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01:00I'm going out to take a call. I'll be right back.
01:02I waited for three hours. I asked the waiter to call him 17 times, but he declined every call and
01:06never came back.
01:07I had no choice but to pull out my own card and settle the bill.
01:10But when the manager returned, the smile had already slipped from his face.
01:13Mrs. Russo, this card has been frozen.
01:15The blood in my veins went cold.
01:16Frozen?
01:16Before we'd left the house, Cesare had taken all my other cards and phone.
01:20He'd said it was my birthday, I shouldn't have to spend a cent.
01:22But now he had vanished, and the only card I had was frozen.
01:25Madam, do you have another card?
01:27I should remind you, the family restaurant doesn't allow Tibbs, not for anyone.
01:31And you should remember what happened last month.
01:33The manager's voice was no longer polite.
01:35He meant the Giada incident.
01:36An icy premonition called up my spine.
01:39Could all of this have been engineered by Cesare to get back at me for Giada?
01:42No, that wasn't possible, but just then I heard footsteps, threaded with low laughter, and a woman's shrill voice.
01:48Cesare walked in with his arm around Giada's waist, chin tilted high, her eyes brimming with malicious excitement.
01:53Behind them were all familiar faces.
01:55Russo, family allies, arms dealers, money laundering brokers.
01:58They looked at me the way people look at a show about to begin.
02:00Cesare released Giada and strolled toward me.
02:02Sarah.
02:03His tone breezy.
02:04You like leaving people without a way to pay?
02:07Humiliating them in front of everyone, don't you?
02:09It's your turn to see how it feels.
02:11The restaurant erupted.
02:13I heard this woman crawled out of some backwater town and lucked into catching the Russo heir's eye.
02:18She slept her way into being his wife.
02:20Getting dumped now is exactly what she deserves.
02:22Now that a younger, prettier woman's come along, her luxury lifestyle is over.
02:26My nails dug deep into my palms.
02:28Thin lines of blood seeped between my fingers.
02:31Cesare pulled Giada into a seat beside him.
02:33Then, in front of everyone, he held her and kissed her cheek.
02:36When he looked at me, his expression had gone completely cold.
02:39Don't worry, Giada.
02:41However she humiliated you that night, tonight, I'm paying it all back.
02:45One for one.
02:46Giada's face lit up with delight.
02:48She tilted her head up and planted a loud kiss on his lips.
02:51Thank you, baby Cesare.
02:52Then she turned to face me, her gaze venomous, as if she wanted to carve my face apart with it.
02:57Sarah Neri, you whore who sold your looks to take the position of future Donna.
03:01How dare you freeze my card?
03:02You must have a death wish!
03:04Before the words had even settled, she snatched a bottle of red wine from the table and hurled it at
03:08the wall behind me.
03:09Wine splashed across my cheeks.
03:12The hem of my dress, my bare collarbones, the deep red trailed down my skin like open wounds.
03:16Sarah, I have Cesar to foot my bills.
03:18I can afford to smash as many bottles as I want.
03:22But you, she tilted her head and surveyed my wreckage, without a credit card.
03:26Where are you going to get the money?
03:27The room roared with laughter.
03:29Bit late to go find a man to bail her out, isn't it?
03:32So what's she going to do?
03:33She could sell herself and still not cover the price of one bottle.
03:37Without the Russo name, she's nothing.
03:40Their voices poured in from every direction, tightening around me like a noose.
03:44I stood among the shattered glass and pooling wine.
03:47Trembling, Cesar finally deigned to glance at me.
03:49There wasn't a trace of guilt in his eyes.
03:51If anything, the corner of his mouth curled into something mocking.
03:54Sarah, the way you're looking at me, do you think I'm going to pay for you?
03:58Dream on.
03:59Everyone?
04:00He rose to his feet, unhurried and straightened his cufflinks.
04:03Then he surveyed the room and spoke.
04:04Everyone here tonight is a friend.
04:06What I'm about to say, I'll only say once.
04:09If anyone dares pay a single cent for Sarah Nero tonight, you are making yourself an enemy
04:14of the Russo family.
04:16The restaurant fell instantly silent.
04:18In the corner, the investors I'd personally brought to the table sank back into their seats
04:22without a sound.
04:23The Russo family was the most dominant family on the East Coast in recent years.
04:28No one would be willing to offend their heir.
04:30My God, is Tazari serious?
04:32Isn't Sarah supposed to be his future Donna?
04:34At the end of the day, she's just a woman.
04:36And who'd risk offending the Russo heir for her?
04:38A husband publicly humiliating his own wife over a mistress?
04:42Pathetic.
04:43My breathing came in ragged bursts.
04:45My body moved on its own, carrying me through the broken glass toward Cesare.
