Ch. 181..190

Chapter 181

Matteo's driver dropped Emily off safely at her apartment. Though it was practically Mia's house, it was the only place Emily had to call her own.

She unlocked the door and set her bag on the table near the sofa. Then she went to her room, plugged her phone in to charge, and selected her sleepwear from the cupboard. After taking a hot shower, she changed into her pajamas and prepared to retire to bed, eager to sink into the comfort of her soft mattress.

But as she stepped out of the bathroom, she heard her phone ringing. She walked over, unplugged it fron the charger, and saw a warm smile brighten her mood when she realized it was Mia calling.

But then she realized it was late at night. What could have made her best friend call her at this hour? Feeling a surge of anxiety, she quickly answered the phone.

"Mia, is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"I should be the one asking you this, Mia replied, her voice heavy with concern. "How are you, Emily? Alessandro told me he got a call from Matteo, and he said Tomas tried to hurt you!" The anger toward Tomas and the worry for her friend made Mia's voice tremble. "I'm coming right now. I've told Alessandro to get the jet ready." Mia declared, her urgency clear.

Placing the phone against her ear, Emily sat on the bed and leaned back, stretching her leg out comfortably on the mattress. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she heard Mia worrying about her so much. It made her feel that she wasn't alone in this world-Mia was always there for her, no matter what. After her parents died and she lost her wealth, her relatives discarded her without a second thought. But then Mia came into her life, and along with Gia and Maximo, they became the only family Emily had.

"Relax, Mia," Emily said softly, sensing her distress. She knew Mia was pregnant and didn't want her to be stressed. "I'm fine. Mr. Vinci was there, so nothing actually happened."

Emily bit her lip as she recalled what had happened at the hotel and how Matteo had stepped in to save her. But she quickly shook off the thoughts as she reminded herself that Matteo was a notorious playboy, untrustworthy when it came to hot and beautiful women-a shameless flirt with little self-control.

"I won't spare that monster. He has to face the consequences, Mia muttered, breathing heavily in anger.

"Mia! Mia! Calm down and take a deep breath, Emily soothed, trying to calm her best friend down. "He can't do anything to me, and don't worry, I'll make sure he faces the consequences."

"Yes, he should know better than to come any closer to you," Mia uttered firmly. Emily could almost picture Mia's expression-frowning and nose flaring, red with anger. Mia was always protective of Emily. just as Emily was protective of Mia. Although they didn't share a blood relationship, they had found a sisterhood in each other, bonded through their mutual pain and sufferitig caused by the men in their lives.

"Do you want me to involve Alessandro and have your ex-husband removed from the earth?" Mia suggested darkly, causing Emily's eyes to widen in shock. It was striking how quickly Mia's time with her husband had influenced her perspective. Emily snorted at the thought.

"No, Mia. But thank you for thinking about me. A small punishment will never be enough. I want him to suffer with humiliation and experience the pain of losing everything, and for that, I will seek the help of the law" Frilu erined out the rain from her ex-husband's herraval resurfacing in her heart. "And Me

"That's really great because Matteo is the best lawyer, and no one

n defeat him in the courtroom. I'll talk to him personally and make sure he goes to any length to get justice for you," Mia guaranteed firmly.

Suddenly, the doorbell of her flat rang, causing Emily to lift her head toward the door.

"Mia, someone is at the door. I'll talk to you later." Emily said, about to hang up.

But Mia urged, "Wait! Who would be there at this time of night?"

Emily shook her head at her best friend's concern. She worried too much.

"Mia, Mr. Vinci said he would get my car dropped off here since I left it at the hotel. It must be his driver delivering the keys," Emily informed.

"Oh. I see," Mia murmured. "Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything. I'll be there in a heartbeat." Mia's vow made Emily laugh with relief.

"Okay, my brave lady!" she saluted, even though Mia couldn't see her..

The doorbell rang again.

"Okay, I'm going to see who's ringing the bell so impatiently," Emily said with amusement before adding. "Bye, Mia. Take care of yourself and the baby in your tummy." She smiled.

"Bye, Emily," Mia replied shyly, and Emily could almost picture her blushing.

After ending the call, Emily set the phone aside and got up to see who was at the door.

As Emily opened the door, she was startled to see four burly men in black clothes. Their expressions were so dark and intimidating that Emily's instincts kicked in. She hurried to close the door, but the men were quick and strong, pushing it open forcefully. They jerked Emily back, making her fall onto her back as they entered her flat and shut the door behind them. Emily's eyes widened in horror as she watched them close in on her.

Chapter 182

Emily crawled back swiftly, her panicked eyes fixed on the men in black who laughed at her mockingly. Ignoring their taunts, she gathered all her strength, pushing herself up and running toward the nearest room.

Seeing this, the goons suddenly stopped laughing.

"Bitch!" one of them yelled. "Catch her!" another shouted, but Emily didn't have time to pay attention. Emily darted toward the door, slipped inside, and quickly locked it behind her. Leaning against it, she tried to steady her breathing, but a startled squeal escaped as the door shook violently under the force of the goons pounding. They had reached her, and the door rattled with each hit. Panic surged as she realized with dread-her phone was in the other room.

Oh God! Now what? Time was running out, and she needed a plan before they broke through.

Frantically, Emily scanned the room for anything she could use to defend herself. Desperation took over as she shoved the table and sofa across the room, pushing them against the door to reinforce it. Her heart pounded in her chest, fear clawing at her, but she couldn't stop. She tore open the cupboards, grabbing hangers and anything sharp enough to use as a weapon. Her mind raced, adrenaline surging, knowing it was only a matter of time before the goons forced their way in.

