The mafia boss called his secretary to fire her until her little girl said Mommy can’t get up

Recovery was slow, but the estate was a sanctuary. Clara watched from the balcony as Dante trained in the courtyard, his movements fluid and lethal. He was no longer just the CEO; he was the man who had lost everything to a lie, and he was reclaiming it.

He treated her with a strange, possessive care. He made sure she ate, that she rested, and he spent hours in the library, poring over documents. He didn't allow Valeria to come near the estate, telling the press Clara was on "personal leave" and he was "focusing on family matters."

Valeria, however, was not one to back down.

She arrived one evening, unannounced, sweeping past the security with a confidence that grated on Dante’s nerves. She walked into the drawing-room where Clara was sitting with Lili, reading a storybook.

"How quaint," Valeria said, her voice dripping with venom. "The maid is playing queen in the castle."

Clara stood up, instinctively shielding Lili. "You don't belong here, Valeria."

Valeria laughed, a sharp, brittle sound. "Dante belongs to me. Our families are intertwined by blood and business. He knows that. You are a temporary distraction. A charity case. Did he tell you that he’s only keeping you here to find out what else you know? As soon as he has the information, he’ll discard you."

Clara’s heart hammered, but she held her ground. She thought of Dante’s eyes, the way he looked at her when he thought she was asleep. She knew better.

"He knows who you are," Clara said. "He knows what your father did to Isabella."

Valeria’s expression didn't change, but her fingers tightened on her purse. "He knows nothing but what I allow him to see. He is a man blinded by grief. He will always choose the family name over some secretary."

Dante entered the room at that moment, his footsteps silent on the rug. He stood behind Clara, his presence creating a wall of heat and protection.

"She’s right about one thing, Valeria," Dante said, his voice cold enough to freeze blood. "I do care about family names. And mine is no longer tied to yours."

Valeria paled. "Dante, don't be dramatic. I did what was necessary for our union."

"You poisoned my mother’s life," Dante said, taking a step toward her. "And you tried to use a child to silence the truth. Leave. If I see you on this property again, you won't leave with your reputation intact."

Valeria looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of hatred and fear, then turned on her heel and stormed out.