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Chapter 2

A tall man in a fitted black Armani suit approached, his presence radiating power so thick the air itself seemed to bow. He was undeniably handsome, with sharp dark eyes that glowed with authority.

Marco Sangue Nero—the Don-to-be of the Sangue Nero family.

I gave him a once-over. My father hadn't lied about his appearance.

Isabella immediately clung to his arm. "Marco... she hurt me... I was only trying to help—"

"Enough," Marco said, frowning. "Don't whine here. It's disgraceful to the family."

Isabella shut her mouth instantly, but the smug, taunting look she cast at me said everything.

Marco turned to me, his eyes sweeping me from head to toe with open disdain. I kept my tone polite. "I'm Valentina Russo. I—"

He raised a hand, cutting me off impatiently. "No need. I've seen you. Our families arranged this meeting, you showed up, fine. Now you can leave."

For a moment, I wondered if I'd misheard. I had traveled through three states under Commission protection just to attend, and before I even finished one sentence, he was dismissing me?

Isabella quickly added, voice dripping with artificial sweetness, "What Marco means is, he's not interested. So run along now before things get ugly."

I looked at the two of them—the arrogant Don-to-be and the sycophantic consigliere—and couldn't help raising an eyebrow. "Marco, you're sure you understand my family's position?"

He scoffed, clearly offended. "Of course I do. And I also know I don't marry pretty faces who have no real power. Women like you are nowhere near worthy of Sangue Nero."

Isabella covered her mouth dramatically. "She really thought she had a chance. Cute."

I laughed lightly. "Great. Saves us both time."

That caught him off guard; his expression stiffened. I gestured toward my assigned seat in the VIP lounge. "And for your information, this invitation was granted by The Commission on behalf of my father. Not something anyone can just override."

Isabella snapped, "Who do you think you are? This entire succession belongs to the Sangue Nero family! You don't deserve to be here!"

Marco said coldly, "I'll compensate you triple for the invitation. Take it and leave."

Associates nearby gasped.

I said calmly, "Not interested. Money doesn't solve everything."

I turned to walk away, but Isabella leaned close to Marco's ear and whispered something. His expression shifted instantly.

He spun back toward me, eyes sharp. "Why did you attack her?"

The accusation sounded like a verdict.