With each loud bang, the door shook wildly, ready to fall at any moment. But she never saw them break it down. Instead, a loud crash came from outside, followed by the sounds of groaning, shouting, and the unmistakable thud of punches and kicks. Emily was confused, but fear kept her from finding the courage to open the door and see what was happening. After a while, the noises stopped, and she pressed her ear against the door, trying to catch any sounds from the other side. Footsteps approached. Her heart began to race again. "Miss Yang, everything is under control. You can come out," a voice, calm and not intimidating, said from the other side of the door. But Emily's suspicious and fearful mind wasn't ready to trust anyone unknown.

"Miss Yang, don't worry. We're Mr. Vinci's men, and we're here to ensure you're safe. He's on the phone and wants to talk to you," the voice said again.

Hearing Matteo's name, Emily felt a surge of relief. She quickly removed the table and sofa blocking the door. She didn't know where this sudden strength came from, but she did it swiftly. Unlocking the door, she opened it quickly.

When she stepped out, she saw that the goons were gone, but her furniture and belongings were in disarray, evidence of a fierce struggle. Her eyes then landed on four intimidating figures, though they weren't as frightening as the previous intruders. Still, she didn't feel entirely at ease around them.

"Where are the men who came to kill me?" Emily asked in a trembling voice.

Our people handled them and took them to jail," one of the men replied, extending a phone toward her. "Mr. Vinci is still on the line, ma'am," he added, gesturing to the phone.

Emily took the phone and began to speak. "Hello!" Her voice shook, a mix of lingering nervousness and

newfound relief.

"Emily!" Matteo's anxious voice came from the other side of the phone. "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" he asked, panic evident in his tone.

"No. I'm fine. I'm fine' Frilo secured him though it felt like she was paring to comfort herself as wel

"Thank God!" Matteo murmured, but Emily heard it clearly. A wave of strange emotions washed over her as she sensed the fear and care in Matteo's voice.

"I'm on my way. I'll be there soon. Hold on. My people will ensure your safety until then," Matteo affirmed before ending the call.

Matteo's jaw clenched with fury and determination. He had a strong suspicion of who was behind this, but after interrogating the goons, he would know for sure. Handing the culprit over to the police was out of the question. He intended to deal with the person personally and make sure they faced the consequences for trying to harm Emily. Lost in thought, his phone rang. He frowned and glanced at the screen-it was Alessandro. Matteo figured Alessandro must have already learned what happened, especially since Matteo had enlisted the help of Alessandro's associates in Paris.

"Matteo, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Alessandro's worried voice echoed through the phone speaker.

"Calm down, Alessandro, Matteo said, rubbing his forehead. He knew that, despite his friend's hard and cold exterior, the Italian don had a deep care for his family and close friends,

"Listen, what I'm about to tell you-don't mention it to Aria," Matteo suggested, knowing Aria and Emily were best friends. Aria was already going through a lot, especially with her and Alessandro expecting their third child; she didn't need any more stress on herself. "Now you're making me even more worried," Alessandro replied, his voice tight. "What's going on there, Matteo?" he asked in an authoritative tone.

"Emily Yang... she was attacked at her home," Matteo said, his voice tight with anger.

"What?" Alessandro yelled into the phone.

"No worries, she's fine. I had my bodyguard following her, and he informed me as soon as the attackers broke into her home. I quickly sent your men, as you instructed them to be at my beck and call. They arrived just in time and saved her. I'm on my way now to check on her myself."

Matteo could hear Alessandro muttering under his breath, knowing he was cursing quietly.

"Who's behind the attack?" Alessandro growled, his jaw clenched, his face dark with anger.

Chapter 183

T3thless Attorney

"Who's behind the attack?" Alessandro growled, his jaw clenched, his face dark with anger.

"I will find out very soon," Matteo muttered darkly.

He didn't want to act on mere suspicion, not until he was sure. However, he knew that after hearing the name, Alessandro wouldn't hesitate to kill the person suspected of the attack. This wasn't the punishment Matteo wanted for the culprit behind the attack on Emily. His sense of justice was different from that of the Italian don. He was famous as the ruthless attorney for a reason. He didn't want an easy death for criminals and the guilty; he wanted a vengeful punishment on behalf of the victims.

"Matteo, I need you to keep Emily safe. You know how much she means to Aria," Alessandro instructed assertively.

"If you hadn't told me, I'd still do everything in my power to protect her. It's personal now," Matteo muttered the last part unconsciously, then bit his lip, realizing just how important Emily had become to him in such a short time. He felt something different about her... something he'd never felt for anyone else before.

"Personal? What do you mean?" Alessandro snapped.

Matteo clenched his eyes, cursing under his breath, before quickly replying, "I'm her attorney, representing her in court against her ex-husband. And she's Aria's best friend, so that makes her family. right?" As a skilled lawyer, he knew exactly how to twist words to his advantage.

"Yes, she is family. After all, she was there for Aria when she was alone. I'll make sure she never faces difficulties in her life. But you're right-I can't tell Aria about all this right now. Our relationship is going through a rough patch again, and I can't give her more stress, Matteo heard Alessandro sigh heavily.

"Going through a rough patch? What do you mean?" Matteo frowned, "Alessandro, don't make the same mistake again. She needs you and your time, especially now that she's carrying your baby. I've seen how precious she is to you, so don't do anything foolish to lose her again, Matteo warned his stubborn mafia best friend. "If she leaves you this time, she'll never come back.

"I know, and I'm trying to cope with the problems in my life. Sometimes it makes me think that Aria and the kids would be better off without me in their lives, Alessandro muttered, his voice heavy with guilt and

remorse.

"Shut up. Don't let those negative thoughts take over," Matteo scolded his stubborn friend. "Your wife and kids love you, Alessandro. If you can't see how much they need you, then maybe you should get your eyes checked"

Alessandro chuckled lightly. "Alright, Mr. Lawyer. Now let's focus on the task at hand," he said, feeling relieved to have a friend who always showed him the right path when he was lost.

