Bully Her? She’s the Mafia Princess Chapter 03

Bully Her? She’s the Mafia Princess Chapter 03

The guests exchanged uneasy glances, and the whispers grew louder.

“I’ve been wondering who that woman was, standing next to Vincent and greeting guests.”

“I heard she’s a distant relative of the Costas, but judging by Principessa Evelyn’s reaction, that one looks more like Vincent Costa’s mistress.”

“The Costa family has fallen that far? Keep a mistress on the side if you want, but bringing her to an event like this?”

“His actual fiancée is standing right here, and that woman is acting like she runs the place. Is the Costa family trying to slap the Thorne family in the face?”

Vincent saw the situation going south. He reached for my hand, but I stepped aside to avoid him.

Close one. I almost touched something filthy.

Embarrassed, he lowered his voice and threatened me. “That’s enough, Evelyn! Do you really have to be this aggressive? What good does ruining Isabella’s reputation do you?”

“Don’t forget, the Thorne and Costa families still have business together. Making a scene like this doesn’t help anyone.”

I admired his confidence.

Business together?

What business?

Had no one told him it was already canceled?

Just then, Mrs. Costa hurried out, wearing a fake smile as she tried to play peacemaker.

“Oh, whatever misunderstanding there is, can’t you go inside and talk about it nicely? Why fight out here where everyone can see?”

Then she turned and scolded Isabella with fake severity. “And you! Evie can wear whatever she wants. Who are you to comment? Apologize right now!”

Isabella’s eyes flashed with resentment, but she forced out an apology in a pitiful tone. “I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me, Miss Thorne.”

“Don’t be angry with Vincent. I won’t dare do it again.”

Her act of playing the martyr for love made Vincent’s heart ache. He looked at me with even more anger.

He whispered his threat into my ear. “If you keep acting crazy like this, don’t expect me to treat you well after we’re married.”

With just a few words, Mrs. Costa tried to frame this whole conflict as a simple lovers’ quarrel.

Some people around us started playing along.

“Miss Thorne, let it go. For the sake of all of us, don’t blow this out of proportion. This marriage affects the balance of power for the entire New York mafia.”

Someone else, trying to sound noble, said with a hint of blame, “Miss Thorne, you should pick your battles.”

“Making enemies over a small slight won’t do you any favors. Word gets around, you know.”

Vincent jumped in too, trying to salvage his dignity. “Bella had a tragic childhood. I’m just trying to take care of her out of kindness. Can’t you be a little understanding?”

Beautifully said.

I let my gaze sweep over everyone in attendance and finally settled on Mrs. Costa and Vincent. “Today, I want everyone here to bear witness.”

“Vincent Costa, a few days ago, you came to the Thorne estate and tried to force me to step aside as your legal wife in favor of Isabella.”

“You said you wanted me to be your Donna in name only. Which means, without a marriage certificate, you basically wanted me to be your mistress.”

A gala? Please. I came here to blow this whole thing up.

Mrs. Costa’s face changed dramatically. She pulled Vincent aside and started whispering urgently.

And as it happened, I could read lips. I’d deliberately learned it, to pick up on people’s leverage when I took over the family business.

She was asking her son how he could be so stupid. Why would he tell me all their plans in advance?

The obvious move was to wait until after the wedding, when there was no turning back, before breaking the news.

Vincent glanced at Isabella. Mrs. Costa glared at Isabella too. So Vincent bringing this up before the wedding had been Isabella’s idea.

The guests watched with various expressions. Everyone there was sharp enough to sense something was wrong.

After what seemed like some careful deliberation, Mrs. Costa composed herself and denied everything.

“Absolutely not! The marriage between the Thorne and Costa families benefits both houses. Why would we make such an absurd request?”

“Evie, dear, couldn’t you have misunderstood Vincent?”