04:49I seized his wrist.
04:50Cesaro Russo, are you really going to humiliate your wife in public?
04:54For the sake of that idiot?
04:56His face darkened instantly.
04:57The next second, he raised his hand and slapped me hard across the face.
05:00Crack.
05:01My head snapped to the side.
05:02Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth and dripped onto the floor.
05:05So what if I am?
05:07He let out a cold snort.
05:08Sarah, do you actually think you're the Donna?
05:10You dare question me?
05:12You knew damn well how important Giada is to me, and you still went after her.
05:16If you ever use the Russo name to bully one of my people again, I'll make sure you never see
05:21another sunrise.
05:22I stared at him, fighting back tears.
05:24Three years of marriage, and he'd never said a single harsh word to me.
05:28And three years ago, it was him who had exhausted every tactic he could think of to win me over.
05:33At the Russo estate wedding, he'd sliced his palm open with a knife, pressed the bleeding
05:36hand to his chest, and sworn he would love me forever.
05:40Three years, that scar was still on his left palm.
05:42And now, it was that same hand that had just struck me across the face.
05:46Those vows had long since ceased to exist.
05:48When he saw my tears, he curled his lip in disgust instead, and scrubbed his left hand hard with a
05:53handkerchief.
05:54Stop wasting time.
05:55Send word down.
05:56If she still can't pay the bill, strip her and throw her out of the restaurant.
06:00The moment he finished, the whole room stirred.
06:02The leering, undisguised stares of the men in the crowd clung to my body.
06:06Cesar is ruthless, serving up his own wife's naked body for us.
06:10I've got my phone ready.
06:11A scene this good definitely needs to go online.
06:14Once everyone sees her, Cesare won't want her anymore, right?
06:18Then we...
06:18Several older men looked me over from head to toe, repulsive smiles curling at their mouths.
06:23Well, well. Nice figure, I'll give her that.
06:26One of them chuckled under his breath.
06:28Another balding man chimed in.
06:30Gentlemen, we really picked the right night to show up.
06:33What a feast for the eyes.
06:35My fists were white at my sides.
06:37I couldn't stop shaking.
06:39Come on, Sarah, quit stalling.
06:42The restaurant's waiting for you to settle up so they can close.
06:45Giada clicked over to me on her stilettos.
06:47Don't tell me.
06:49You really don't have the money?
06:50Well, what a shame.
06:51Can't pay means getting locked up.
06:53Isn't that the rule you taught me?
06:54She took a long drag of a slim cigarette, then blew the smoke straight into my face.
06:59It burned into my throat and stung my eyes.
07:01I couldn't hold back any longer.
07:02My palm connected with Giada's face in one sharp crack.
07:05She stumbled back two steps, clutching her cheek and shrieking.
07:09Cesare lunged forward and caught her in his arms, snarling at me.
07:12Grab her.
07:13The next second, bodyguards tackled me from behind.
07:16The back of my skull hit the marble floor.
07:17Everything went dark.
07:19Sarah Neri, you lunatic!
07:21Cesare's eyes burned with murderous rage.
07:23Don't get confused.
07:24This is Russo territory.
07:26I told you.
07:27Touch one of my people again, I'd leave you without an intact corpse.
07:30I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling.
07:33Tears streaming down uncontrollably.
07:35He had no idea.
07:36The reason Russo had risen so spectacularly in just three years.
07:39It was all me.
07:40I was the one who'd secretly leveraged my family's network.
07:43Opened the arms channels for him.
07:44Laundered the casino revenue, bought off members of the commission.
07:47Even the agents who'd been poised to come down hard on the Russ family.
07:51They'd backed off as a personal favor to me.
07:53I had planned to tell him everything tonight.
07:55After we celebrated my birthday, I was going to reveal my true identity.
07:58Serafina Ferraro.
07:59Sole heir of the most powerful of New York's five families.
08:03Not some orphan from the Slums.
08:05Then I would take him back to New York to meet my father.
08:07And help him consolidate the entire East Coast underworld.
08:10But hearts change too fast.
08:11I'd misjudged him.
08:12I'd overestimated his character.
08:14I sat up.
08:15And before I could get a word out,
08:16Giada rushed forward and slapped me across the face with everything she had.
08:20You bitch!
08:21Accept your fate!
08:23Now, you either can't pay the bill and get stripped and thrown out.
08:28Or, she jerked her chin.
08:30A bodyguard ripped the leash off a dog cradled in some socialite's arms and tossed it at my feet.
08:35You get on your knees, kiss my shoes, then put on the leash and crawl out.
08:40Keep stalling.
08:41And I'll make the choice for you!
08:43I slowly raised my face, wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth with the back of my hand,
08:47and looked at Cesare one final time.