With the Marino gang and the Centre interfering in his life, he barely had time to think straight. But after talking to Matteo, Alessandro gained clarity, and his determination to keep his family safe and intact with him was strengthened once again. "Keep me updated on any new findings about the culprit behind the attacks on Emily," Alessandro said.

"Don't worry about her, I'm almost at her place, Matteo replied in a dark tone, his fierce determination to protect Emily resurfacing. "I'm taking her to my home, and she'll stay there until the threat is completely removed"

"Hmm," Alessandro nodded, even though they were only speaking over the phone, and then ended the call.

A few minutes later, Matteo arrived at Emily's place and rushed inside to see her. As he entered the apartment, a wave of fury hit him when he saw Emily sting on the couch in her pajamas. Her eyes were dull, and her face still bore traces of fear. But the moment her beautiful eyes fell on Matteo, she stood up with a glimmer of hope in her gaze as her eyes locked with his intense orbs. Something snapped inside Matteo, and he couldn't help but remove his jacket in a swift movement, wrapping it around Emily's shoulders before pulling her into his embrace.

Emily hesitated, taken off guard by Matteo's protective gesture.

"Are you okay, gorgeous?" he murmured into her car, his deep, husky voice sending a shiver through her.

Matteo pulled back slightly, still holding her in his arms, his gaze locked deeply with hers. His concerned eyes roamed over her face before he stepped back further, scanning her body for any signs of harm. Relief flooded his eyes when he saw that Emily was unharmed. "I'll kill them all for trying to scare you," he growled, his face twisting dangerously with fury,

"I'm fine. No need to worry, Emily gasped, startled by the attorney's fury. Her hand instinctively flew to Matteo's chest, as if trying to soothe his loud and angry heartbeat beneath her palm. Matteo's eyes locked with Emily's, finding concern and worry in her gaze. For a moment, he forgot the world around them

"What I don't understand is why someone would want to hurt me when I've never done wrong to anyone! Emily muttered, confusion and fear clouding her beautiful eyes again, intensifying Matteo's desire to eliminate whoever was responsible.

*Babe, you're so naive," Matteo sighed, shaking his head. "You still don't understand that there's only one person who wants to see you dead." His jaw clenched tightly as he spoke.

"D-dead?!" Emily stammered, her eyes widening in real terror.

"Yes, because the attackers were professional mercenaries," he declared, causing Emily to gasp as her heart sank with the realization. Who could hate her so intensely, to the point of wanting her dead?

Chapter 184

Matteo sensed the distress radiating from Emily, her body trembling with fear, a reaction that didn't escape his notice.

"But don't worry," Matteo declared firmly, he can't do anything to you as long as I'm alive"

"He Emily gasped, her eyes widening in horror as the calization hit. "You mean it's the trailed off

"My gut tells me it's Tomas Matteo confirmed with a slow nod. "But I'll have a name in a few minutes. The attackers are being interrogated as speak, he assure Thank you for your help." Emily murmured, feeling overwhelped by the care she was receiving from a man for the first time-without expecting anything in return.

Matteo gently tucked a loose strand of her caramel-brown hair behind her ear, his voice soft as he said, "T do anything for you, ange

Emily blushed, suddenly aware that she was still wrapped in his embrace. He hadn't let go, as if holding her was second nature to him. She began to wriggle, trying to free herself, but when he didn't hnmediately release her, she narrowed her eyes at him. Matteo chuckled lowly before finally letting her

"Pack some of your clothes," he said, his tone firm. "You're moving in with me."

Emily gaped at him in shock. "What?!" she sputtered, furrowing her brow. "You can't be serious, are

e you?

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Matteo sighed calmly. "I'm very serious, and I can't leave you here alone, knowing your ex-husband is after your life," he added, his tone grave.

"What did you do to him, woman, to make him so desperate?" he asked, cocking his head with a hint of

Iningue.

Emily met Matteo's gaze confidently and said, "I simply refused to bow down to his wrongdoings and stood up against his crimes, she declared with pride. Matteo felt a surge of admiration for the brave woman before him. She looked fragile, but her determination was as solid as a rock.

"But moving in with you is too much. You're my attorney, not my..." Emily trailed off, biting her lip as she stopped herself from finishing the sentence.

"Keeping you safe is part of my job, Miss Yang. After all, my client has to be alive for me to get paid." Matteo reasoned with a casual shrug.

"Payment? I... I thought you said... Emily stammered awkwardly, recalling that Matteo had mentioned he wouldn't take any payment. She had been silently worrying about how she could ever afford such an expensive attorney.

But Manteo held up both hands, cutting her off before she could worry further. "Did you forget? You owe me a date, and that will be my payment."

Emily huffed out a small giggle. "You scared me for a second. I was starting to think about how I could come up with the money to afford a successful attorney like you, Mr. Vinci," she added the last sentence in a slightly teasing tone, and Matteo seemed to enjoy it. "You never have to worry about money, cherie," Matteo said, his tone turning serious as if stating a matter

This time, Emily didn't resist. After today's attack, the thought of being alone at home terrified her. Still, she hesitated for a moment before heading to her room, feeling conflicted but knowing she had little choice.

Matteo watched her walk toward her room, his jacket still draped over her shoulders. His eyes lingered on her until she disappeared inside and closed the door. Just then, his phone rang. It was the police, who had taken the attackers into custody after his men handed them over.

As a world-renowned and highly successful attorney, Matteo had deep connections within the police department-one of the reasons he was Alessandro's lawyer, always keeping him informed of the authorities' every move. Matteo wasn't a saint; his job often required him to navigate through dark, questionable methods to get the desired results.

He swiped to answer the call on his phone and held it to his ear

"What did you find?" he asked bluntly, then fell silent, listening intently to the response on the other end.

"Thanks," Matteo muttered before disconnecting the call.

