal clear, this wasn't the moment to reject her; Isabella was at her weakest, unable to confront the Lombardi clan or Emanuele. But Grazia, having been intertwined with the family for years, must have mastered her own survival tactics. Isabella recognized that she would indeed need Grazia's aid in the future, as they were both trapped in the tangled web of mafia princesses.

Post the grand feast, Sophia suggested that Isabella should stay over for the night.

"Darling, it's late, why not spend the night?" Sophia proposed. But to stay over? Absolutely not!

"No, I have an unfinished internship report, and work awaits me tomorrow," Isabella declined firmly.

Sophia escorted her to the door, wrapping her in a soft hug.

"Mother, I wish for your happiness," Isabella expressed.

"Isabella, my dear, I wish the same for you. If there's a boy who has captured your heart, chase him fearlessly, don't hold back," Sophia replied with a warm smile, gently stroking Isabella's hair. Their heartfelt blessings for each other were genuine, but Isabella wished her mother would reconsider.

Exiting the mansion, Isabella could finally let her guard down; she was exhausted. But at least until Sophia's wedding with Leo, she could avoid encountering Emanuele, and she could relish a brief respite.

Damn it, why was she ruminating about that devil again? She had suffered enough torment for one night.

When her car transported her to the other side of the city, the buildings that filled her view were mundane, unremarkable, much like herself. But Isabella's heart began to relax gradually.

Once the car halted, she dashed out and sought refuge in her rented apartment.

On account of her limited finances, Isabella had opted for a secluded, compact apartment, but she had filled it with warmth. The chai-colored curtains, the ecru sofa, and the pale yellow bed linen reflected the warm hues Isabella favored, making her feel as though her room was bathed in sunlight.

It was modest, yet cozy.

This was her sanctuary, her corner of the world, not that icy opulence built on the blood and lives of others. However, reflecting on the night's events, especially that devil of a man, Isabella felt as though the blade of a guillotine was looming over her, uncertain when Emanuele would materialize to claim her life.

Isabella drew a deep breath. At this juncture, she was disadvantaged; she needed to devise a plan to navigate the current crisis.

...

New York, NightVibes, VIP Booth.

In stark contrast to the lively ambiance at the bar's front desk, Emanuele and his entourage traced the server's steps through a labyrinth of corridors, leading them to the most secluded, tranquil, and secure VIP booth.

Soft lighting and hushed tones enveloped the booth's occupants, each clad in sharp Armani suits and savoring premium wine.

Emanuele had vacated the Lombardi residence due to a meeting with the clerics.

After departing his home, he boarded a private jet to New York, rendezvousing with clerics from the other four major families at this bar.

Currently, the leaders of the world's most notorious crime syndicates were nestled in the booth.

Besides Emanuele, there was Rocco Gallo, the chief of the Italian mafia, Cody Dowey of the Irish mafia, Clark Campbell from the Canadian mafia, and Isidoro Romero, the head of the Mexican mafia.

They convened every two months to establish common ground and maintain cordial relations amongst themselves, thereby averting a global-scale conflict.

"The Sicilians have been unusually active on my turf," Emanuele announced, a grimace of concern etched on his face, clearly troubled by the situation.

"Do you need our backup?" Isidoro proposed, his family's reputation in assassination and tracking making them experts in this realm.