08:49Cesare, are you really going to stand there and let your assistant keep humiliating me like this?
08:54He scoffed.
08:55What else would I do?
08:56You don't seriously think Cesare Russo, heir to the family, would have trouble letting you go?
09:00Without you, I've got plenty of options.
09:02I smiled.
09:03Fine.
09:04Then remember tonight, Cesaro.
09:06You chose this.
09:09Giada laughed mockingly.
09:11What kind of delusion is this?
09:13Did you binge too many movies and actually start believing you're some secret heiress?
09:17Someone nearby jeered loudly.
09:19She's probably just desperate enough to start babbling nonsense.
09:22Standing there, putting on airs.
09:24Think first about how you're going to pay.
09:26I looked at the manager standing nearby with an expression of pure contempt.
09:31Then I scanned the room and walked toward a woman sitting in the corner.
09:34She nearly jumped out of her chair.
09:35Cesare, I can't...
09:36I don't dare!
09:37Relax.
09:38I just need to borrow your phone for one call.
09:40I dialed a number.
09:41The other end picked up almost before the first ring finished.
09:44It's me.
09:46I need you at Le Pavillon within 20 minutes.
09:48Bring cash.
09:49Enough to buy this restaurant.
09:51I hung up without another word.
09:53Giada's laughter came from behind me.
09:55Oh, please!
09:56Who's going to come?
09:57Who on the entire East Coast would dare cross the Russos for you?
10:02If someone really comes within 20 minutes,
10:05I'll put on the lash myself and crawl out.
10:08Deal.
10:08I turned back and met her disdainful grin.
10:10Don't forget what you said.
10:11It would certainly come in handy.
10:13The silence dragged on.
10:14No one in the restaurant spoke.
10:15They all watched their phones.
10:17Or watched me.
10:18Or watched the door.
10:19Giada sat beside Cesare with her legs crossed.
10:21Irritation and disdain written across her face.
10:2415 minutes passed.
10:25Nothing stirred at the entrance.
10:26Giada was the first to lose patience.
10:29She slammed her palm on the table and shot to her feet.
10:31I can't believe I was stupid enough to buy this woman's bluff.
10:35Who would dare risk offending the Russo family to come bring her money?
10:40If you really can't find anyone, why not?
10:43She turned to look at the restless fat men.
10:45Consider them.
10:46No matter what, it's better than having nude photos taken.
10:51And posted online for the whole world to enjoy, right?
10:54What do you think, baby?
10:56Cesare sat there, took a sip of wine, and answered airily.
10:59Do as you like.
11:00The room instantly boiled over.
11:02Well then, don't mind if we do.
11:04The atmosphere began to curdle.
11:05The fat man with the cigar was the first to reach out.
11:08His stubby fingers sliding toward my waist.
11:10Don't touch me.
11:11I slapped his hand away.
11:12He grinned.
11:13Nice slim waist.
11:15My body's definitely not bad.
11:17As soon as he spoke, they closed in from all sides.
11:19Someone grabbed my sleeve.
11:20Someone yanked my hair.
11:21Someone whispered obscenities in my ear.
11:23Come with me, sweetheart.
11:24I can pay for you.
11:26Why not choose me?
11:27I guarantee you'll feel wonderful tonight.
11:29Giada leaned against Cesare's shoulder and pointed at me.
11:32Hold her down, giving orders to the bodyguards.
11:34Let the gentleman inspect the merchandise he's slowly.
11:39Cesare's bodyguards pinged me immediately.
11:41One locked my arms.
11:42Another clamped down on my neck from behind.
11:44I struggled.
11:45Someone's fingers hooked the side zipper of my dress and yanked.
11:48The sound of fabric tearing.
11:49I looked at Cesare.
11:50He just sat there, watching.
11:52Don't look at me like that.
11:53You know I'm not gonna help you.
11:55His voice was flat, emotionless.
11:57All I care about is making Giada happy.
11:58We were still legally husband and wife.
12:00And he sat there, watching other men rip the clothes off his wife's body.
12:04I'll remember every single one of you.
12:07Soon, all of you will be on your knees, begging me.
12:10No one took it seriously.
12:11Rape.
12:11This time, the strap of my dress was torn straight off.
12:15Giada clapped from the sidelines.
12:16Hurry up!
12:17Get it all off!
12:19Time's up!
12:20No need to wait any-
12:21She never finished.
12:22The restaurant doors were kicked open from the outside.
12:24The door panels slammed against the walls like a thunderclap.
12:27A squad of men in black poured in.
12:29They moved quickly and precisely, locking onto the bodyguards around me.
12:32And the men with their hands still outstretched, taking each one down with clean and vicious
12:36strikes.