His face suddenly darkened, and his jaw clenched as his suspicions were confirmed: the mastermind. behind the attack was indeed Tomas. After some intense interrogation, the attackers had finally broken down and revealed everything. Without wasting time, Matteo dialed his assistant's number. The moment the call was answered, Matteo barked an order, "Get to the office immediately, and make sure everyone else is there within thirty minutes.

"Sir, can't it wait until morning?" his assistant asked, startled by the urgency. Gathering all the staff at this hour of the night would be challenging.

"No. We need to start on this special case right now. First thing in the morning, I'll file the case in court as soon as it opens," he declared before ending the call. Just then, he noticed Emily emerging from her room with a duffle bag in hand. He glanced at one of the men standing nearby, and the man rushed over to take her luggage.

Matteo walked toward her as she extended his coat, returning it to him. She had changed into a fresh of denim jeans and a white top, looking both casual and determined.

pair

Matteo took his jacket back, his eyes gently roaming over her before settling on her blue orbs, as deep a

the ocean.

"You'll go home with my bodyguard and driver," Matteo said. "There will be servants available if you need anything, and guards will be stationed outside the apartment and around the building twenty-four-seven. You don't need to be scared." His gentle tone contrasted with the intensity of his words as if he were wrapping her in a cocoon of safety.

"Wait, you're not coming?" Emily asked, feeling perplexed.

Chapter 185

Matteo stepped closer, his dark gaze peering deep into Emily's eager eyes as he rasped in his deep voice. "Do you want me to come home with you, douce?"

The question was simple, yet so intimate that Emily fell herself lost in the moment.

"I... L.." she began, her voice faltering, caught between her thoughts and the spellbinding presence of the charming attorney.

"You what, bébe?" Matteo whispered, gently tucking a stray strand of her silky caramel hair behind her car. his gaze never leaving her.

Her pulse quickened, and she bit her lower lip shyly, dropping her gaze to avoid the intensity of his stare. "I thought... I thought it was late, and maybe you'd prefer to go home too," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, douce, I have some urgent work I need to finish tonight," Matteo said briefly, but his focused gaze softened slightly when he saw Emily's face fall. He quickly added, "But if you want, I can drop you off at my place first and then head to the office." Emily shook her head. "No, it's fine."

"Don't worry, chérie," he husked with a teasing smirk. "If you miss me too much, just call, and I'll come right back."

Emily's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"In your dreams, Mr. Vinci," she snapped, rolling her eyes dramatically, which made Matteo chuckle softly. He marveled at how easily she could lift his mood, even in stressful moments, with just a few words or beautiful expressions. "All right, enough joking." His tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Go home and stay safe. Don't hesitate to call me if anything feels off. The bodyguards will be there for your safety."

Emily nodded as his demeanor turned protective. Matteo gently took her hand, guiding her to the car waiting to escort her to his apartment. He opened the back door for her, waiting until she was seated comfortably before closing it with care. He then stepped aside, giving his bodyguard a quick rundown of the security protocols. Only after ensuring everything was in order, Matteo stepped back watching as the driver and guards took their positions in the front. As the engine roared to life and the car began its journey, Matteo lingered for a moment, his gaze following it down the street.

Once the car disappeared into the distance, he sighed, heading toward another vehicle that would take him to his office, his thoughts now shifting to the work in his hands.

"Mom! Mom!" Maximo called out loudly, trying to get her attention. He had been calling her repeatedly. noticing how lost in thought she seemed.

"Ah... I'm sorry, sweetie. What happened?" she asked softly, snapping out of her thoughts about her husband.

Alessandro had been acting distant for the past few days, his usual warmth replaced by something troubled. He hadn't shared wltat was bothering him, and that only deepened her worry. After struggling for so long, they had finally found love and trust in their marriage, and now, just a month later, he seemed. to be pulling away again.

She couldn't share those moments with Alessandro when she was pregnant with Gia and Maximo, but this time she wanted to experience all the couple things they could do during pregnancy. When she went to her check-ups alone the first time, she often felt sad and envious, seeing other pregnant women with their husbands or boyfriends, and how their partners took care of them.

Because of all the misunderstandings in the past, she couldn't experience those special moments with Alessandro during her first pregnancy. But this time, now that she was pregnant again, she longed for him to be with her at every check-up, every appointment with the gynecologist. She wanted them to go shopping together for their baby, and she hoped he'd be there for her, helping with her mood swings and satisfying her midnight cravings.

But instead, it seemed she was the one dealing with his mood swings-far more than any pregnant woman ever had. She sighed heavily

"Mom, you're going to be late for your check-up." Maximo reminded her, pulling her out of her thoughts.

She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. Her mood was low, and the last thing she wanted was to go to the doctor alone, facing those pitiful glances.

Just as if Maximo could read her mind, he said, "Mom, I know Daddy's been busy with work lately, but I can take you to the doctor. After all, I'm a big boy now, and I'll be six next month!"

Mia smiled at her little boy. "Aww, thank you, honey. Mom knows she has nothing to worry her strong boy is with her," she praised, making Maximo grin widely.

about when

"Alright, Mom, I've packed all the reports and taken your purse. You just need to get ready," Maximo suggested proudly.

Mia wanted to refuse to go to the doctor, but seeing his happy smile, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"Where's Gia?" she asked tenderly.

"Oh, yeah! She's getting ready," Maximo replied, nodding toward the kids' room. "She's coming with us too," he added confidently.

Mia smiled, overwhelmed with love and pride at how responsible her children were, far beyond their years. Just then, Gia appeared, twirling in a bright red frock, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mom, you didn't get ready? We will be late!" Gia whined cutely, her hands on her hips.

"I'm already ready, sweetie. Mia replied, a hint of weariness in her voice.

