In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance

Chapter 45: Sending Her Money

Chloe gazed at Emanuele with a look of joy and admiration, which irritated him. Many women looked at him with that same look, but he never showed them much favor. Emanuele was getting irritated and snapped, "You're so damn rude. I'm waiting for Isabella to answer my question. What business is it of yours?"

After being reprimanded by Emanuele in public, Chloe's smile stiffened. She looked over at Isabella, whom Emanuele was holding, with a flash of jealousy in her eyes.

Why did this wretched bitch Isabella get Emanuele's favor? Look at her, pale and looking older than her years. Look at her plain and cheap dress, her plump figure. What about her could compare to Chloe? She was a refined lady groomed by her parents, while Isabella was just a fatherless wild child. How could she compare to her? Chloe was clearly superior.

Isabella gradually regained her senses and looked at the man beside her. For some reason, Emanuele's presence made her feel safe at this moment. Moreover, he had scolded Chloe.

Watching Chloe being reprimanded, her expression uncomfortable, Isabella relaxed slightly. Chloe wasn't all that.

She smiled at Emanuele. "I'm just a bit tired from work, that's all."

"Then, after dinner, we can go back to the apartment early," Emanuele suggested, running his fingers through Isabella's hair.

"Okay."

The interactions between the two didn't go unnoticed by the others present. Chloe was furious, cursing Isabella in her mind, planning to find an opportunity to trip her up. However, Sophia and Leo were content. They had always feared that Emanuele might not accept Isabella, but it seemed like their relationship was better than expected.

Sophia added, "Then let's hurry up and eat. After dinner, Emanuele, you can take Isabella back to the apartment."

"Emanuele and Isabella are living together?" Chloe was shocked. Had her cousin's relationship with Emanuele developed to this extent?

"Recently, Isabella was attacked by enemies, and Emanuele said he wanted to protect her closely to avoid any further danger," Sophia explained, growing more pleased with her stepson for wanting to protect Isabella.

Chloe stared at Isabella and Emanuele, stunned. This bitch Isabella had already seduced Emanuele in such a short time? Chloe was jealous. She also liked Emanuele. Today was their first meeting, but she had been instantly captivated by his handsome, manly appearance. She vowed to make Emanuele fall for her.

But was he getting along so well with Isabella? Did he like her? No, that couldn't be. Chloe thought, Isabella was so ugly and overweight. How could Emanuele be interested in her?

During dinner, Chloe tried to get close to Isabella. "Isabella, let's sit together, okay? Why does your stepbrother always reject me?"

Isabella's body trembled uncontrollably when she felt Chloe trying to sit next to her. She instinctively moved closer to Emanuele. Since when had Emanuele become her protector?

Emanuele also noticed Isabella's actions. He didn't know why, but it was clear that Isabella didn't like her cousin. He didn't like her either. The way she stared at him, like a hungry dog eyeing a piece of meat, was rather revolting. If it weren't for her being related to his stepmother and stepsister, he might have gouged out her eyes.

So he firmly declined Chloe's proposal, "Miss, I'd prefer it if you sat elsewhere. Don't disturb our little world."

His straightforward refusal left Chloe feeling embarrassed once again. She'd never experienced such humiliation in all her life.

She glared at Isabella, convinced that it was all her fault that Emanuele didn't like her.

But Chloe quickly composed herself and smiled at Isabella. "Isabella, I'd like to sit with you. Is it okay? Why does your stepbrother keep rejecting me?"

Isabella felt Chloe's hint, and even though she was very reluctant, fear still clung to her. She had no choice but to say to Emanuele, "I'd like my cousin to sit next to me."

A big smile spread across Chloe's face. She knew Isabella would listen to her; she had trained her that way from a young age. If Isabella didn't obey, Chloe would punish her severely. She used all sorts of punishments: sticks, stones, tying her to trees, pushing her down the stairs - every method she could think of. Eventually, she succeeded in turning Isabella into an obedient dog.

And now, after all these years, Isabella still looked at her with fear in her eyes, unable to utter a word of defiance.

Chloe sat beside Isabella and couldn't resist patting her arm. "Isabella, I knew it. We are the best sisters in the world."

On the way back to the apartment after the banquet, Isabella remained silent. She realized that Chloe hadn't changed a bit over the years. In front of others, she was a kind and gentle lady, but when they were alone, she was malicious.

At the same time, Isabella found herself sinking into self-disgust. She couldn't believe that she hadn't made any progress over all these years. She couldn't overcome her fear of Chloe.

She despised this version of herself. After all these years, she hadn't grown a bit.

As soon as she entered her apartment, Isabella rushed to her room, showered, changed into her pajamas, and threw herself onto the soft, oversized bed. Wrapped in blankets, she finally felt relaxation. It was only on her bed that she could find peace.

Emanuele pushed open Isabella's bedroom door and saw her lying on the bed. He walked over and sat beside her. "What's wrong tonight? You seem quite upset."

"Nothing, maybe it's because I haven't fully recovered. I'm just tired," Isabella replied.

She couldn't believe that Emanuele was concerned about her emotions.

Emanuele believed her and said, "Well, if you're tired, you can rest for a few more days and not rush back to work at the hospital. I've taken over your life, and if you need any living expenses, I can provide." After he said that, Emanuele picked up his phone and quickly sent a message. Isabella received a notification on her phone, and when she opened it, she couldn't believe her eyes. Emanuele had indeed sent her money.

Previously, Emanuele had mentioned taking care of her apartment rent, but since she moved here, she hadn't spent much. Her apartment was fully furnished, and her living expenses were minimal, especially since she often ate at the hospital. So she hadn't needed to ask Emanuele for money.

But now, Emanuele had actually transferred a substantial amount of money to her. Isabella counted the zeros, unable to believe her eyes. It was a full fifty thousand dollars.

She wasn't mistaken. Isabella immediately sat up on the bed and looked at Emanuele. "Why did you send me so much money?"

"Because I felt like it," Emanuele replied. He looked at Isabella's nervous, shocked, and bewildered expression. For some reason, he found it incredibly adorable. Fifty thousand dollars meant little to him, but seeing how happy it made her was interesting.