12:37Dragging them aside, the whole thing took less than ten seconds.
12:40Then the crowd parted down the middle.
12:42A woman walked in.
12:43She wore a black trench coat.
12:44Her hair pulled back in a sleek knot.
12:46In one hand, she carried an aluminum briefcase.
12:49Her stride was measured and unhurried.
12:51Nadia Volkov, the most powerful arms broker in the country.
12:54A partner to the Ferraro family for three generations.
12:57Anyone with even a passing connection to the arms trade knew her name.
13:00She surveyed the room, then walked straight to me and set the briefcase on the table.
13:04Then she bowed her head with quiet deafness.
13:06Miss, the cash is here.
13:09I'm not late, am I?
13:11Chessiree and Giada shot to their feet almost simultaneously.
13:15The men who'd been jeering and catcalling seconds earlier froze in place.
13:18Some still had their hands suspended in midair.
13:21The same hands that moments ago had been trying to tear my clothes off.
13:24Giada stared at Nadia Volkov, as if she were looking at a ghost that had no business being there.
13:28That's impossible.
13:30What are you doing here?
13:32How could someone like Sarah possibly summon you?
13:35Nadia didn't spare her so much as a glance.
13:37Her gaze traveled from my torn hem to the bruises on my face, then to the dried wine stains on
13:42my collarbones.
13:42Her expression barely shifted, but the brief contraction of her poop was betrayed a feeling she was working to contain.
13:48Don't for honor certainly a head down.
13:50He's on his way himself.
13:51She said it quietly.
13:52Her expression, unreadable.
13:53And when the name Ferraro was mentioned, the men fell deathly silent.
13:57Everyone here had spent decades navigating the New York underworld.
14:00They knew better than anyone what Nadia Volkov represented.
14:02Every arms deal she brokered had the real five families of New York standing behind it.
14:07And Ferraro was first among the five.
14:09Then Nadia turned, sweeping the room with a glacial stare.
14:12Who gave you the audacity to treat Sarah this way?
14:14No one dared answer.
14:16The same bloated brokers, who minutes ago had been grinning and groping me, were now shrinking into their chairs.
14:21Wish they could shut their heads under the tables.
14:23Giada's lips began to tremble.
14:25She had just realized something.
14:26The bet still hadn't been settled.
14:28If someone paid my bill, she would have to put on that leash and crawl out of this restaurant like
14:32a dog.
14:33No.
14:34This isn't right.
14:35She stepped back.
14:36Her voice shrill.
14:37There's no way Nadia Volkov works for her!
14:40This woman is nothing but a...
14:42Were you the one who ordered this?
14:44Nadia's voice was loud, but the killing intent laced through it, buckled Giada's knees.
14:48She staggered, nearly crumpling to the floor.
14:50Cesare grabbed her waist and steadied her.
14:52Don't be scared.
14:53I'm here.
14:55Those words put some air back in Giada's lungs.
14:57She straightened up immediately, her voice regaining a measure of defiance.
15:01That's right.
15:02Cesare is the heir to the East Coast Russos.
15:04Nada Volkov, I may be afraid of you, but Cesare, he's not someone you get to push around...
15:08Cesare released her and stepped forward.
15:10He adjusted his cuffs, jaw tight, doing his best to maintain that invincible posture.
15:14Ms. Volkov, I don't know what your relationship with Sarah is, but I'll say this once.
15:16This is the East Coast.
15:17On Russo territory, outsiders don't get to meddle in my personal affair.
15:21He paused, lowering his voice by half a register.
15:23Three years ago, I crushed everyone beneath me and took the throne on the East Coast.
15:25Today, I can make you vanish from the city just as easily.
15:27So I'd advise you, don't make an enemy of me over a Sarah near you.
15:29Nadia listened to every word.
15:31Then she smiled.
15:32It was a smile of deep, genuine pity.
15:34Mr. Russo, what a mouth you have.
15:36She took one slow step closer.
15:38Three years ago, if not for Sarah's sake, with your family's pitiful finances and that skeleton crew of yours,
15:43you wouldn't have lasted three months for someone devoured you whole bones and all.
15:47Every casino you own, every channel, every rival who doesn't dare touch you, all of it exists because of Sarah.
15:53Cesare's eyelid twitched.
15:54Then he covered it with a scoff.
15:55Her?
15:55He jerked his chin toward me.
15:57A woman who can't even pay a dinner bill built my empire on the East Coast?
16:03Mrs. Volkoff, if you're gonna make up stories, at least make them believable.
16:07I didn't look at him.
16:08I was truly tired.
16:09Three years of holding it in.
16:11Three years of giving everything.
16:12Three years of lying to myself.
16:14All of it had reached the end of the line tonight.
