The Burned Moretti Princess

Two days later, there was still no progress on the case.

The old guard of the family began to whisper behind Lorenzo's back, questioning the new Don's competence.

"The new Don can't even find one killer. Makes you wonder if he's fit for the job."

"All of Chicago is laughing at us!"

A murder this brutal on Moretti turf, with the killer still at large, was a direct challenge to Lorenzo's authority as the new Don.

Silvio, looking completely distracted, walked up to Lorenzo with a worried expression.

"Don, I still feel like something is wrong. It's not normal for Isabella to be out of touch for so many days."

Lorenzo, already at his wit's end over the lack of a breakthrough in the case, grew even more disgusted at the mention of my name.

He took all his frustration out on me.

"Silvio, I told you, she's fine! How am I supposed to find time to deal with that traitor?"

"You should be spending your energy on the burned body in the morgue."

"I'm busy. I need to help Liliana with her dinner preparations. I won't miss her big night."

Silvio's own anger flared, and he didn't spare Lorenzo's feelings. "Lorenzo Moretti, don't be so stubborn. Isabella could be in real trouble. If you won't do anything, I'll handle it myself."

Lorenzo shot to his feet and grabbed Silvio by the collar. "Do whatever you want. I'm not dealing with her. It would be better if she disappeared forever and stopped embarrassing the Moretti name."

Silvio, shaking with rage, cursed at his back. "How did I raise such a cold-blooded bastard?"

Watching through the ring as Silvio defended me, I felt a warmth spread through my soul.

The old consigliere had watched me grow up; he knew my character better than anyone.

But my dear brother, when will you finally believe that something has really happened to me?

Just as Lorenzo walked out of the meeting room, his phone rang.

"Don Moretti, this is Giuseppe from Valentino Jewelers. The custom jewelry pieces that Miss Isabella commissioned are ready, but she's three days past her scheduled pickup time. We can't reach her, so I was wondering if you…"

Before Giuseppe could finish, Lorenzo cut him off impatiently.

"How the hell should I know where she's run off to?"

"I'm busy right now, don't bother me. I'm not cleaning up her messes!"

With that, he hung up forcefully.

Lorenzo's face was a mask of fury.

He must have thought I was good for nothing but causing trouble.

He took out his phone and shot me a vicious text: "Isabella, stop playing these childish games! Get home now, or you'll face the consequences!"

Seeing his threatening message, my soul went cold.

My dearest brother, I'm not playing games.

I've been lying in your morgue for four days.

When will you realize that body is me? When will you listen to Silvio's advice?

Just then, Liliana walked in carrying an elegant meal box, a sweet smile on her face.

The ice in Lorenzo's eyes melted instantly, and he greeted her with a smile as warm as a spring breeze.

"Brother, you forgot to eat again," she said gently. "I made you your favorite lasagna."

Lorenzo stroked her cheek. "My little angel is always so thoughtful, unlike that ungrateful sister of mine who only knows how to cause trouble."

Liliana set down the food tray, and then tears suddenly welled in her eyes.

Lorenzo immediately grew tense. "What is it? Who dared to bully you?"

Liliana bit her lip, looking as if she had been deeply wronged. "I ran into Isabella on the road just now. I tried to say hello, but she suddenly pushed me and threw this at me."

"It's the Moretti family signet ring for women," Liliana cried. "Isabella even tried to throw it into the fireplace right in front of me."

"She screamed that she wanted to sever all her ties with the family, that she hated the Moretti name."

From her small purse, she took out a velvet pouch and poured out a melted, unrecognizable lump of gold and a few shattered gemstones.

Lorenzo looked down and saw a red, swollen scrape on Liliana's knee.

He snarled, his eyes fixed on Silvio. "See? That girl has no respect for this family, or for Liliana."

When Silvio saw the metallic remains, his face changed. He snatched them away. "You're saying Isabella threw this at you just now?"

Liliana nodded like a frightened doe and hid behind Lorenzo.

"See, Silvio? I told you Isabella was fine. Now she's even daring to hurt Liliana. This time, I'm going to teach her a lesson myself."

But Silvio shook his head, his expression grim. "Impossible! This is the heirloom ring for the women of our family, the only thing your mother left for Isabella. She treasured it like her own life. She would never ruin it like this."

He looked at Liliana, his voice low and deliberate. "Do not lie to us."

Lorenzo stepped in front of Liliana protectively. "That's enough, Silvio! Why won't you believe Liliana?"

Gritting his teeth in fury, he pulled out his phone, dialed my number, and put it on speaker. "Fine! I'll let you hear Isabella admit it herself!"

The ringing echoed through the office.

One ring, two rings, three…

To my surprise, the call connected.

Lorenzo immediately roared into the phone, "Isabella Moretti! You get your ass back here now! You dare lay a hand on Liliana, you can cool your heels in the wine cellar!"

A moment of silence crackled on the line, then an unfamiliar man's voice answered. "Don Moretti? This phone was found at the warehouse ruins."

"Right next to the body."

Lorenzo's fingers went slack, and the phone fell from his hand.