Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Upon hearing Chloe’s words, Isabella couldn’t control the urge to vomit, and her body began to tremble. No, no, this couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t find the composure to face Chloe calmly, and it was pushing Isabella to the brink.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“I’m really tired today, so I won’t come over,” Isabella mumbled, biting her tongue to regain some semblance of composure as the pain helped her focus.

Chloe’s voice lowered ominously as she replied, “How can that be, Isabella? You can’t keep refusing me over and over. You do it one more time, and I’ll make sure you suffer. Emanuele won’t be able to protect you.”

Chloe’s warning sent Isabella into a fit of breathlessness. Damn it, why was she so weak? She had become stronger than before and could live independently. But Chloe’s words still unnerved Isabella, making it hard for her to breathe.

Isabella knew she needed her medication. Chloe’s threats were genuinely terrifying. She felt utterly helpless. “Fine, I’ll come over,” Isabella said.

After hanging up the phone, she swallowed a pill and then got into her car to head to her stepfather’s house. The estate was immense, filled with flowers and golden fountains, appearing exceptionally luxurious. Isabella noticed an increasing number of guards on the premises, although she wasn’t sure why. The atmosphere seemed tenser than during her previous visits.

However, things changed as she entered the living room. The spacious and brightly lit room was bustling with activity. Many servants were busy, and Isabella recognized a few familiar faces chatting casually. Chloe spotted her as she walked in and immediately approached her, hugging her. Isabella felt repulsed.

Chloe noticed Isabella’s makeup concealing her bruises and smiled, reaching out to cup her face. “Isabella, you’re so clever.”

“Isabella, long time no see,” Grazia, along with her husband, Andrew, arrived, and they both embraced Isabella.

“Your cousin looks quite lovely,” Grazia complimented Chloe.

Isabella smiled but didn’t know how to respond. Instead, she turned to Andrew and asked, “Andrew, how’s your injury?”

“I’m doing well,” Andrew replied. “I can already grasp things, but I still need some time to recover. Isabella, I appreciate your help with my wound.”

“That was the least I could do,” Isabella replied.

“All right, let’s have dinner. Emanuele is a bit busy today and couldn’t make it,” Sophia said.

Their dining table was lavishly set with a variety of dishes. Fresh flowers adorned the table, and the silverware, as well as the intricately patterned porcelain, glittered under the crystal chandelier. Everything appeared splendid, but Isabella’s heart felt heavy.

In front of Isabella, a plate of tomato and bacon pasta had been placed. “This is Isabella’s favorite. Enjoy it, Isabella. I made it especially for you,” Chloe said with a smile.

The pasta looked appetizing on the surface, but Isabella knew it would taste terrible. After taking the first bite, she almost vomited; the dish was overseasoned, and it was too salty for her to continue.

Chloe, sitting beside Isabella, had a smile on her face. “Isabella, have some more. I put a lot of effort into making it.”

As she spoke, her tone carried a veiled threat. Isabella clenched her teeth, feeling the need to resist Chloe’s oppression. But with so many eyes watching, particularly her mother, Sophia, who undoubtedly didn’t want her causing a scene at this gathering, Isabella lost the strength to resist.

She struggled to swallow the pasta, her thoughts consumed by what she should do next in this perplexing situation.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Emanuele’s voice echoed from the entrance. His imposing figure appeared on the horizon and steadily approached the gathering.

As he drew nearer, the scent of blood filled the air. It was evident that he had taken someone’s life before arriving. However, Emanuele had a fondness for black clothing, so it was impossible to detect any traces of blood.

Grazia couldn’t help but wrinkle her brow. “Please, Emanuele, can you clean yourself up a bit before coming? The smell is quite unbearable.”

“I apologize,” Emanuele walked up to Grazia and gave her a hug. “I’ll keep that in mind, sister.” He then exchanged a hug with Sophia.

“I’m sorry, Emanuele. I didn’t expect you to come, and I didn’t prepare your favorite dishes,” Sophia said apologetically.

“It’s okay, I can eat anything,” Emanuele replied and took a seat next to Isabella.

With Emanuele on one side and Chloe on the other, Isabella felt immense pressure. Her heart was racing as if it might leap out of her throat.

Emanuele noticed the dish in front of Isabella. “You’re having pasta?” he asked. He still remembered the pasta Isabella used to make and missed it.

With no time to stop him, Emanuele picked up a strand of pasta and took a bite, only to immediately spit it out. His expression turned icy. “Who the hell prepared this pasta?” Emanuele asked with a furrowed brow.

Everyone present knew that he was about to take someone’s life.

Isabella turned to look at Chloe, who had gone pale, her lips trembling in fear.

In that moment, Isabella felt a strange calmness. Even Chloe could feel fear, and seeing her terrified like this, she was far from the usual arrogance.

“What’s wrong? Chloe prepared this dish especially for Isabella,” Sophia inquired.

Chloe’s face grew even paler, and cold sweat appeared on her forehead.

She couldn’t believe Emanuele had suddenly shown up and eaten Isabella’s pasta. She couldn’t fathom their relationship and how close they had become.

But that wasn’t what she should be thinking about at that moment. She had seen the cruel look in Emanuele’s eyes, and she was certain he was going to kill her at the dining table.

“Is this your doing?” Emanuele’s voice was cruel and icy as he stood up, placing the plate of pasta in front of Chloe. “Make a choice. You either eat it, or I’ll kill you.”

Chloe’s pretense of innocence was in full swing. “I don’t understand what’s going on. What’s wrong with the pasta? It’s my first time making it because Isabella likes it. What’s the matter?”

Emanuele, irritated, said, “You have two choices. I don’t want to repeat myself.”

Chloe had long known this man was ruthless, but she thought his cruelty was reserved for enemies and men. She never expected him to be like this with her, a seemingly delicate woman.

Seeing Emanuele pull out his gun and imply that he would make the decision for her, Chloe had no choice but to wipe her tears and move the plate of pasta in front of herself.

She knew how much seasoning she had added to this dish; it was meant to torment Isabella. She never expected to be forced to eat it herself. Chloe took a bite but immediately felt nauseated. However, under Emanuele’s intense gaze, she forced herself to swallow, suppressing the discomfort in her stomach, and finished the entire plate.