16:16I once believed he was worth it.
16:17I once believed that if I just waited a little longer, the day would come when we could stand side
16:21by side and face the whole world together, out in the open.
16:24But he destroyed that someday with his own hands.
16:26The bill's been paid.
16:28Giada, you said, if someone paid my bill within 20 minutes, you would put on that leash and crawl out
16:32of this restaurant like a dog.
16:34I paused for one second.
16:36Everyone here is your witness.
16:38So, you wouldn't back out now, would you?
16:41Someone in the room sucked in a sharp breath.
16:44The brokers and casino managers, who'd been playing dead in the corners, suddenly perked up, craning their necks, eyes gleaming
16:50with anticipation.
16:52Well, well.
16:53You never know who's gonna win until the very end.
16:55You can say that again.
16:57Best to just sit tight and watch.
17:00Where else are you gonna see drama at this level?
17:02Tonight was worth the trip.
17:03Giada leaped out from behind Cesare, jabbing a finger at my face.
17:06Don't you dare stand there acting all high and mighty!
17:09Hey! Fine, yes. I said it.
17:11So what?
17:12This is Cesare's turf.
17:14You think Nadia Volkov alone is enough to force me to keep my word?
17:18Dream on. I refuse. What are you gonna do about it?
17:22Behind her, Cesare allowed himself a thin smile and pulled her back into his arms.
17:26He stroked her cheek, his touch gentle and indulgent, like soothing a startled kitten.
17:31The last trace of warmth in my heart went out when the Russo family's finances started collapsing across the board
17:37in a few minutes.
17:38I hoped he'd still be able to hold that tender lover look.
17:41Nadia didn't waste another word.
17:42She frowned slightly and gave a subtle nod to the men in black behind her.
17:46A bodyguard stepped forward instantly and drove a precise fist into Giada's stomach.
17:50Just enough force to fold her in half and send her crashing to the floor at my feet.
17:54She lay splayed on all fours and really did look exactly like a dog.
17:58You made a promise. Time to own it.
17:58The bodyguard's voice carried zero emotion. He kicked the leash in front of her.
18:02Put on the leash. Bark like a dog. Crawl out. Those were your rules.
18:06Or you eat this plate of raw meat like a dog.
18:09Another man in black brought over a white porcelain plate and set it in front of Giada.
18:14On it sat a large slab of raw beef. Blood was still seeping from it, a crimson liquid trailing slowly
18:20over the rim and spreading across the white tablecloth in a horrifying stain.
18:24Giada looked at the meat and immediately felt her stomach lurch.
18:27She retched twice on all fours and even started screaming.
18:30Chisare! Save me! I'd rather die than crawl out like that!
18:34Stop!
18:36Chisare's face finally darkened. He shot to his feet and waved sharply at his men.
18:41Get her out of here.
18:42Four Russo bodyguards moved at once, but Nadia's people were faster.
18:45The two sides clashed briefly in the center of the restaurant.
18:48Or more accurately, Nadia's men dismantled the Russo guards one by one in a swift one-sided takedown.
18:54It was quiet and efficient. They didn't even knock over a wine glass.
18:57Thirty seconds later, all four of Chisare's men were face down on the floor.
19:00One was still clutching his dislocated shoulder and groaning. Every trace of color drained from Giada's face.
19:06Beads of sweat rolled from her temples. Chisare's fists clenched, veins crawling from the backs of his hands up to
19:12his forearms.
19:13Nadia Volkov, you're pushing your luck.
19:16You think I can't pick up a phone and make you disappear from the East Coast forever?
19:20Nadia didn't even look at him. She turned to face me and dipped into a slight bow.
19:24Your call, miss.
19:26His rage was written across every feature. The clenched jaw. The bloodshot eyes. The knuckles gone white.
19:32But beneath the anger, I saw something else. Something almost imperceptible. Fear. I let out a dry laugh.
19:37What's the matter? You get to humiliate me all night, but I can't collect what I'm owed.
19:41I didn't wait for his answer.
19:42Nada, call the lawyers. I want a divorce agreement. Right now. As fast as humanly possible.
19:47Chisare shot up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
19:50Divorce? Who the hell gave you the right to bring up divorce? If anyone's filing, it's me!
19:54Whether I have the right or not, you'll find out once you've signed.
19:57And one more thing. Your father will probably be here very soon. He'll tell yourself exactly how badly you fucked
20:02up tonight.
20:02My dad.
20:03He sneered.
20:04Why would he come here to lecture me over you? Who the hell do you think you are?
20:07I'm only just now realizing, Sarah, you actually put on a pretty convincing act, but it's absurd.
20:11I don't know what trick you used to get Volkov to fight your battles, but she can protect you for
20:15a night.
