Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Isabella’s suspicions were quickly confirmed. Two days later, she received an invitation from Karen.

“Isabella, my birthday is approaching, and I don’t have many friends in Chicago. Can you and Emanuele attend my birthday party?”

Isabella knew Karen had ulterior motives. She wasn’t sure how Karen got her phone number, but it was clear that Karen was challenging her with arrogance. Back when Emanuele challenged her, she bravely faced it, let alone dealing with Karen.

Isabella texted Emanuele, “Karen is having a birthday party in Chicago and wants to know if we’ll attend.”

After a while, Emanuele replied, “She told me too. Are you going?”

“Yes,” Isabella responded.

Emanuele didn’t expect Isabella to agree. He had initially planned to decline Karen’s invitation. Although he had a good relationship with Karen’s brother, it didn’t mean he liked Karen. Moreover, after Karen confessed her feelings to him and spoke disrespectfully to Isabella, Emanuele decided to cut ties with her. He wouldn’t allow anyone to mistreat his wife; it challenged his dignity. If Karen were an ordinary person, he would have dealt with her more aggressively.

“Are you really going?” Emanuele couldn’t help asking. He was concerned that Isabella might not handle the situation well.

Karen’s birthday party would undoubtedly have many people from their circle, especially the Mafia princesses, most of whom were close to Karen. Grazia, also a Mafia princess, was Isabella’s sister, and she was understanding. Grazia had taught Isabella many things and helped her navigate this world. However, not all Mafia princesses were as accommodating as Grazia.Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

Karen harbored hostility towards Isabella, and the Mafia princesses invited to her birthday party were her closest friends. Isabella’s attendance might make her a target, and unexpected events could occur.

Emanuele thought of Chloe. Chloe alone had caused Isabella so much harm; he couldn’t bear the thought of Isabella being hurt again.

With these concerns, Emanuele immediately called Isabella. “I don’t want you to go to Karen’s birthday party, and I won’t go either. Can we just stay at home, or I can accompany you shopping?”

“Emanuele, when did you become so timid? Are you afraid I’ll cause trouble?” Isabella felt a bit helpless with Emanuele’s continuous refusals.

“I’m afraid you’ll be bullied. Grazia is in Italy and can’t come back. If we attend Karen’s birthday party, her family will be there, and I must entertain them. If you’re left alone, I worry they might mistreat you.”

Isabella was alone now, and Emanuele couldn’t bear the thought. Although Mafia princesses weren’t as ruthless as their male counterparts, many had grown up in this environment, developing some unsavory habits. Some even fought alongside their brothers, involved in killing.

Emanuele was concerned that Isabella, an ordinary person, entering their circle was like a lamb entering a wolf’s den-she might be devoured completely.

“Did you forget? I trained with Elisa for a while before. Now, I occasionally follow Elisa’s instructional videos. Don’t worry; I’ve become quite formidable. Even if a few of them gang up on me, they might not beat me. Besides, aren’t you there too? If they really bully me, isn’t that provoking you as well?” Isabella reassured him.

Isabella felt that Karen might not have the guts to challenge her, and even if she did, other Mafia princesses who were close to her might not want to offend Emanuele for her sake.

Seeing Isabella determined, Emanuele carefully considered her words and found her reasoning valid. “Alright, Isabella. Let’s start by preparing the dress you’ll wear. I think you need to look beautiful.”

The day Karen said Isabella wasn’t up to Emanuele’s standards angered him. The woman he liked, the woman he chose to be his lifelong partner, dared to be looked down upon by Karen? Who did she think she was?

“I can continue going to the base and intensify training with Elisa these days. Consider it a fitness routine,” Isabella suggested.

“Whatever you want,” Emanuele didn’t reject Isabella this time. He knew this would make her happy.

“However, Isabella, you’re training so seriously. Are you planning to take on ten people at once? Remember, it’s a birthday party.”

“Why, are you worried about Karen?”

“I’m just worried you might get hurt.”

“No need to worry. I can protect myself now.” Isabella finished speaking and hung up the phone.

Emanuele couldn’t help but smile. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the bustling crowd and vehicles below. He enjoyed living in high-rise buildings; whether it was his office or apartment, he always chose the highest point. This way, he could take in the whole of Chicago, seeing the thriving land he ruled.

Emanuele’s heart was initially calm, but Isabella’s bravery once again excited him. How could this seemingly fragile woman be so powerful? She integrated into the Mafia world much faster than he imagined.

Facing the challenge of a so-called rival, she dared to bravely accept the invitation. Truly, she was the woman he had chosen-forever indomitable, quick to recover from setbacks, just like him.

Emanuele thought he would never tire of Isabella.

After finishing work, Isabella ate something quickly and went to the base to find Elisa.

When she first arrived, looking at the familiar scenery along the way, Isabella felt a bit sad. It was on this street that they encountered an attack after a training session, followed by the news of her mother’s death. Now, passing through this street, everything seemed to have returned to normal, as if nothing had happened, but Isabella knew her mother would never come back.

Isabella struggled to control her emotions, not letting the tears fall.

The dead were already gone, and the living had to strive to live on behalf of those who passed away.

Arriving at the base, Elisa, seeing Isabella, immediately gave her a big hug. “Isabella, I’m really glad to see you again.” Elisa exclaimed. She knew about what happened during this time, felt sorry for Isabella, but couldn’t find the words to say, afraid of making Isabella sad again.

“Look at what I brought you.” Isabella handed over the pastries she bought on the way.

“Wow, thank you, Isabella. I love cake!” Elisa’s face lit up with joy. “But even if you bring me such delicious cake, I won’t go easy on you. Later, I’ll test your previous training results to see how much you remember.”

“Bring it on!” Isabella wasn’t afraid at all.