When Emanuele descended the stairs, he heard Isabe’sughter, along with Grazia’s and Lilly’s. In that moment, he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. His efforts were all for securing a carefree life for his family. He was willing to bear the darkness, so his family could enjoy a peaceful life.


    “Emanuele, are you awake?” Lilly greeted him as soon as she saw himing downstairs. She also nced at the wound on his arm. “Isabe said you were injured. Are you okay?”


    “I’m fine,” Emanuele replied.


    “That’s good. Emanuele, please don’t get into trouble,” Grazia said from the side, her expression carrying a touch of sadness. “Andrew got into trouble, and I can’t bear to lose you too.”


    Grazia appeared calm, but she hadn’t really moved on. Isabe could understand that feeling. She might despise Emanuele, but she couldn’t fathom what she would do if he were gone one day, especially Grazia. It was clear she must be devastated, possibly crying in secret every night. Isabe didn’t know how tofort her, but perhaps time would be the ultimate healer, and Grazia would have to rely on its power to move on.


    “I’m okay, don’t worry. I’m lucky,” Emanuele reassured. “I’ve been through war before. Although this time, the enemy is more formidable, believe me, Grazia.”


    Grazia embraced Emanuele. During the meal, Isabe received a video call from Sophia and saw her and Leo lying on the beach, enjoying the sun.


    “Isabe, when you have time, consider traveling abroad. The scenery is beautiful here, and the beach is lovely.”


    “Sure, Mom. I’m d you’re having fun,” Isabe said, relieved to see her mother enjoying herself.


    At the same time, she felt a sense of envy. If only they could travel abroad and escape the constant danger they faced in Chicago, where they couldn’t even leave their home.


    Since thest time she went out and Emanuele made her carry a gun, Isabe didn’t want to go out anymore. It felt terrible that she couldn’t be a regr person even when she was outside.


    If that was the case, she’d rather stay in.


    “You and Emanuele got married without even going on a honeymoon. When things settle down, you should take your honeymoon,” Sophia suggested. She felt that Isabe’s marriage to Emanuele had been strange enough, with a peculiar wedding and no honeymoon. Now that Isabe’s life was still under threat, she sighed, unsure whether it was good or bad.


    Let’s hope Emanuele keeps his promise to her.


    Sophia chatted with Isabe for a while before ending the call. By this time, they had finished breakfast.


    Emanuele headed for the elevator after breakfast; he had to leave again today. He felt restless as long as Frederick remained missing.


    Isabe wanted to see him off but remembered thest time she tried, Emanuele said she was the loser in their game. She decided not to bother.


    However, Grazia noticed and gently pushed Isabe to go and see Emanuele off. “When a husband is going out for work, how can a wife not even see him off?”


    Isabe had no choice but to approach Emanuele.


    She had told Emanuele that in front of others, she would make it look like they were a proper married couple. Although Grazia wasn’t exactly an outsider, she understood the true nature of Isabe’s rtionship with Emanuele.


    Isabe walked up to Emanuele and adjusted his tie, not meeting his eyes, focusing solely on his tie.


    “Stay safe ande back early,” Isabe said.


    Emanuele, hearing her matter-of-fact tone, couldn’t help but smile and lowered his head to ce a kiss on Isabe’s cheek.


    “What’s wrong? You seem a bit reluctant,” he asked.


    “I won’t lose in this game,” Isabe replied, raising her head to look at Emanuele. In her gaze, a burning anger flickered.


    Emanuele was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly recalled thest time Isabe had tried to see him off, and he’d said those things. He had been afraid that Isabe would be too emotionally involved, fearing that their enemies might exploit her to threaten him. That’s why he had acted indifferent towards Isabe, as he was afraid those people would go to great lengths to harm her. So now, when faced with Isabe’s determined stance, Emanuele simply smiled and didn’t offer any exnations.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    “All right, Isabe. Want to make a bet to see who will be the ultimate winner between us?”


    Who would be the ultimate winner?


    Isabe looked at Emanuele’s smile, though he was smiling, his eyes didn’t share the same warmth. In his light brown eyes, there was a glint of calction, as if she had be his prey.


    At this moment, Isabe began to doubt whether their previous intimate moments were real or just an act. She recalled a saying she had heard before, that a man’s desire could be separated from his love; he could possess you, but he wouldn’t love you. He would treat you merely as a tool to satisfy his desires.


    Thinking of Emanuele’s dirty words and his fascination with her body in bed, Isabe’s heart turned ice-cold. Was she just a tool to Emanuele? What separated her from a prostitute?


    “Emanuele, don’t make me hate you,” Isabe couldn’t control her emotions, and her body started to tremble. It had been a while since she felt like this, and whenever these moments arrived, that suffocating feeling would engulf her like a haunting specter, making it hard to breathe.


    Isabe gave herself a stern internal warning, she couldn’t continue these dark thoughts. She needed to escape from this ce.


    Emanuele looked at Isabe and naturally noticed the pain on her face, despite her efforts to conceal it. He sighed inwardly. He didn’t want to see Isabe suffering, even though he knew he was being selfish and distant for her own protection.


    After Emanuele left, Isabe quickly regained herposure, doing her best not to dwell on the negative emotions. Her past experiences with Chloe’s torment had given her a quick emotional recovery ability. Isabe moved to sit with Grazia to watch TV.


    “Isabe, did you have a fight with Emanuele?” Grazia asked.


    “No, we didn’t fight. Our rtionship is just like this,” Isabe replied.


    “I think Emanuele likes you a lot. It’s just that for some reason, he can’t show it,” Grazia hinted at Isabe.


    “I can’t feel any affection from him at all,” Isabe sighed. “Let’s leave it at that. At least the days aren’t too painful right now. I get whatever I want, and that’s enough.”


    Isabe was good at consoling herself. Even if she couldn’t win Emanuele’s heart, she had gained wealth from him, and that restored her determination.