20:15She can't protect you forever. Once my father gets here, you're all dead.
20:19No one acknowledged him. Nadia helped me to a seat and had someone tend to my wounds.
20:22I sipped warm water and watched his face turn livid from being ignored.
20:26I smiled softly. Seven minutes later, the lawyer arrived. A printed divorce agreement was placed on the table.
20:31I signed my name and had the other copy pass to Chisare.
20:34He snatched the pen. He didn't read a single word and slashed his signature across the line.
20:38With such force, he nearly punched through the paper.
20:41There. Signed. Happy? Sarah, even if you come crawling back begging me to remarry you, I will never give you
20:45another chance.
20:46I folded my copy and handed it to Nadia. I didn't dignify his words with a response.
20:51I simply stood, straightened the suit jacket Nadia had brought for me.
20:54Well then, now that the marriage is dissolved, I have no reason to keep shielding the Russo family from the
20:58storm.
20:59Catching my glance, Nadia nodded. With a wave of her hand, the assistant beside her stepped out with a phone
21:04already in her ear.
21:05What the hell are you two up to?
21:06Chisare's brow furrowed in confusion. I looked at him, my voice very soft.
21:11Starting now, within 30 minutes, every partner under the Russo name will pull their funding.
21:14Every ally will terminate their agreements.
21:17Every deal currently in progress, all of it cancelled.
21:19The Russo family ends tonight. Chisare, I told you, this is the choice you made.
21:24Chisare froze for a second. Then he laughed. A real, genuine, from-the-gut laugh.
21:29It dripped with contempt and disbelief, as if he'd just heard the funniest joke of the year.
21:33Giada followed suit, hauling herself up from the floor, clutching her battered stomach with one hand.
21:38She laughed so hard, she nearly choked.
21:40Did you hear that, Chisare?
21:42She says she's gonna bring the Russo family down.
21:47She was bluffing earlier when she was cornered.
21:50And now that she's got someone in her corner, she's bluffing again.
21:55Are you mentally ill or something?
21:57Get yourself to a hospital!
22:00She cocked her head at me, eyes glittering with vicious pleasure.
22:03Let me tell you something.
22:05Volkov will always be beneath the Russo's.
22:08The East Coast belongs to the Russo family.
22:10One-armed Steeler, no matter how connected, isn't turning anything upside down.
22:15Chisare reined in his laughter.
22:16When he looked at me again, there was a fresh layer of weariness in his eyes.
22:20Sara, for old time's sake, I'll leave you a shred of dignity.
22:24The bill's been paid, the divorce is signed.
22:27So just kneel down, and in front of everyone here, bow your head and apologize to Giada.
22:32Do that, and this whole thing ends here.
22:35You can all walk out.
22:37I nearly laughed out loud.
22:38Giada's bet still hadn't been honored, and he was already asking me to kneel and beg her forgiveness.
22:43Was something genuinely wrong with this man's brain?
22:46I glanced at my wristwatch.
22:48It was about time.
22:51Why don't you call your father?
22:54Ask him how every Russo casino is doing right now.
22:57The amusement on Chisare's face hardened.
22:59He stared at me, searching my expression for any crack in the facade, any sign I was bluffing.
23:04He found nothing.
23:05He hesitated two seconds, then reached for the phone in his pocket before he could pull it out.
23:09The restaurant doors burst open for the third time.
23:12This time, it was an old man in pajamas.
23:14The old Don Russo.
23:17His hair was a mess.
23:18His feet shoved into slippers.
23:20No time to even throw on a coat.
23:22He'd clearly been dragged out of bed and rushed straight here.
23:25His face was a canvas of horror and fury, and both emotions reached their crescendo the instant he spotted me.
23:31He stormed up to Chisare and screamed the word in his face so loudly.
23:35The wine glasses on the tables rattled.
23:37Then he spun toward me, and nearly tripped over his own feet.
23:39In the end, he caught himself on the edge of a table, steadied his legs, and bowed to me, deeply,
23:44trembling.
23:44You hid it well.
23:46When he straightened, his eyes were already rimmed with red.
23:50So you are the Ferrati heir.
23:52You are Serafina Ferrati.
23:57Serafina Ferraro.
23:58It had been a long time since I'd heard that name.
24:00Three years ago, I'd come to the East Coast under the alias Saraneri to investigate casino networks.
24:06I hadn't planned to stay, and I certainly hadn't planned to marry.
24:09It was Chisare who pursued me with everything he had.
24:12Flowers, promises, a blood oath, and all the tenderness that once made me believe I could trust him with my
24:18life.
24:18He never knew who he'd married.
24:19He thought he'd picked up a pretty, powerless woman he could control as he pleased.
24:23Now he knew.