She didn't feel like changing her dress, especially for a doctor's appointment where there was no need to retouch her makeup. She was simply too tired to care about her appearance.

"Let's go then!" Maximo chimed in, picking up all their things and taking Mia's hand as if supporting her to get up. Mia's heart warmed at the sight of her little boy, a miniature version of her husband.

As they stood and turned toward the door, they saw Alessandro walking in. His expression furrowed, and his eyes questioned them.

His deep, intimidating voice made them stop in their tracks as he asked,

"Where are you all going?"

Chapter 186

Mia felt a pang of disappointment in her heart. He had forgotten their appointment for her prenatal check-up. His question and disheveled appearance told her that she was no longer a priority; he had buried himself in work again.

Why do people do this? They chase after something or someone until they finally have it, only to take it for granted and forget the struggles they faced to possess that precious person.

Mia swallowed her hurt and lifted her chin defiantly. Although part of her wanted to ignore him, to walk past him without a word, her heart wouldn't allow it. She couldn't bring herself to hurt him, whether intentionally or not.

"I have my routine check-up, and the kids are accompanying me," she replied indifferently, meeting his gaze with an intense stare. She tightened her grip on the children's hands and began to walk away.

"Wait" Alessandro called out, gently holding Mia's elbow to stop her. "How can you leave me alone?" To Mia's surprise, she saw her usually ruthless husband pouting. "Weren't we supposed to go to the doctor together?" he whined in a soft tone.

Mia narrowed her beautiful, almond-shaped eyes. This man was impossible to understand. He could change his mind with the snap of his fingers.

"Really?" Mia challenged. "Did you even remember it, hubby?" she taunted, raising an eyebrow.

"How could I dare forget something so important, mia moglie?" Alessandro replied, a chuckle escaping his lips. He feigned victimhood as if Mia were the one bullying him.

Mia rolled her eyes at her mafia husband's antics, exasperated yet slightly amused by his playful demeanor.

"Daddy, that was very bad," Gia scoffed, giggling and covering her mouth with her tiny hands.

"Really?" Alessandro winced, bowing to his daughter's level.

"Yeah," Gia whispered, nodding with empathy. "You should improve your acting."

"Alright!" Mia snapped, observing the exchange between father and daughter. "What's going on here?"

It seemed they had teamed up, and she was the only one unaware of their plans.

"Mom, actually Daddy called and asked for help," Maximo spilled the beans, always eager to be a momma's boy.

"Help?!" Mia raised an eyebrow, intrigued and suspicious.

Alessandro stood tall before Mia, taking her soft hand in his large one.

"I was running late, and I didn't want to upset you, amore mio. So I asked for our kids help, and we all planned to surprise you," he explained softly, stepping closer and finding comfort in his wife's proximity. "And don't worry about the appointment; I spoke to the doctor and rescheduled it, so we're not late," he added, smiling brightly at her.

Mia couldn't help but smile back, even as she pretended to be upset.

"Of course, your slave is here for your punishment," Alessandro husked flirtatiously, causing Mia to part her lips in embarrassment.

"What are you saying, Alessandro?" she whispered, a hint of a whine in her voice. "The kids are watching." She reminded him through gritted teeth, but Alessandro couldn't help but smirk at her flustered expression.

"Our kids are incredibly smart," he said proudly. "Just see for yourself."

When Mia looked down, she found their children staring off in different directions, covering their ears.

"Gosh!" Mia groaned. "Like father, like children!" she mutteredfin irritation. "So dramatic!"

It seemed the twins had inherited every trait from their mafia father, and Mia couldn't help but wonder. what she had done wrong that the twins hadn't picked up any of her behavior.

Alessandro laughed wholeheartedly, hearing his wife's joyous feelings, before gently kissing her pouting lips. "Now, can we leave, la mia regina?" he asked softly.

Mia nodded, and the kids turned toward them as well. Alessandro took the medical file and Mia's purse. while holding Gia and Maximo's hands. He walked out of the mansion, servants watching him as if he were the eighth wonder of the world, but he didn't care about anyone but his family. Mia smiled at her husband's sweet attempt to surprise her. He was a real man who didn't care about his strong appearance; instead, he showed his emotional side and genuine care for his family, He was her man.

However, she still couldn't shake the feeling that something was troubling Alessandro. Something was once again coming between him and her. A wife's instincts couldn't be wrong. Though he didn't want to talk about it, she could sense that her husband was in deep trouble, and she needed to find out what it was.

Chapter 187

"Mrs. Valentino, the doctor is ready to see you," the nurse informed Mia with a polite smile.

#Finished

Mia glanced at Alessandro, noticing the way his lips curled into a satisfied smile. It was clear he had made this appointment a priority, likely using his influence to ensure it was arranged promptly and given special attention.

With a soft sigh, Mia returned the nurse's smile and started to rise, but Alessandro stood up first, extending his hand toward her. "Here," he said gently.

1. up.

Mia placed her hand in her husband's, feeling the warmth of his strong grip as he carefully helped her Although it was only her third month of pregnancy, Alessandro was treating her with extreme caution, as if she were fragile. It was endearing, though part of her thought he might be overdoing it. Still, she secretly enjoyed the extra attention.

Gia and Maximo had come along with them to the clinic, and as Mia turned to her children, she spoke firmly but warmly.

"Gia, Maximo, stay here and don't wander off, okay? We'll be back soon."

"Okay, Mom!" they chimed in unison, their bright voices bringing a smile to Mia's face. She exchanged a look with Alessandro, both relieved as they left the kids in the waiting area under the watchful eyes of their bodyguards.

Inside the doctor's office, the physician greeted them with a welcoming smile. "Mrs. Valentino, how are you feeling today?"

I'm doing fine, thank you," Mia replied with a small smile.

