He Thought I Was a Joke? I Hid the Heir to His Mafia Empire Chapter 02
The car finally pulled into the Falcone Manor.
Massive black carved iron gates swung open wide.
A subtle yet imposing family crest—a soaring eagle intertwined with laurel branches—was embedded on the gate pillars.
This was the most exclusive private estate district in the entire city.
The sprawling mansion spanning nearly a hundred acres belonged solely to the Falcone clan.
Seven years ago, I once dreamed of living here with Luca.
“We’ve arrived.” I cut the engine and handed over the key.
Luca stepped out and walked around to open Elena’s door. She linked arms with him gracefully, acting every inch a potential mafia matriarch.
“Sir, your key.” I held it out with both hands.
Luca did not take it. His gaze fixed on my hands.
Years of manual labor left my skin rough and chapped, ragged hangnails lining my fingernails.
Disgust flickered across his eyes. He pulled out a thick stack of cash from his wallet, well over the standard driving fee.
“Take this and leave.”
Banknotes scattered across the rain puddles, splashing muddy droplets everywhere.
I froze in place.
“Luca, why give her so much money? She’ll just grow greedy.” Elena pouted playfully, grinding her heel down onto the cash.
“Pick it up. What are you waiting for? Not enough?” She smirked provokingly.
I yearned to turn away, to hurl the money back at their faces.
Yet Estelle’s medical bills were still unpaid. Hospital payment reminders lingered on my phone screen.
Dignity meant nothing when survival hung in the balance.
I knelt slowly and reached for the muddy bills.
Elena kept her foot pressed firmly on top of the cash.
“Beg me.” She looked down at me haughtily.
I clenched my jaw, voice trembling. “Please move your foot aside.”
“I can’t hear you.” Elena pretended to clean her ear. “Speak up, what did you say?”
“Please step away!” I raised my voice.
“Tsk, such rude manners.” She pressed harder. “This money is filthy. I feel disgusted just looking at it.”
Luca lit a cigarette and watched coldly, completely indifferent to the scene unfolding before him.
He even seemed to enjoy seeing me humiliated.
“Sir…” I lifted my head, hoping for mercy.
Hoping old affection might stir in his heart.
Luca exhaled a cloud of smoke, his eyes mocking.
“Vera. I never thought I’d see you looking this defeated after seven years apart.”
My body jolted in shock and I ducked my head.
He had recognized me all along. This whole ordeal was nothing but revenge.
“Since you know who I am,” Luca stepped forward, his leather shoes stopping beside my hand, “we might as well catch up.”
He bent down, fingers gripping my chin to force me to look up.
“You left without a second thought with three million dollars back then. How did you end up this destitute?”
I parted my lips to explain, yet all words died when I saw the hatred burning in his eyes.
“Luca, you two know each other?” Elena feigned shock. “Is this the ex-girlfriend who abandoned you for wealth?”
“Ex-girlfriend?” Luca let out a scornful laugh. “She was never worthy of that title.”
He released my chin and wiped his fingers in revulsion.
“Just a casual fling.”
Elena’s eyes glinted with mischief, her smile growing brighter.
“Old acquaintances make things easier then. My apartment needs a cleaner. Take the money and come scrub my toilets tomorrow.” She kicked the scattered cash further across the ground. “Refuse, and I’ll report you for theft.”
Luca offered no objection, simply observing as I gathered the money.
I collected every wet, icy banknote one by one. Each bill represented Estelle’s chance to live.
“Fine.” I bowed my head and clutched the cash tight. “What time tomorrow?”
Luca looked stunned by my immediate compliance.
“You truly have no self-respect, Vera.”
With those harsh words, he wrapped an arm around Elena and walked through the gates.
The heavy doors slammed shut, sealing me off from his lavish world.
I stood motionless in the pouring rain, holding the cash tightly.
My phone vibrated suddenly, displaying an incoming hospital call.
“Ms. Moretti! Estelle suffered a sudden medical episode and is in emergency treatment. Please come settle the payment right away!”
“I’m on my way!”
I wiped rainwater from my face and rushed toward the main road.
