She Rejected the Mafia Heir, He Went Crazy Chapter 09

She Rejected the Mafia Heir, He Went Crazy Chapter 09

His expression darkened. I pulled my hand free and said flatly, “Don’t look at me like that. You’re the one who values money most. I paid the local Uber rate. I didn’t shortchange you.”

His voice was hoarse. “Emily-after three years-don’t you have any feelings for me at all?”

I cut him off. “Don’t humiliate yourself.”

I turned and walked away. I expected him to leave, unable to take it. But to my surprise, he followed.

This time, though, he just followed quietly, without pestering me. So I didn’t bother paying him any

attention.

That evening, it was Leonardo who drove me home again. When I got out, he called after me. “Let’s

have dinner tonight.”

I frowned. Before I could refuse, he added, “You want to start a business, right? Figuring it out

alone takes time and energy. I have real experience. I can teach you everything.”

Despite being a rich kid, he’d done well in school, and I’d heard he’d even created a new business

line for his family.

I looked at him. He forced a smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t drag it out just to spend time with you.”

Ithought about it for a moment, then agreed. You’d be stupid to pass up free resources. But I also

put forward a condition. “I’ll pay you a consulting fee.”

His expression darkened, but in the end, he nodded.

The consulting fee was worth it. Within a few days, I’d mapped out a basic process for opening the

store.

Meanwhile, Leonardo had to fly back to New York urgently for family matters. I breathed a sigh of

relief. I just hoped he’d get busier and busier. And not come back.

But the relief didn’t last long. Because Evan started pursuing me.

I don’t like burning bridges unless absolutely necessary. But after two polite rejections, seeing that Evan had no intention of giving up, I had no choice but to ask him out and make things crystal clear.

“Is it because of Mr. Vitale? I can tell you two have history.” Evan looked at me sadly.

He’s so good-looking. Golden curls, a pretty boyish face. I’m as shallow as anyone-faced with that

face, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything too cruel.

I sighed and told him the truth. “He’s my ex.”

A flicker of understanding crossed Evan’s eyes. “Do you still love him?”

I shook my head.

A spark of hope lit his face. “Then I-”

I cut him off. “Evan, don’t waste your time on me. Right now, I’m closed off to love. I don’t even

trust any man anymore. So it’s impossible between us.”

Evan’s smile froze. He dropped his head. After a long pause, a bitter smile crossed his lips. “Okay. I

understand.”

I smiled. “We’re still friends.”

Evan nodded. “Then as a friend-can I have a hug to comfort a broken heart?”

I hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

Evan embraced me gently. “Thank you.”

I was just about to pat his shoulder when Evan was suddenly yanked away with great force. He

stumbled and slammed into the edge of a nearby table, his face pale with pain.

I hurried over and steadied him. “Are you okay?”

Evan shook his head.

I turned and glared at Leonardo. “What is wrong with you?!”

Leonardo didn’t speak. His face was tense. He stepped forward, grabbed my wrist, and dragged me out of the coffee shop. Evan tried to stop him, but he was in too much pain to move. I shook my head

at him.

Outside, the cold wind was howling. I struggled hard, but Leonardo’s strength was terrifying, as if he was about to crush my wrist bones.

“Leonardo! You’re hurting me!”

He stopped in his tracks and let go instinctively. “Are you okay-”

The next second, I slapped him hard across the face.

Crack!

Leonardo’s head jerked to the side, his cheek instantly flushing red.