"Good. Let's take a look and check on things," the doctor said, gesturing for Mia to follow her to the examination area. As Alessandro moved to go with her, the doctor politely added, "Mr. Valentino, please wait here." Alessandro hesitated, clearly wanting to stay by Mia's side. His expressioni tightened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face, but he reluctantly sat down, his eyes fixed on the doctor as she led Mia away.

Mia lay down on the examination bed, her heart racing slightly. The doctor began the routine checkup moving the ultrasound wand over her abdomen. Moments later, the rhythmic sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room.

"Everything looks good," the doctor said reassuringly as Mia listened to the tiny heartbeat echo through the machine. The sound overwhelmed her with emotion, and tears pricked her eyes.

"Doctor... is it twins again this time?" Mia asked nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of handling two more babies at once, on top of Gia and Maximo, terrified her. Raising twins had been a challenge, and she wasn't sure how she would manage four children, all so close in age.

The doctor paused for a moment, reviewing the scan. It's still early, but there is a chance," she replied gently.

Mia's heart skipped a beat. The idea of having more children-Alessandro's children, their flesh and blood

daanlıramatismal. Ma mamas hour hard di minha lan cha kaasa cha mould "No, it's just one fetus this time, the doctor assured her "Look here." She pointed to the screen, and Mia's eyes focused on a tiny dot-her baby. Overwhelmed with emotion, Mia covered her mouth, tears of joy welling up.

"Doctor, could you please call my husband? He would love to see our baby on the ultrasound," Mia requested softly.

"Of course, the doctor nodded with a smile before calling out, "Mr. Valentino, you can come in now."

Alessandro's hurried footsteps echoed down the hall, and moments later, he appeared, sliding the curtain aside and stepping into the room.

"Is everything alright?" His face was tense, brows furrowed in worry, his concern for Mia and their baby evident. "Everything is fine, Mr. Valentino," the doctor reassured him. "Come over and see your baby on the screen." Alessandro's eyes shifted to Mia, and she smiled, gently beckoning him to join her at her side.

"Here, this is your baby," the doctor said, pointing to a spot on the screen. Alessandro squinted, trying to make sense of the image. When he finally saw it, his expression softened into awe, completely captivated by the tiny life growing inside his wife. He took Mia's hand and kissed it firmly, his emotions raw.

"I can't believe it," his voice trembled, thick with emotion as he sighed, trying to steady himself. "It's so small... and it's inside you, baby," he said, gazing at Mia as if she were some divine being. "Thank you for making me the happiest man alive." In the heat of the moment, Alessandro forgot they weren't alone. Overwhelmed, he leaned in and kissed Mia, not caring that the doctor was still there. The doctor cleared her throat, making them both pause.

"This is still my clinic," she said with a serious expression. "You can celebrate when you get home." Then, her tone turned more serious. "However, Mr. Valentino, you need to be gentle and cautious when it comes to sex during the first trimester Mia's checks flushed a deep red. Alessandro's open affection and his barely filtered possessiveness were undeniable, and his impatience to express his feelings in front of others only made it more obvious.

"Okay, doctor, I'll keep that in mind," Alessandro replied calmly, surprising Mia with his composed

response.

The doctor wiped the gel from Mia's stomach, and Alessandro carefully helped her sit up. Once she was steady, they both stepped out of the examination area and took seats in front of the doctor's desk. The doctor returned to her chair, jotting down notes and writing a prescription.

"Everything is fine, right, doctor?" Alessandro asked, his voice steady, though there was a trace of concern as he watched her closely.

The doctor looked up, glancing between Mia and Alessandro. Her expression shifted, becoming more serious and hesitant.

"Well, there is one thing I need to discuss with you, Mr. Valentino," she said, her tone careful. "But I'd prefer to speak with you alone?

Finished

Mia's face turned pale as she gripped Alessandro's hand tightly, her heart sinking at the sudden shift in the doctor's tone.

Chapter 188

The Risk

"What's wrong, doctor? Mia murmured in a weak voice. #Finished

"Nothing is wrong, Mrs. Valentino. I just wanted to talk to your husband about some precautions during your pregnancy, that's all," the doctor replied gently. But Mia wasn't convinced; she sensed there was something more the doctor wasn't sharing.

Alessandro could feel the tension in the air as well. He sensed the urgency in the doctor's tone, but he maintained a calm exterior. He gently squeezed Mia's hand. "Amore mio, nothing can be wrong when I'm with you. Remember, I promised to protect you from everything, and I mean it. I will keep you and our kids safe, no matter what."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "You go check on the kids while I discuss a few things with the doctor, okay?"

Mia sighed, nodding in agreement. Alessandro helped her up, holding her hand as she stood. He walked her to the door, holding it open for her as she stepped out. Once she was gone, he closed the door, his expression turning serious as he turned to face the doctor. Alessandro closed the door behind Mia, his expression tense as he turned back to the doctor. His intimidating eyes questioned her intentions.

"Mr. Valentino, please take a seat," the doctor urged calmly.

Letting out an exasperated breath, Alessandro approached the chair, pulling it back before sitting down with a heavy sigh.

"Doctor, tell me it's not something serious," he said, his tone sharp and warning.

The doctor hesitated, her demeanor serious. "Mr. Valentino, unfortunately, I need to discuss some critical issues regarding your wife's pregnancy." Alessandro frowned. "What is it?"

"She's Rh-negative, and her firstborns are Rh-positive, the doctor began, her voice measured.

"So?!" Though Alessandro didn't fully understand the implications, he remained composed.

"I reviewed her reports from her previous pregnancy, and..." She paused as she read the report again, intimidated by the fearsome personality of the Italian don-oh, the ex-Italian don, as he had stepped down, but no one yet knew about it since the official announcement was still pending

"She didn't have a shot of RhoGAM at that time, and now it's causing complications in her current pregnancy," the doctor added with a sign of worry in her tone.

