1.“Bring Her to Me,” the Mafia Boss Said After Her Family Fed Her to a Beating—But the Wife Contract Exposed Their Darkest Betrayal...

One year later.

Bellini’s Crown was filled to capacity. The chandeliers glittered like frozen stars, the champagne flowed, and the grand piano played a sweet, romantic melody.

At the head table on the mezzanine sat Mara and Vincent Bellini.

Mara was glowing, wearing a stunning emerald green gown—almost identical to the one that had been torn a year ago, but this one was crafted from pure Italian silk and fitted to perfection.

Beside her, Vincent held her hand under the tablecloth, his thumb gently rubbing the back of her fingers, where a massive platinum wedding ring sat securely.

Cal Russo walked up to the table, holding two glasses of vintage champagne. "Boss. Mrs. Bellini. The board of directors just finalized the vote. The new foundation charter has been approved unanimously."

"Thank you, Cal," Vincent said, taking a glass and handing it to Mara.

Mara looked down at the main dining room below.

At the coat-check counter stood a young woman in a modest dress, laughing warmly with the hostess. It was one of the former shelter residents Mara had hired six months ago, now managing the restaurant's guest relations.

The old world of fear, extortion, and cold calculation was gone. Together, Mara and Vincent had rebuilt the Bellini empire from the inside out, turning its vast wealth toward building housing, shelters, and legitimate businesses across the city.

Vincent turned to Mara, bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing her knuckles gently.

"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Bellini," he murmured into her skin.