The Don Who Chose Wrong Chapter 04

The Don Who Chose Wrong Chapter 04

The sound exploded through the room like a gunshot. 

Every head snapped toward the entrance. 

At first, I couldn’t see who it was. The doorway was too dark. 

Hallway light silhouetted a figure from behind. 

But I heard the footsteps. Slow. Steady. Carrying an authority 

that made every thug in the room instinctively reach for their 

waistbands. 

Then the figure stepped into the light. The room fell into dead 

silence. 

It was a woman. Tall. Poised. Stunning in a black designer suit 

worth more than most people’s cars in this room. 

But what made everyone hold their breath wasn’t her 

appearance. It was the twenty armed men in black flanking 

her. 

All tall and imposing. Military–grade weapons visible beneath 

their jackets. These weren’t street punks. 

Not casino muscle. These were trained killers. 

“Camila Soto,” someone whispered. 

The name spread through the crowd like an electric current. 

Carrying unmistakable fear. 

Camila Soto. Head of security for the Bellandi family. One of 

the oldest, most powerful mafia families in America. 

They called her “The Black Widow.” No man who’d crossed her 

had survived past three days. 

And she was walking straight toward me. 

“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a bitch.” 

She placed a briefcase on the poker table. Opened it. Inside were stacks of hundred–dollar bills. At least half a million in 

cash. 

“I believe this covers our lady’s expenses for the evening. The rest is a tip for your trouble. Consider it compensation for the 

inconvenience.” 

The casino manager was completely stunned. “I… yes, ma’am. That’s more than sufficient.” 

Dante stared at the cash. Then his eyes snapped to Camila. His face went sheet–white. “What the hell is going on? Who are you? What business do you have with my wife?” 

Camila didn’t spare him a glance. Her eyes stayed locked on 

1. me. “ Russo, the Don sent me personally. He asked me to 

convey his message.” 

“I am disappointed in how you were treated tonight.” 

My heart raced. But I kept my composure. “Tell him I’m grateful for his concern.” 

“‘‘Don‘?” Dante demanded, trying to sound tough and failing 

miserably. The panic in his gut was written all over him. “Who 

the hell is ‘Don‘?” 

Irina grabbed his arm, terrified. “Dante, maybe we should just 

“Shut up!” Dante roared at her. Then he turned back to Camila, blustering with false bravado. “This is my casino. My 

territory! Whoever sent you, however much money you 

brought, Ava is my wife. Our business is none of yours!” 

Camila finally turned to look at Dante. The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. 

“Sir… I suggest you watch your tone.” 

“Or what?” 

The moment the words left his mouth, one of Camila’s men stepped forward. His hand pressed against his jacket. The outline of a gun grip was visible. 

Dante’s guards tensed. Hands went to weapons. But they hesitated. They knew they were outnumbered. Outgunned. 

“Dante,” I said softly. A hint of mockery in my voice. “Let it go. Don’t embarrass yourself further.” 

“Fuck that!” He pointed at Camila. “I want to know why the Bellandi family is protecting my wife! What the hell is going on?!” 

Camila’s eyes were ice. “Good question. Maybe you should ask your wife who she really is.” 

Dante’s face flushed red. “Ava, what is she talking about?” 

I was about to answer. About to unravel every mystery for him –when the casino doors burst open again. 

This time, everyone in the room recognized the man who walked in. Enzo Bellandi. The Bellandi family’s chief consigliere. 

His power was absurd. Mayors. Governors. Senators. They all took his calls with deference. Terrified of crossing him. 

He was in his sixties. Gray–haired. Still distinguished. Thirty armed men followed him. All solemn. They surrounded the casino in seconds. The place became an impenetrable fortress. 

Enzo’s gaze swept the room. Took in everything. The broken champagne bottles. My torn dress. The lecherous faces of Dante’s crew. Irina clinging to my husband’s arm. 

His eyes finally found me. His expression softened slightly. “Seraphina. I came as soon as I heard. Are you hurt?” 

Confused whispers rippled through the room. 

“Seraphina?” 

“Who’s Seraphina?” 

“Isn’t her name Ava…?” 

Dante looked like he’d been punched in the gut. “What the hell is going on?” 

Enzo ignored him completely. Walked straight to me. 

“Enzo,” I said softly. “This is unexpected.” 

“Is it?” He gestured around the room. “You’re being humiliated in a third–rate casino by a man who doesn’t even 

know who you are. I’d say my arrival is long overdue.” 

“Wait, wait, wait,” Irina shrieked. “Who the hell is Seraphina?” 

For the first time tonight, I smiled. A real smile. The kind of wolf that gives before tearing out your throat. 

“Shall I tell them? Or would you prefer to?”