Emanuele stood by Isabe’s side, listening to herforting words to Grazia. Isabe appeared angelic, holding Grazia tenderly and stroking her hair, speaking soothingly. Even though she was filled with sorrow, her eyes welled with tears, she restrained her emotions.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Emanuele gazed at Isabe, noting her remarkable progress during this period. As his wife, she needed thisposure, the ability to stay calm in the face of adversity. Even upon hearing of her brother-inw’s death, she could still provide strength and sce to others.


    Furthermore, when danger loomed, she could wield a pistol to protect those around her. Although Emanuele didn’t expect her to protect anyone, he realized the importance of her having some means to defend herself in case his security personnel couldn’t.


    Under Isabe’sforting words, Grazia gradually regained herposure. She leaned into Isabe’s embrace, her eyes red.


    “We had ns to travel to Europe and Egypt. Now, everything’s gone.”


    “Grazia, take a breath, stay calm, be strong. When things settle down, you can still travel. Andrew will be your guardian angel, watching over you.”


    “You’re right. Andrew wouldn’t want to see me this upset,” Grazia wiped her tears away and took a deep breath, concealing her pain. “I’m the Mafia princess; they killed Andrew not only to make me vulnerable but to threaten Emanuele. Emanuele, do you have any leads on the attackers?”


    Grazia’s resilience left Isabe in awe.


    “We’ve gathered some leads. My men are verifying them, and once confirmed, I’ll make sure Frederick pays for this,” Emanuele stated, his eyes burning with rage. His subordinates and now his brother-inw had fallen. The audacity of the enemy would be repaid.


    Emanuele informed Leo of Andrew’s death and the need to arrange his funeral. No matter what, Andrew was family, and his tragic death had urred only after they entered this world. Emanuele understood the importance of giving Andrew a proper send-off.


    Leo and Sophia were equally saddened upon hearing the news. “After the funeral, I’ll send you and Grazia out of the country. We’ll go to Greece for a while, and once things have settled down, you can return,” Emanuele decided.


    “What about Isabe?” Sophia inquired. Isabe was delighted that her mother was concerned about her at this time.


    “Isabe will stay here, and I will protect her,” Emanuele said, his eyes lingering on her full lips, ample bosom, and slender waist. He couldn’t bear to be without her, so he was determined to ensure the safety of his penthouse, allowing Isabe to remain by his side.


    Emanuele believed that as long as he was capable of protecting himself, he could also protect Isabe.


    “I don’t want to leave the country,” Grazia abruptly spoke up. “Emanuele, I want to stay in your penthouse. Since you can protect Isabe, you can surely look after me too.”


    “Don’t act impulsively,” Emanuele sighed.


    “Emanuele, please let Grazia stay,” Isabe interjected. “I get bored being alone here every day, and with Grazia, I won’t feel as lonely.”


    The penthouse was spacious with many guest rooms, so Isabe felt it was more than amodating. Her primary concern was Grazia’s well-being, not to mention that she was Grazia’s sister-inw and her friend. Emanuele reluctantly agreed, promising to do his best to keep them safe.


    …


    Isabe had another nightmare. She dreamt of being chased by someone, unable to discern the identity of her pursuer, causing her immense anxiety. Gunshots echoed around her, with no escape in sight. The bodies began to pile up, blood flowing like a river.


    Isabe saw her mother’s lifeless body, Leo’s, and even Emanuele’s…


    “Isabe, wake up, Isabe…”


    A voice pierced through her nightmare, and Isabe woke with a start. She gasped for air, tears welling up in her eyes.


    But as her consciousness gradually returned, she saw the person holding her, Emanuele. His usuallyposed and handsome face now carried a hint of urgency. Nevertheless, Isabe rxed, embracing Emanuele as she choked out, “I dreamt you were dead.”


    Only the day before, she had viewed Emanuele as a demon, quick to kill an innocent man, a ruthlessness that frightened her. But now, she felt grateful, thankful that Emanuele was still alive, unlike in her harrowing dream.


    Hearing Isabe’s words, Emanuele hesitated for a moment. Watching her tremble with fear, he felt a warmth spreading through his heart, a feeling he relished – his beloved was concerned for him.


    Emanuele lowered his head and kissed Isabe’s forehead. “Darling, I’ve always been lucky. I won’t die so easily.”


    Isabe thought Emanuele was overly confident. God wouldn’t necessarily protect him just because he believed so.


    Emanuele observed the tears trickling down Isabe’s cheeks. They were shed for him. This thought brought immense satisfaction to him.


    This woman had been so vocal in her criticism of him, hurling harsh words and usations. Yet, when she dreamt of his death, she awoke in profound sorrow.


    Thinking of this, Emanuele couldn’t resist kissing the path of her tears and even extended his tongue to lick away her tears.


    Isabe was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Emanuele to make such a move, leaving her momentarily stunned. Emanuele’s tongue lightly licked her cheek, not gently, but rather forcefully, as if he genuinely intended to devour her. What on earth was Emanuele doing?


    The taste of desire emanated from Emanuele’s eyes. The next moment, Isabe found herself lifted onto hisp.


    “Isabe, would you be happier if I were dead? After all, you’ve always wanted me gone, right? So, why cry when you dream of my death?” Emanuele smirked, his eyes locked on Isabe.


    Isabe snapped out of her daze and realized Emanuele might have a point. She had often wished for Emanuele’s demise, but now, just because she dreamt of him dying, she was terribly upset.


    At this moment, the conflict within Isabe was overwhelming. A sense of suffocation coursed through the depths of her heart. Did she truly have feelings for Emanuele? Even after all the harm he’d caused her?


    No, Isabe couldn’t bring herself to admit to these emotions. They were still in the midst of their little game. Until a victor was dered, she wouldn’t acknowledge any affection for Emanuele. Such games of the heart often had the one who loved first as the first to lose.


    “I was just scared to see you covered in blood, and in the dream, it wasn’t just you. My mom and Leo were there too. I was worried about them.” Isabe tried to exin.


    But Emanuele burst intoughter, his hands mischievously fondling her breasts. “Is that so? You were genuinely afraid I’d die? Then you’d lose a man who pleases you so well.”