Alessandro's jaw tightened. "What does that mean?"

"Look, the first pregnancy can sometimes proceed without sensitization, but it's still a risk, especially with a subsequent pregnancy. In severe cases of sensitization, it can lead to significant complications during delivery. In Mrs. Valentino's case, the risk is too high," the doctor admitted, looking directly into his eyes. "We need to act quickly."

Alessandro's heart sank with realization.

"Doctor, Aria's health is my priority," he said firmly. "Do anything necessary, but she shouldn't be harmed." He made his choice clear.

He loved her he loved her too much to care about anything else but her...and only her.

"I understand your concern, Mr. Valentino, and trust me, I will do my best to keep both mother and baby. safe," the doctor assured him.

"So, what's the next step?" he asked urgently, needing to know. "I want to know everything about the progress of your treatment. The doctor nodded in understanding.

"We'll schedule the RhoGAM injection immediately; in fact, I will give her the first shot today. She'll also need regular blood tests. Early intervention is essential, the doctor replied firmly. "We can manage this, but it requires vigilance."

Alessandro nodded. "Make sure not to miss anything. I want the best for my wife and the baby. Money is, not an issue, and you know that," he said authoritatively.

"I understand, and don't worry-your wife is in good hands. I'll coordinate the necessary tests and treatments, and I'll keep you informed every step of the way," the doctor assured him.

"Okay," he said, standing up. The doctor handed him the report file and the prescriptions before he left, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him.

"I've included everything in this prescription. Continue with the multivitamins and maintain a healthy diet," she suggested.

Alessandro took the papers and nodded before turning to leave the room. His mind buzzed with stressed thoughts; fear gripped his heart, and another worry loomed-what was he going to tell Aria?

Should he lay bare the truth and risk shattering her hope, or should he hide it, waiting for the moment everything might be alright? He was far too torn to think straight.

Chapter 189

Mia stood just outside the doctor's office, watching as her husband gently closed the door behind him. The doctor had asked to speak to him privately, something about her. Despite her best efforts to push away the swirling negative thoughts, she couldn't shake the growing dread. A tight, uneasy feeling began to rise in her chest, making it hard to breathe normally. Her eyes drifted to their children, waiting a short distance away. Forcing a smile, she walked over to them.

After what felt like forever, the door to the doctor's office finally opened. Alessandro stepped out, his face unreadable, but the look in his eyes told a different story. Something was wrong. Mia immediately stood up, her heart paced faster.

"Alessandro," she said, her voice barely steady, "what did the doctor say? Is everything okay?"

Her worry was unmistakable, and she searched his face for answers, dreading what she might hear.

Alessandro licked his lips to hide his hesitation and smiled weakly. "Yes, everything is fine, amore mio," he whispered, taking a deep breath as his eyes darted around, as if trying to evade her penetrating gaze. It felt as though she was trying to read his mind. "Where are the kids?" he asked when he didn't see Gia and Maximo around

"They were getting bored, so I sent them with Alessio to grab a bite at the nearest restaurant," she replied. "I'm feeling tired too, and if we're done here, we can join them and get something to eat."

Alessandro exhaled sharply, as if bracing himself to reveal the harsh reality to Mia.

"Baby, we can't just leave. The doctor said you need to get a shot that the doctor has prescribed, and then we can go home," Alessandro said softly.

"A shot?" Mia's brow furrowed, her fear deepening. There was definitely something wrong, and Alessandro wasn't telling her. Her frustration grew even more with it. "What are you hiding from me, Alessandro?" she demanded, her tone sharp as her face flushed with anger.

Alessandro glanced around, noticing that other patients were watching them.

"Come with me," he said, gently grabbing her smaller hand in his larger one and guiding her to a quiet corner where some chairs were vacant.

He carefully sat her down and took a seat beside her. Mia's impatient eyes stayed fixed on him, her irritation clear.

"Now will you tell me?" she snapped.

Alessandro nodded, his expression turning somber. "I truly regret not being with you when you delivered Gia and Maximo. His voice broke with remorse. "If I had been there, I would have made sure everything went smoothly and that you and our babies were safe. Alessandro's puzzling words only deepened Mia's confusion.

"What happened?" she pressed.

knew he had promised there would be nothing hidden between them, and he was determined to keep his

word.

Mia's eyes

flared with realization as the truth sank in. She gasped, clutching Alessandro's hand tightly.

"What will happen, Alessandro? What are we going to do?" she murmured, her eyes glistening with worry for their unborn child. She didn't care about her own health; all that mattered was this baby. Their baby. It needed to be healthy and safe. The mother in her was determined to do anything to ensure its survival.

goes

"Everything is going to be fine. We are going to be fine, cuore mio," Alessandro replied firmly. "That's why the doctor has started the medication and is taking all the necessary precautions to make sure everything

well." He declared this to his wife, even though his heart was still thudding loudly against his chest. One thing he knew for certain: he would do anything to protect his family, even if it meant going against fare. He couldn't bear to see the pain reflected in Mia's eyes. He would burn the whole world down before he allowed her to be broken.

Just then, the nurse approached them and said, "Ma'am, please come with me."

Alessandro nodded to Mia, and together they followed the nurse to the exam room. The doctor entered shortly after and administered the first shot of RhoGAM to Mia.

"It's done, the doctor said, offering a reassuring smile. "Now everything is fine. Just make sure to follow my instructions and come in regularly for checkups," she suggested before leaving to attend to other patients.

"See, I told you. There's no need to worry," Alessandro said, trying to lift his wife's spirits.

But today, Mia was determined to uncover all the truth. This was her opportunity to find out what was coming between her family's happiness.

"What about the other thing you're hiding?" she pressed.

