The Politics of Desire

Elvira had barely settled into her ward when Vincent walked in with a dark expression on his face. "Elvira, I checked the security footage. You bribed the club staff and loosened the lighting rig on purpose because you wanted to kill Elena, didn't you?"

His voice was cold enough to cut.

She found it ridiculous and looked at him coolly. "No, I didn't."

"Who else would harbor this much hatred toward Elena if not you?" Vincent stepped closer. "I truly underestimated you, Elvira. You're reckless and capable of doing anything!"

"I said I didn't do it. You have no right to accuse me." Elvira's entire body shook with anger, and the pain in her wrist nearly made her collapse.

"I'm accusing you?"

Vincent took out his phone and dialed a number, speaking into it with a cold command. "Elvira Corleone, the daughter of the Corleone family, is suspected of assault. Send people over and lock her up for a few days until she learns."

"Vincent!"

Elvira stared at him in fear, unable to believe he was actually using his connections to have her thrown in a detention center.

No matter how she struggled or tried to explain, nothing helped.

Soon, uniformed officers arrived at the ward. They all belonged to the Allen family and followed Vincent's orders without hesitation.

…

Ignoring the doctor's protest and Elvira's condition, the police took her away by force.

Life in the detention center was a living hell.

The three women in the same cell were clearly following Elena's instructions and bullying her in every way possible.

They knew Elvira was the daughter of a Mafia family, but they also knew she had fallen from power and had no one left to protect her.

Beatings became routine. Her already fractured wrist was deliberately stomped on again and again, each time sending unbearable pain through her body. Her wounds became infected and inflamed. New injuries layered over the old, and the blood never stopped.

Elvira curled up in the corner like an abandoned stray. She even started to wonder if she would make it out alive.

Just when she was on the brink of collapsing and giving up completely, her phone buzzed. It was a notification that her visa to go abroad had been approved.

At that moment, Elvira latched onto it like a lifeline.

She couldn't die here. She needed to leave Norwell, survive, and make sure everyone who hurt her paid the price.

Fueled by that belief, she forced herself through the days that followed.

…

A few days later, when Elvira was finally released, she was barely recognizable. Covered in injuries, she was weak and close to passing out.

Dragging her broken body, she took a cab back to the Corleone residence. She only wanted to grab her luggage and head straight for the airport.

As soon as she walked inside, she saw her best friend Lilian.

Lilian had just returned from traveling around the world. The moment she heard what had happened to Elvira, she rushed over immediately.

The second she saw Elvira in that state, Lilian burst into tears and hugged her tightly while apologizing profusely, "Elvira, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. I never liked Elena and knew Vincent still had feelings for her, so I encouraged you to go after him.

"I never imagined it would turn out like this. If I had known, I would never have let you go, even if it killed me."

Elvira shook her head. Her voice was hoarse and barely audible. "It's not your fault. It's over now, and I've already let it go. I'm leaving Norwell. I won't ever come back."

Lilian froze and tried to stop her. "Elvira, don't go. Stay here. I'll take care of you. I'll protect you. I won't let my brother get away with this."

"No," Elvira murmured. "There's nothing here worth staying for."

Seeing the emptiness and finality in Elvira's eyes, Lilian knew nothing she said would change her mind. With red, swollen eyes, she helped Elvira pack her remaining belongings.

Before leaving, Elvira took one last look at the house that held all her childhood memories and was now full of betrayal and darkness.

She took out a can of gasoline she had prepared long ago. Ignoring the housekeepers trying to stop her, she poured it in every corner without a change in expression, then lit a lighter.

Flames shot up instantly, swallowing everything from the past.

All the false affection, hopeless love, and cruel abuse were turned to ashes with the fire.

Elvira picked up her luggage and walked away without a single glance back.

Lilian drove her to the airport and kept apologizing the entire way, saying she would give Elvira the power of judgment over Bayton Harbor's underground scene as compensation.

Yet, Elvira shook her head and leaned against the car window, watching the scenery blur past. "No need. Letting go of the wrong person is the only way to meet the right one. I'm pretty. I'll definitely find someone better in the future."

Lilian quickly agreed. "You're right. You're the prettiest, Elvira. You'll find someone who cherishes you."

…

When they reached the airport, Lilian clung to her and sobbed uncontrollably. "Elvira, you have to live well, and make them regret everything!"

Elvira hugged her back and gave her a gentle pat before letting go. She gave a carefree wave, then turned and walked toward security.

Lilian watched her silhouette disappear into the long hallway and finally broke down, crouching on the floor as she cried.

After a long while, she gathered the courage to call Vincent. The phone rang for a long time before he finally answered.

"Vincent," she said in a nasally tone, her voice strained with anger. "I know you like Elena, but Elvira was with you for three years. She's leaving now, and she'll never come back. Are you not going to send her off?"

The line went silent.

A few seconds later, Vincent's voice came through, with a barely detectable tension and hoarseness. "Who... did you say is leaving?"