When the Canary Sings for the Principessa

When Angelina was six, her mother, Sofia, brought her to our estate. She knelt before my mother, pleading, "My husband is just a Soldato and can't give her a good life, Donna Isabella. I beg you, let Angelina attend school with Miss Scarlett. You're a mother; you know what it's like."

"The top private schools are so expensive. A family like ours could never afford the tuition, but... I know you can. I've heard you sponsor so many children. Surely you could give Angelina a chance too, couldn't you?"

Sofia made Angelina kneel beside her until the girl’s knees were bruised. My mother had a soft spot for children in hardship, so under Sofia's "heartfelt" plea, she relented.

From then on, Angelina became a fixture in our house. I pitied her, so I generously shared my designer clothes and jewelry with her. Soon enough, everyone mistook her for the daughter of some prestigious family. It went straight to her head, and over time, she seemed to forget her place.

Angelina began to think she was my equal, competing with me in every way. She even entangled herself with my fiancé, Nico.

In the past, I couldn't be bothered to care. My engagement to Nico was just a political alliance. It didn't matter who my fiancé was, nor did I care who Angelina flirted with.

But now, having discovered that Angelina was the so-called "female lead" and that her loyal fan club of admirers would destroy my family, I could no longer remain indifferent.

Soon, Sal returned with an encrypted USB drive. The security footage played on the large screen, showing everyone how Angelina had slipped away from the party.

She entered my room in a simple gown and emerged with my necklace around her neck. Then, with her head held high like a proud peacock, she strode back to the gala.

The truth was undeniable. I pointed at the screen. "See? Angelina stole my necklace. That makes her a thief. If she dares to steal from our family, she'd dare to steal from any of you. Who here would dare work with someone like that?"

I glanced at Sal. "Deal with her according to family rules."

Instantly, a voice roared, "You dare!"

As my brother, Marco Costello, strode in, the comments went wild. He stood protectively in front of Angelina. "Angelina has my protection. I'd like to see who dares touch her today!"

More comments flooded the screen.

"Finally, the loyal second male lead, Marco, has arrived! That vicious woman almost succeeded in bullying our sweet Angelina!"

"Ha! Let's see how arrogant Scarlett can be now! Marco is the only son. No matter how much the Don favors her, she's just a daughter who'll be married off. She can't carry on the family name!"

"Everything will be fine. Once Marco takes over the family business, that vicious side character will be kicked out onto the streets!"

Marco? Take over the family business? The man got a headache just from looking at financial statements.

I narrowed my eyes. "Marco, is that how you speak to me? Where are your manners?"

Marco snorted. "I will never acknowledge a vicious woman like you as my sister! You're always bullying Angelina when I'm not around!"

I was fed up with being called a bully. It was time I showed them what real bullying was.

My gaze hardened. I pointed at the three of them and commanded, "Seize them all."

If they look down on me, they have no right to wear the fine clothes this family provides. No one enjoys the benefits of the Costello family only to turn around and bite the hand that feeds them.

Angelina crossed her arms, her expression a mask of indignation and resentment. She glared at me, her eyes red and brimming with tears, and screamed, "Why do you have to be so cruel to me, Scarlett? Is it because Nico doesn't like you? Is it because Marco doesn't think you deserve to be his sister?"

"But that's all your own fault! You've always used your status as Principessa to bully me! You forced me to wear your old clothes! You said I was too lowly to even carry your shoes!"

Her tears splashed onto the floor as she continued, "Yes, my family isn't as powerful as yours. I'm not some Principessa, but I have never been ashamed of where I come from! I live with more dignity and integrity than any of you!"

"So what if you're rich and powerful? You still can't get the love you've been craving for so long!"

I wanted to scoff. If she truly didn't care about her background, why did she use the luxuries I gave her to craft a false image of a high-born lady?

Unfortunately, the commenters were a pack of fools, swallowing every honey-laced lie that fell from Angelina’s lips.

"Angelina is right! I know a girl from a mafia family, and she's always looking down on everyone!"

"So what if Scarlett is rich and powerful? It's so satisfying that even if she knelt and begged, Nico wouldn't love her and would be devoted to Angelina instead."

"I feel so bad for Angelina, but it'll be okay. Soon, it'll be time for the third male lead to show up and teach that detestable side character a lesson!"

"Oh? The third male lead is coming? It's finally time for my favorite, Mr. Volkov, to appear. It's a shame Scarlett didn't end up with him. I loved the part where he imprisoned her out of jealousy!"

Thanks to these comments, I now knew Angelina had a third admirer—a man with a penchant for locking up women.

I looked toward the entrance and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man walk into the hall. He wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his dark hair slicked back to reveal a high forehead.

He looked at me, a pleasant smile playing on his lips. "How has my little canary offended you, Miss Costello?" he purred. "She’s a delicate thing. If any harm comes to her at your own birthday gala, I'm afraid I'll have to hold you responsible."

My face darkened. I hadn't expected Dimitri Volkov to be Angelina's third admirer.

The Volkov family ran the Russian Bratva in Chicago. They were known for their cruelty, and Dimitri was the most ruthless of them all, having seized control of the Bratva at a young age with savage methods.

In our world, everyone knew not to cross him. He was an absolute madman.

How did he and Angelina even know each other?

Meanwhile, the comments erupted again.

"Mr. Volkov is so damn cool! Did he just call Angelina his little canary?"

"I'm screaming! Quick! Look at Scarlett's face. I bet she realizes she can't mess with Angelina now. Ha! Mr. Volkov could crush her like a bug!"

"Calm down, friend. Soon, Mr. Volkov will send his men to break Scarlett's legs for Angelina. Scarlett will be pushed to the brink of death!"

Dimitri, still smiling, strolled over to Angelina, pulling her into his arms. "I believe an apology is in order for my little canary, Miss Costello."

The threat in his tone was unmistakable.