24:24Chisare's pupils contracted violently.
24:26He lunged forward and grabbed my arm, fingers digging into my skin.
24:40The bodyguards brushed forward to pry him off, but his eyes were wide, fingers locked around my wrist like a
24:46steel trap.
24:47I peeled his hand from my arm, one finger at a time.
24:50Then I let it drop to his side.
24:51The bodyguards secured him instantly.
24:53Nadia handed me a handkerchief.
24:55I took it, and wiped the spot where he'd touched me.
24:57Chisare's face turned the color of paper.
24:59An hour ago, he'd done the exact same thing.
25:01Pulled out a handkerchief, and in front of everyone, wiped the hand I had touched.
25:09He got no response from me.
25:11He turned to his father.
25:13Dad, what the hell is going on?
25:15Giada was shaking too, her eyes darting frantically across every face in front of her.
25:20Serafina Ferraro.
25:20There wasn't a soul in the underworld who hadn't heard the name, but no one had ever seen her face.
25:25If I really was that person, then everyone in this room tonight, herself included, was finished.
25:30The thought sent her shrinking backward, trying to melt into the shadows.
25:33But the next second, a bodyguard behind her shoved her forward.
25:36She whipped around in terror, only to find a face carved from ice staring back at her.
25:41Her, Sada Neri.
25:42She heard the voice and turned instinctively, only to see old Russo's face gone livid.
25:46Teeth clenched, grinding out each syllable like it cost him something.
25:49She is Serafina Ferraro. I've seen her with my own eyes.
25:52Last month, I went to New York for the Five Families Commission meeting.
25:55The woman sitting at the head of that table is the woman standing in front of you right now.
26:02Sera.
26:04Old Russo's words detonated in the center of the restaurant like a bomb.
26:08Every person in the room made a sound at the same time.
26:10A cacophony of sharp, strangled breaths.
26:13Chairs toppled.
26:14Wine glasses shattered.
26:16Some people shot to their feet.
26:17Others lost their strength in their legs and collapsed back into their seats.
26:21That's impossible.
26:22Someone pinch me.
26:23Is this actually real?
26:24The man beside him actually reached over and pinched him.
26:27He hissed in pain.
26:28It's real.
26:29Fuck.
26:29It's real.
26:30Sarah Neri's Serafila Ferrana.
26:33We just grabbed at her clothes.
26:35We're done.
26:36We're done.
26:37We're all done.
26:37Panic spread through the crowd like a plague.
26:40The middle-aged brokers who minutes ago had been pawing at me with their greasy hands were
26:44now ashy-faced.
26:45Some babbling incoherently.
26:46Complexions drained to a ghostly white.
26:49One of them actually dropped to his knees and started praying.
26:52That line I'd spoken earlier, they finally remembered it now.
26:55I'll remember every single one of you.
26:57Soon enough you'll all be on your knees begging me.
27:00Old Russo didn't give Cesare time to process.
27:04He charged forward first, driving his foot into the small of Giada's back, sending her sprawling
27:10at my feet.
27:10You poisonous little bitch.
27:12Laying hands on Sarah Fifarari?
27:14Do you have a death wish?
27:15Letting those animals rip her clothes?
27:18Telling her to malish and crawl?
27:20Have you lost your mind?
27:21Or do you just not want to live?
27:24The kick left Giada dazed.
27:26She lay at my feet, limbs splayed, utterly wrecked.
27:29This time, not a single person in the restaurant laughed.
27:32She lifted her head, tear-filled eyes searching instinctively for Cesare.
27:35But Cesare wasn't looking at her.
27:37His gaze was riveted on me, the light in his pupils fracturing piece by piece.
27:41His mouth opened and closed, closed, then opened.
27:44Old Russo snatched the phone from Cesare's pocket and held the screen up to his face.
27:49See for yourself.
27:50Casinos under the Russo name, partners, are pulling their funding, one after another.
27:54Do you understand what this means?
27:56Everything we spent three years building, it's on.
27:59You stupid bastard!
28:01Watching their panic, I straightened my disheveled clothes without any particular urgency.
28:05I've never said anything I didn't mean.
28:07My voice was flat, my spine straight.
28:10I warned you, all of you.
28:11I put the Russo family on the throne of the East Coast, and I can knock you right back
28:16into the gutter you crawled out of.
28:18No.
28:19Cesare whispered, his face drained of all color.
28:22The next second, without a moment's hesitation, old Russo backhanded his son across the face.
28:28Crack echoed through the silent restaurant, impossibly loud.
28:31What are you standing there for?
28:33Get on your knees and beg Seraphina's forgiveness!
28:35Do you want to single-handedly bury three generations of your grandfather's legacy?
28:39Cesare finally snapped out of his stupor.
