His Mistress, The Don's Wife

Their audacity was so staggering I let out a laugh of pure disbelief.

I immediately took out my phone, ready to have my bodyguards handle them.

But the next second, Bianca slapped the phone from my hand, the impact followed by the sharp sting of her palm across my face.

Her tone was vicious. "Elara, letting you even be near Julian is my greatest concession!"

"You know he's trying to secure a partnership with the Moretti family. Why are you causing trouble now? Are you trying to make him lose this deal on purpose?"

"Besides, Julian already gave you a million dollars. Isn't that enough for you? Have you no shame?"

I was furious. I raised my hand to strike back, but Julian's hand clamped around my wrist like a vise.

"Elara, don't push it. You'll ruin what we have."

"Fine, then let's talk damages." I wrenched my arm free and turned to the shop assistant. "Send the bill directly to the Thorne Group. If they refuse to pay, we'll proceed with legal action, and... our own methods. I have all the time in the world."

With that, I turned to leave.

Julian impatiently stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "Elara, why have you become so cold? Think about the three years you waited for me. Just apologize to Bella and Bianca, and we can put this behind us."

"If you keep making a scene, you'll only destroy what's between us!"

The rage I'd held back finally broke free.

I spun around and slapped him hard across the face.

"Julian, there is nothing left between us."

In the struggle, Julian violently tore at my collar. Two buttons popped off, exposing the unique mark on the back of my neck to the air—a possessive mark left by Dante. Last night, his fury over Julian's phone call had led him to torment me for hours, using this primitive method to stake his claim.

The stares of passersby burned into us, and I frantically clutched my collar, trying to cover the mark.

But Julian's eyes were already blazing.

"Elara, how could you sink this low? Did you let some random man touch you just to spite me?" He grabbed my arm, his grip so tight I thought the bone would snap.

"Let go of me, Julian! What I do is none of your business!"

Just then, Bianca emerged from the shop with her daughter, drawn by the commotion. She was holding the two broken halves of the pocket watch. She pieced them together and presented them to Julian triumphantly.

"Julian, our Bella did a great thing! Look, the watch box has the Moretti family crest on it."

"In a few days, it's an important anniversary for the Morettis. This must have been a gift Elara's sugar daddy sent her to pick up. How else could she afford it?"

"He was probably trying to suck up to Don Moretti at the gala and compete with you for the partnership. Who knew their little plan would be ruined by our Bella? She's such a lucky charm."

But Julian didn't seem to hear a word. His eyes were bloodshot as he glared at me. "Who is he?!" he snarled. "How long have you been with him? How far have you gone?"

I couldn't waste another breath on him and yanked my arm free. "Julian, what right do you have to question me? I could be with anyone in the world, but it will never be you."

What stood between us wasn't just his betrayal and my family's ruin, but my grandmother's life.

It was a debt I would make him pay.

I would wait for the Moretti family gala. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when I appeared on Dante's arm.

I was truly looking forward to it.