Love runs deep

chapter 4

If we were truly that petty, where would the Costello family's reputation stand? Who in New York would hold us in esteem after that?

Seeing my silence, Isabella's smile broadened. "So there's nothing to be done? Miss Elena has a knack for it—the engagement dissolved, yet she's not inclined to return the items. If everyone were like you, having a daughter would be the most profitable venture!"

No sooner had she spoken than the surrounding crowd erupted into gasps and murmurs.

"This is outright extortion!"

"No wonder Marco doesn't want to marry her. She's already cost him a fortune before the wedding—if he actually takes her as his wife, won't the Moretti family be completely drained?"

“Exactly. Who’d dare take on a woman like that? Keeping her would cost the Moretti family a fortune—they’d have to rob a bank to support her.”

"And to think the Costello heiress comes from such distinguished stock—turns out she's just another gold-digger! Her strategist father can't be much better."

The stirred-up onlookers grew increasingly heated, until someone shouted: "Get those things back for Marco!"

The crowd surged towards our gate in an instant.

The family's bodyguards immediately stepped forward to block them, but they hadn't anticipated such frenzied behaviour. Several guards proved utterly powerless to hold them back. The iron gates were smashed open, and they swarmed into the estate, smashing everything in sight and snatching vases.

Some even pointed at me, shouting: "And this vain woman too!"

My personal maid fought desperately to shield me, only to be shoved aside. Amidst the chaos, I felt someone tearing at my dress. Clutching my chest tightly, I struggled desperately to push my way out.

"Let go! Don't touch me!"

Then, I was shoved violently to the ground. The next instant, a searing pain shot through my ear as someone wrenched the diamond stud from my lobe.

"Ah!"

My left ear was instantly covered in blood.

"Miss!" cried the maid, rushing to support me, only to be pushed aside by the crowd. As my coat was torn to shreds and countless hands reached towards me, a wave of despair washed over me.

"Stop this!!"

A thunderous shout erupted as several dark figures darted through the crowd like lightning, scattering the mob. A suit jacket, carrying a crisp, cool scent, was draped over my shoulders.

I looked up to see Marco's pupils reflecting my utterly bedraggled state.

I instinctively clenched my fists, unwilling for him to see me like this. At that moment, I was ragged and dishevelled, my hair matted, blood still trickling from my left ear. I resembled a vagrant crawling out of a rubbish heap.

A flicker of pity crossed his eyes before his gaze turned coldly towards the troublemakers.

Marco had been handling his father's 'dirty work' for the family since he was nineteen, becoming the Moretti family's underboss at a young age. He carried a heavy aura of bloodshed about him.

The others, unaccustomed to such an imposing presence, immediately took a step back in fright. After a long pause, the boldest among them finally spoke up: "Mr Marco, we only mean well for you..."

"Enough!" he roared. "Men! Break these scum's legs and toss them into the Hudson!"

His men sprang into action. These were battle-hardened soldiers; within moments they had subdued the ringleaders and dragged them out like dead dogs.

Marco helped me to my feet. "I'm sorry, Elena. I..."

I withdrew my hand without a trace of hesitation. Marco froze instantly.