Out of His Reach

Nico kept talking.

“Lena, stop saying things out of spite. You came to see me right after returning to New Haven. Doesn’t that mean you’ve been thinking about me all along?

“Don’t worry. Sophia is understanding. She even said you could be our son’s godmother. You get a family heir as a son for free, and you’re still unhappy?”

I didn’t bother responding and turned to leave.

He chased after me and tossed a black card into my car.

“Lena, just wait obediently to become my bride. I’ll make it up to you with a wedding of the century!”

In the car, the underboss picked up the black card and looked at me hesitantly.

“Donate it to a women and children’s shelter foundation. Make a copy of the receipt and send it to the Luciano family headquarters,” I said. “Also, suspend the Luciano family’s financing.”

The next day, I didn’t return to the hotel until evening.

The moment I stepped into the lobby, noise rushed toward me.

Nico had reserved the entire atrium for a lavish banquet.

A huge banner read: Welcome to the world, Luciano family heir.

This hotel was a top-tier property under the Gambino family, the leading mafia family.

I tried to go around through the side entrance, but a familiar voice called out from behind me.

“Lena, I knew you’d follow me like you always do!”

Seeing everyone’s attention turn toward us, Nico stepped closer and lowered his voice.

“I know you’re upset, but today is an important day to announce the Luciano family heir. Be sensible. Don’t make a scene.

“I promised to marry you. Don’t get carried away. I won’t go back on my word.”

I almost laughed.

Make a scene? Even looking at him felt like a waste of time.

“You’re mistaken, Don Nico. I’m staying here.”

Nico looked at me as if he’d heard a joke, his gaze sweeping over my clothes with disdain.

“Lena, is pretending really that interesting?

“This is the most luxurious hotel in New Haven. I even had to book three months in advance to host this banquet.

“Leave. You can’t even afford the basement here!

“Is it worth spending years of savings just to save face in front of me?”

I didn’t want to argue. “I’m staying on the top floor.”

Nico burst out laughing.

“The top floor? Lena, at least make your lies believable. The presidential suite on the top floor is only open to core members of the Mafia Commission. Money alone won’t get you in. Who do you think you are?!”

He didn’t know that when this hotel was on the verge of bankruptcy, I personally drafted its restructuring plan. Once Don Gambino adopted my proposal, he made a fortune.

To thank me, he permanently reserved a private suite on the top floor for Vincent and me.

At that moment, Sophia walked out holding a child.

Dressed in jewels, she wore the smile of a victor and leaned affectionately into Nico’s arms.

“Lena, you’re here? Come, take a look. This is my son, the future don of the Luciano family. Doesn’t he look just like Nico?”

When I didn’t respond, she smiled again.

“Lena, it’s not easy struggling on your own. Since you’re back, why not move into the Luciano family estate?”

Nico looked at Sophia with approval, clearly moved by her “generosity”.

Sophia continued, “Nico worries that I don’t get enough rest taking care of the baby. The maids are outsiders, and family is more trustworthy. Since we’re practically family now, you can help take care of the baby at night. Nico and I would feel at ease.”

Nico seemed to find the suggestion excellent and nodded repeatedly.

“That’s a good idea! To avoid dividing family resources in the future, before you marry me, you should undergo sterilization. You can take care of the child and build a bond in advance. When you’re old, you’ll have something to rely on.”

Looking at the two of them, my anger reached its peak, then settled into calm.

I directly called the hotel manager.

“Ms. Sorrentino, how may I assist you?”

“I’m in the hotel atrium and have run into a small issue. I need to return to the top-floor suite.”

In less than thirty seconds, four uniformed security personnel and two white-gloved private butlers hurried over and bowed in unison.

“Donna Lena, apologies for the wait. Please follow us upstairs.”