In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance

Chapter 16: Emanuele Calls Again

Isabella was taken aback by Evelyn's directness and didn't know how to respond at first. "No, I went home yesterday. Besides, he's not my boyfriend, so there's no way we would do anything like that." Evelyn persisted, "Then how come you arrived in another luxurious car today?"

Evelyn and Isabella were good friends from college, so she was aware of Isabella's family situation. Isabella's father had passed away a long time ago, and she usually worked on weekends to make money. She couldn't afford a luxury car. Moreover, the person who had driven her to the hospital seemed to be a chauffeur. How could she suddenly afford a chauffeur? Evelyn couldn't wrap her head around it. Evelyn's curiosity was piqued.

Isabella felt a headache coming on due to Evelyn's relentless questioning. "My mom married a wealthy man, so I've been exposed to these things..."

"Wow, that sounds amazing!" Evelyn couldn't help but exclaim. "Your mom managed to marry a wealthy man years after your father passed away. Isabella, I envy your mom. Unlike me, I can't even find a boyfriend."

Evelyn then changed the subject, "Your suitor from yesterday looks quite young and handsome. When are you planning to get together with him? And then maybe introduce me to his friends?"

"Evelyn, you really shouldn't. They're not good people," Isabella warned. She couldn't help but think about what Emanuele had done last night. That jerk, she would never forgive him!

"What does it matter? He's wealthy, good-looking, and treats me well. That's all I need," Evelyn replied, her simplicity shining through. She didn't seem afraid at all, and in fact, she was excited. She loved the idea of a passionate love that was all about loving her while defying the world.

Isabella shook her head as she looked at Evelyn's innocent expression. Maybe she shouldn't tell Evelyn too much about this. She could deal with this on her own, but she didn't want to involve her good friend. Just then, Pippo Cocchiola entered the room. "What are you two talking about? You should get to work; if the head nurse catches you chatting, she'll scold you."

Pippo was dressed in a white coat and wore gold-rimmed glasses. He had a gentle and clean appearance, exuding the aura of a doctor.

"Okay," Evelyn said, leaving the office to prepare for the upcoming surgery.

Isabella stayed behind, organizing patient records. Both she and Evelyn were surgical interns, just starting out, doing mostly assisting work. Pippo, on the other hand, was their senior by three years and had been working at the hospital for several years.

Rumor had it that Pippo was the son of the hospital's director, but he kept a low profile, and there were no reports of him taking advantage of his family connections.

When Isabella and Evelyn had started to work here, Pippo had been very helpful to them.

"Isabella, how are you feeling? You look a bit off," Pippo inquired, his concern evident in his gaze.

"Oh, I'm okay," Isabella replied, trying to appear composed.

Pippo leaned closer to Isabella and spoke softly, "There are rumors going around the hospital that a wealthy man is pursuing you. Is it true?"

Isabella nodded, a troubled expression on her face. "Yes, it's true, and I'm feeling quite uneasy about it."

She didn't want any of this, but she felt like her life had taken a dark turn since that party. It was as if the mafia had pulled her into a downward spiral. Was she destined to live in hell? Thinking of Emanuele's cold, hazel eyes, she couldn't help but shiver.

"If you don't like it, just reject him. Nobody can force you," Pippo consoled her.

"Yeah, nobody can force me," Isabella said with a smile, but her heart was far from cheerful. Emanuele could force her, and that was the problem.

Pippo watched Isabella as she diligently worked. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft, beautiful glow on her face, making her look like an angel.

Pippo bit his lip and said, "Isabella, I believe you're more suited for a peaceful and simple life, don't you think?"

Isabella looked up at Pippo, her eyes brightening. She hadn't expected Pippo to understand her so well. Many people thought that dating a wealthy man was a good thing, but she just wanted an ordinary life. "Yes, I think so too," Isabella replied.

When it was time to leave work, Clark drove over to see her again.

"Isabella, we didn't get a chance to have dinner together last night. How about dinner tonight?" Clark suggested.

"Sure," Isabella agreed, getting into Clark's car.

This scene sparked envy in Evelyn, who waved at them with a teasing smile. "Hello! If any of your friends need a girlfriend, you can send them my way!"

"Sure thing," Clark replied with a grin.

He then looked at Isabella and asked, "Your friend is quite interesting."

Isabella smiled, but bitterness filled her heart. She didn't want Evelyn to get involved in this world, but seeing her eager expression made Isabella think that maybe she should talk to Evelyn about it someday. Just then, Isabella's phone rang, and she saw that it was Emanuele calling. She couldn't help but furrow her brow. Was Emanuele watching her again, seeing her with Clark? The thought of Emanuele's terrifying demeanor from the previous night sent a shiver down her spine.

Her phone, once a simple device, had become a source of fear. She wished she could just throw it away.

Clark noticed Isabella's hesitation when she saw the caller ID. "Your brother's calling. Is something wrong?"

Isabella shook her head. "I don't know."

"I'll answer it," Clark offered, taking Isabella's phone and putting it on speaker mode for her to hear.

"Emanuele, what brings you to my sweet Isabella today?" Clark asked casually.

"Why did you answer? Where's Isabella?" Emanuele's voice was cold and menacing.