"Fine," I said coldly. "Then I guess Ophelia will have to remain a mystery."

That lit his fuse. A murderous glint flashed in his eyes, but he picked up the pen and signed his name on the document. "Now, talk."

I smiled. "She's alive."

The air in the room froze. I knew he wanted more. He wanted details. But I had already put down my wine glass, ready to leave.

To handle a man like him, you had to dangle the bait and let him come to you.

He didn't stop me but followed a few paces behind. And then, we ran into Amber.

I had chosen this club on purpose. Since I had died so tragically in my past life, this time I was going to make Amber the laughingstock of the evening.

She was draped all over Niccolo, but when she saw me, she sauntered over with a smug look on her face. "Oh, Scarlett, you look terrible. Did Casbin upset you? Of course he did. If even I couldn't win his heart, a cold woman like you doesn't stand a chance."

"Don't come crying to me when your heart is broken, Amber. I'll be too busy running my business with my husband's support to have time for you."

I sneered, glancing at a group of seductive women who sashayed past them. It seemed Amber had learned her lesson. The old her would have exploded seeing Niccolo flirt with other women right in front of her.

"A word of advice as your sister, Amber. Be careful. Don't let the filthy diseases from the Gallo family ruin you." Then I linked my arm with Casbin's and smiled up at him. "Oh, we get along just fine."

"Impossible! He would never fall for a woman like you!"

I replied without hesitation, "Just because you couldn't have him doesn't mean I can't."

Casbin pulled his arm back and left us there.

Amber cackled with delight. "You almost had me fooled."

Even Niccolo found it amusing. "He ditched you, little beauty. But, I don't mind having another mistress."

I glared at him. "Sorry, I'm a germaphobe."

His face darkened. He slammed me against the wall, the cold muzzle of a gun pressed against my temple. I knew his temper from my past life. He hated it when women defied him. Any word of opposition was met with violence.

The room fell deathly silent. Amber was still gloating.

I secretly tightened my grip on a corkscrew from the table, preparing to fight back. Just then, a dark figure flashed by, and Casbin kicked Niccolo square in the stomach.

Niccolo let out a grunt and fell to the floor. Casbin stomped on the wrist holding the gun with such force that the bone made a sickening crunch.

I put down the corkscrew. Casbin strode back to my side, his voice icy, "I thought you were smart. You're as stupid as your sister. Pathetic. Someone puts a gun to your head and you just stand there?"

Playing my part, I let tears well in my eyes and collapsed into his arms. He was about to push me away, but Niccolo had already struggled to his feet, a murderous look in his eyes.

A group of bodyguards in black suits appeared from nowhere, instantly pinning Niccolo to the ground. Casbin glared down at him like he was something to be scraped off a shoe. "This is Valachi territory. If you think you can touch my woman in my territory, think again."

Then, he bent down and swept me up into his arms.

Amber stared at us as if she had seen a ghost. The sight was driving her mad. She roared, "You're carrying her? You can't carry her, Casbin!"

I shot Amber a triumphant look and rested my head against Casbin's hard chest.

...

The moment we were out of the club, he unceremoniously dumped me on the cold asphalt. The rough surface scraped against my skin. Pain shot from my tailbone all the way up my spine.

"Don't pull cheap tricks like that again. You're only confirming what I already think of you."

Then he got into his car, the roar of the engine like a beast's snarl, leaving me in a cloud of exhaust fumes.

I had a reason for not fighting back. I was betting on his principles, and I won.

In my past life, every time Amber was with my mother, she complained about Casbin. She cursed him with the most venomous words, calling him a heartless devil.

But I knew he wasn't. He just couldn't be bothered to waste a single second on people who didn't matter.

I returned to my studio in the West Side, my only sanctuary.

...

The next day, my mother called. She immediately launched into a tirade. "How dare you embarrass your sister at the club? The nerve! You troublemaker! You useless girl!"

I rubbed my temples. This wasn't the first time my mother had called me useless. She detested me, yet she needed me for this marriage alliance. All I had ever wanted was a little of her affection, a single smile.

All I got were scars.

"Are you done, Mom? Because I'm hanging up."

That stopped her cursing. She shrieked, "The Gallo family gave your sister a huge settlement and promised to support our family's business. What about Casbin?"

"I don't know."

"What? You useless girl! You can't let him marry you for free! Go and demand it from him now!"

I hung up the phone. Taking a deep breath, I headed to Casbin's office. When I barged in, he didn't even look up. "You have five minutes."

"Two questions. First, the settlement for my family. They need the money. How much are you offering? Second, what about the wedding?"

That finally got his attention. He looked up, a cold smile touching his lips. "The answer to both questions is the same. Nothing."

No settlement, no wedding. This man's blood ran colder than ice. I shrugged. "Fine."

I got up to leave, but he stopped me. "You don't seem angry."

I shook my head, as if his answer didn't affect me at all. "This is a business arrangement. Why would I expect anything more?"

"So, what is it you want from me?"

I answered honestly, "Status. The protection of the Valachi name. When they call me your wife, no one will dare touch my studio again."

"Good. As long as it's not something worthless like love, I can give it to you."