In one swift motion, she pulled out her gun, her face flushed red with fury as she stepped forward, ready to lunge at Aria.
But before she could reach her....
Dante moved.
He stepped between them instantly, his arm coming up to block her path.
"Get the hell out of my way, Dante!" Jessica snarled, struggling against him. "That bitch needs to be taught a lesson!"
Dante didn't budge.
His expression hardened, his voice dropping into something firm and commanding.
"Only the Don has the right to punish his own," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You don't want to cross that line… do you?"
Jessica's grip on the gun tightened, her breathing uneven with rage.
A soft chuckle broke the tension.
"The truth is bitter," Aria said lightly, almost amused. "So I understand your frustration, Jessica."
"Do you hear her?!" Jessica yelled, her voice rising as she cocked the gun in agitation.
Before things could escalate further, Dante reacted quickly....grabbing her wrist and slamming her gently but firmly against the wall. Her back hit his chest as he pinned her arm, keeping the weapon out of play.
"Enough," he muttered under his breath, his voice low but firm near her ear. "Just stop it!" Dante snapped, clearly reaching his limit.
His grip on Jessica tightened briefly before loosening just enough to let her breathe without giving her room to act.
"I'm not going to let you turn this into a crime scene," he continued, his tone firm and controlled. "Wait for the Don. If there's punishment to be given, he'll handle it."
Jessica stood there for a moment, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
Then, with a sharp scoff, she yanked her hand free from Dante's hold.
"Fine," she spat, glaring at Aria one last time. "Stay here and babysit that lowlife if you want."
Her eyes flashed with lingering anger.
"I'm out of here."
Before Dante could respond, she turned on her heel and stormed off down the hallway, her footsteps echoing sharply until she disappeared from view.
Silence followed.
A heavy one.
Dante let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair before turning his attention back to Aria.
"Are you ready to leave now?" he asked, his tone calmer but still carrying a trace of exhaustion.
Aria raised an eyebrow slightly, studying him.
"And yes," he added, straightening up, "the Don instructed that you should stop by a boutique."
He paused briefly.
"To shop for outfits," he finished. "A lot of them."
"What for?" Aria asked, genuine curiosity flickering in her eyes. "I only need a few."
Dante gave a small shrug.
"You'll have to ask him yourself," he replied. "The Don doesn't explain his orders. He gives them… and expects them to be carried out."
He gestured lightly down the hall.
"Shall we?"
His gaze lingered on her for a second.
"He'll be back soon," Dante added. "And it would be best if he meets you at home… ready. You understand."
Aria swallowed hard at that.
A subtle unease crept into her chest, but she masked it quickly, giving a small nod instead.
"…Alright."
Aria sat at the back of the G-Wagon beside Dante, her posture composed but her mind anything but calm. Up front, the chauffeur remained silent as he gripped the steering wheel and smoothly drove them out of the mansion gates and onto the tiled streets beyond.
The moment the gates closed behind them, Aria exhaled slowly, leaning her head back slightly against the seat.
Even if I wasn't able to contact Ghostcode… she thought inwardly, her fingers curling slightly on her lap. At least I need somewhere to clear my head. Probably I can come up with another plan.
A soft sigh slipped past her lips.
She soon put on a thin veil which covered her face to obscure her features. It wasn't just for style....it was necessary. In a world like hers, being recognized could mean far more than unwanted attention.
Most Mafia organizations didn't operate openly. They stayed in the shadows, unseen yet deeply feared. Ordinary citizens didn't know their faces.....only their names. And even when they did cross paths with them unknowingly, no one dared to stare… let alone record or question their presence.
Because doing so often meant death.
Aria's gaze shifted slightly, her thoughts drifting further.
Her father was different.
He operated in the open. People knew his face and his name.
They even knew what Eve looked like.
But not Aria.
She had always refused that exposure. She hated the idea of her face being broadcasted, analyzed, remembered. Even at Mafia gatherings....lavish balls....she kept herself hidden behind veils and masks.
Still… that didn't mean she was completely unknown.
Some people knew.
Especially her father's enemies.
And that alone was enough reason to stay careful.
Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, her touch light… protective.
If not for me… then for the little ember growing inside me.
Her expression softened just for a brief second before she forced herself back to composure.
"We're at the coffee shop, as you requested, Miss," Dante's voice broke through her thoughts, calm and steady.
Aria blinked once, snapping out of the whirlpool in her mind.
"Oh…" she murmured softly.
She turned her head toward the window, her eyes landing on the familiar building just ahead.
A faint smile touched her lips.
Her favorite coffee shop which actually belonged to her.
Yet none of the workers nor even the manager knew the truth. To them, it was just another well-run café under anonymous ownership.
They had no idea they were running a Mafia property.
And that was exactly how Aria preferred it.
Without wasting another second, the car came to a smooth stop.
Aria opened the door and stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the ground as she adjusted her veil slightly.
She walked toward the entrance and pushed the door open.
The soft chime of the bell above it rang gently, announcing her arrival.
Instantly, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The scent of warm pastries followed.....sandwiches, croissants, and other baked delights filling the air with an inviting warmth.
Aria inhaled deeply.
A genuine, almost rare smile formed on her lips.
For a moment… just a moment… everything felt normal.
She moved further inside and took a seat by the window so that she could see people walking to and fro.
Moments later, a young female waiter approached, a bright, welcoming smile on her face.
"Good day, ma'am," she greeted politely, her tone cheerful yet respectful. "What would you like to order?"
Aria glanced down at the menu resting on the table, her fingers lightly brushing against it as she flipped it open.
"Good morning," Aria replied softly, her voice calm but carrying a faint trace of fatigue. She glanced briefly at the menu before closing it. "I'll have a cappuccino… and a croissant, please."
Just then, Dante walked into the coffee shop, his presence immediately noticeable despite his composed demeanor. Without hesitation, he moved toward her table and took a seat directly in front of her.
"Machiato, and a croissant as well," Dante said, his tone firm and efficient as he looked up at the waitress. "And make it quick. We still have other places to be."
"Yes, sir," the waitress nodded promptly before turning and walking away to carry out their orders.
Aria watched her leave for a second before slowly turning her gaze back to Dante.
"And what exactly are you doing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone laced with irritation. "Sitting right in front of me like this?"
She exhaled sharply, folding her arms.
How am I supposed to clear my head with him here? she thought inwardly, a scoff forming in her mind.
"I'm your bodyguard, remember?" Dante replied calmly, unfazed by her tone. "Wherever you go, I go."
Aria let out a dry laugh.
"Yes, you are," she said, leaning forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. "But last I checked, bodyguards don't sit across from their clients like they're having a casual breakfast."
Her voice sharpened.
"You should be standing by the door. Watching. Not… this." She gestured vaguely between them. "I already gave Damien my word that I'm not running away, so what exactly is all this for?"
Dante held her gaze steadily, his expression unreadable.
"You are under protection," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "But don't misunderstand the situation."
He leaned back slightly, his voice lowering.
"I'm not guarding a Mafia heiress," he continued. "I'm watching over someone the Don considers a liability."