Alessandro sighed as he led Mia to their car. He knew it was finally time for her to know everything-his involvement with the mafia and his decision to leave it behind. Though she was aware of his connections, she remained uncertain about his position and role within that world. Alessandro had never spoken about it with her; he wanted to keep her safe from his dark world,

He helped her into the car and took a seat beside her, his face etched with determination as he began to explain everything. But before he could start, his phone rang.

Seeing the unknown number, he frowned and answered, "Hello?"

"If you want to see your kids alive, come to this address a filthy voice snarled, freezing the blood in his veins.

He glanced at Mia, unable to mask the panic on his face, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her that their children had been kidnapped.

Chapter 190

Tomas sat on his balcony, enjoying his tea and getting ready for the day. A smirk crept onto his face as he thought about his ex-wife. Now she'd know not to bother him again.

"Good morning, darling," his live-in partner, Monica, emerged from the bedroom, her slim figure draped in a sexy pajama set. His lustful eyes roamed over her, making him hiss with hunger. "Morning, babe," he smirked. "Sleep well?"

"Did you even let me sleep?" Monica teased, rolling her eyes.

"And you're complaining?" he chuckled.

"No," she smiled seductively. "Are you not going to the hospital today?" she asked.

"I'll go later. My first patient isn't until the afternoon," he replied, pulling her onto his lap.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Monica began to get up.

"Who could that be at this hour?" she asked curiously.

"Stay here." Tomas pulled her back onto his lap with a grin. "The servants are here; they'll get the door."

He lived in an ultra-posh apartment, worth millions, with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from the master bedroom. Tomas had earned a fortune over the years as a practicing surgeon, amassing wealth both through his career and what he had deceitfully taken from Emily to build his own hospital. Now, he was swimming in gold and diamonds, with no limit to his fortune.

Poor Emily, he thought. She could've shared this world with him if she had just stayed silent, accepted her place by his side, and let him live on his terms. But no-she had to be rebellious, standing up against him. and his lifestyle of having a new woman every night. Anyone who came between him and his pursuit of happiness paid the price, just like Emily had.

He chuckled evilly, satisfied with the thought.

But Tomas's-smug thoughts were cut short when a group of cops suddenly burst through the door, storming onto the balcony,

"Tomas Bradford, you are under arrest," one of the officers announced in an authoritative voice.

Tomas frowned, shoving Monica aside as he sprang to his feet in alarm.

"What the hell is with arrogance.

oing on?" he barked. "You can't just barge into my home like this!" His voice dripped

"Oh, yes, we can," another voice interrupted, deep and commanding. "And trust me when I say they're here to put you in jail for good."

An intimidating figure emerged from behind the police team, cutting through them with ease. His presence radiated authority as he stepped forward, his eyes cold and unyielding.

Tomas scowled, recognizing the man from the previous night. "You... you're my ex-wife's lawyer?"

His widened with the horrifying realization. He had heard of attorney Matteo Vinci-the ruthless man who left no room for mercy when it came to crushing his opponents. Tomas's mouth went dry as he considered a desperate escape. "Let's go," one of the officers demanded, gripping Tomas's hand and snapping the cold metal cuffs onto his

wrists.

"Wait, you can't take me like this!" Tomas protested, his voice rising in panic. "I'll talk to my lawyer!"

"No lawyer will touch your case," Matteo cut in, his tone icy. "And I'll make sure of it."

Tomas glared at him, fury bubbling up. "What has that bitch done to afford you, huh?" he spat, his voice venomous. "She's a whore, remember? She'll use you just like she used me!"

He tried to provoke Matteo, but all it did was fan the flames of the attorney's barely suppressed rage from the night before.

Before anyone could react, Matteo lunged at Tomas, landing a hard punch square on his face.

"Fuck!" Tomas cried out, clutching his nose as blood began to spill. "Are you insane? You broke my nose! You can't hit me while I'm in police custody! I'll sue you!" he shouted, his voice cracking with shock.

Matteo remained utterly unfazed. Try me," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. He was Matteo Vinci, after all-untouchable in the courtroom and beyond. He knew the law inside out and had enough tricks

up

his sleeve to stay ahead of any challenge. His glare cut through the air as he leaned closer, his tone menacing. "And think twice-no, a hundred times-before you ever talk ill about my woman again." My woman?!

Matteo's words echoed in Tomas's head, leaving him gaping in stunned silence.

"That slut will pay for it! She can't escape the consequences, and I'll make sure to expose her filthy face: and whorish deed to the world," Tomas barked, his rage palpable.

Without a second thought, Matteo landed another punch, even harder this time. Blood smeared across Tomas's already battered face, and the officers quickly intervened, warning Matteo to step back and not cross the line of the law.

But Matteo didn't care. At that moment, nothing mattered-not even the threat of jail time. If it came to it, he'd gladly spend a night behind bars if it meant putting Tomas in his place. He wouldn't mind killing him. with his bare hands and representing himself in court. Matteo's eyes burned with fury as he leaned in once more, voice thick with menace. "Now that you've threatened her, I'll make sure you're out of jail soon... so I can deal with you personally," Matteo openly declared, his words laced with chilling certainty. Tomas, dazed and bloodied, was frozen with shock. How on earth had his plain, "boring" ex-wife managed to land the most powerful and ruthless lawyer in the city against him?

His mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation, but the reality felt impossible to grasp. What had that witch done to this man to have him wrapped around her finger?

And worse still, Tomas couldn't fathom how she was still alive when he had ensured that the previous night would be her last.

The police began dragging Tomas out of his house, and Matteo felt a sense of satisfaction knowing his plan had worked. Now, the only thing left was to prove Tomas's crimes in the courtroom. As he followed behind the cops, his phone rang. Seeing Alessandro's name on the screen, he swiped the answer button quickly, Before Matteo could say anything. Alessandro's anxious voice came through the line. "Matteo, Gia and Maximo have been kidnapped, and I need your help."