28:42He looked at me, then back at the numbers cascading across his phone screen.
28:45Then, slowly, he turned his head and looked down at Giada on the floor.
28:49His expression changed.
28:51Gone was the indulgence, the tenderness, the sickening devotion.
28:54In its place was something cold, precise, and utterly without hesitation, a surgical severance.
29:00He raised his foot and drove it into Giada's face.
29:04This is all your fault.
29:06His voice was cold as a blade dipped in poison.
29:09You egged me into going after her.
29:11You're the one who made me set this whole thing up.
29:13Every single bit of this, you started it!
29:15Giada was kicked flat onto her back, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.
29:18She stared in disbelief at the man who thirty seconds ago had held her like a treasure.
29:22Cesare, you said you'd always protect me!
29:25Shut up.
29:26He turned to his bodyguards.
29:28Hold her down.
29:29Make her bite the meat.
29:30Put the leash on her.
29:31Strip her.
29:32Make her crawl out like a dog.
29:35If she won't crawl, beat her.
29:37Beat her until she does.
29:38The bodyguards moved.
29:39They didn't hesitate.
29:40The wind had shifted completely.
29:42Fists and feet landed on Giada's body with a surgical precision, targeting joints and tendons.
29:46Her screams echoed through the restaurant.
29:49Everyone hunched their shoulders.
29:50Not a soul dared make a sound.
29:52I'll crawl.
29:53I'll crawl.
29:54Make them stop, please.
29:56Anymore and my legs will break.
29:58Giada's voice had warped beyond recognition.
30:00She curled on the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
30:03And finally, trembling, reached out and lifted that blood-soaked slab of raw beef to her mouth.
30:08Blood dripped from her fingers onto the white marble floor.
30:10She opened her mouth and bit down on the meat.
30:12Then she dropped to all fours and began crawling toward the door.
30:15Two steps in.
30:16A bodyguard planted his foot on her back.
30:18Bawk.
30:19She squeezed her eyes shut and forced a hoarse, off-key yelp from her throat.
30:23And so, Giada Lombardi, raw meat clenched between her teeth, on her hands and knees,
30:28barked like a dog.
30:29One wretched sound after another.
30:31She crawled across the entire restaurant, across the same marble floor she'd once strutted over
30:35in stilettos like she owned the world, past every slack-jawed spectator, until she finally
30:39disappeared beyond the front doors.
30:41The room was deathly silent.
30:44After Giada vanished through the doors, Cesare did exactly what I expected.
30:48He turned around, wearing a completely different face.
30:51The rage was gone.
30:52The cruelty was gone.
30:54In their place was an expression I knew far too well.
30:56The deliberately softened look he'd worn three years ago when he was courting me.
31:00The same mask.
31:02He stepped closer, his voice pitched low, threaded with a carefully calibrated tremor.
31:07I've punished Giada.
31:09There will never be another woman between you and me again.
31:12Honey, come home with me.
31:14We'll start over.
31:15He reached out to take my hand.
31:16I stepped back.
31:18Mr. Ruzo.
31:18My voice held no anger, no sorrow, nothing at all.
31:21I'd suggest you show a little self-respect.
31:23Don't go calling every woman you see.
31:27Honey.
31:27His hand froze in midair.
31:29We signed a divorce agreement, half an hour ago.
31:31Surely you haven't forgotten already?
31:32Next time we pass each other on the street, please don't mistake me for someone else.
31:37I brushed his suspended hand aside, the way you'd push a dead branch out of your path.
31:41When I turned and walked toward the door, behind me came the sound of leather shoes crunching
31:45over broken glass.
31:46A man stepped in through the restaurant's front entrance.
31:48He was tall, half a head taller than Cesare.
31:51He wore a bespoke black overcoat, no ornamentation of any kind.
31:54But breeding radiated from him like it was woven into his bones.
31:57His features could have been carved during the Renaissance.
32:00Refined, severe, carrying an innate arrogance.
32:03Damiano Moretti, sole heir to the Neapolitan Camorra family.
32:08His influence spanned Europe and Asia.
32:11In the global underworld, his name carried more weight than most heads of state.
32:14And he was the boy I'd grown up with.
32:16He didn't so much as glance at Cesare.
32:18He walked straight to me.
32:19His gaze lingered for one second on the bruises across my face and my torn clothing.
32:23The line of his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
32:26But he said nothing.
32:27Just took off his overcoat and draped it across my shoulders.
32:30Only then did he lift his head and cast a lukewarm glance at Cesare.
32:34You turned down a marriage alliance with me.
32:37For him?
32:38His tone held no accusation.
32:39Only sincere, baffled contempt.
32:41Honestly, Serafina, your taste is terrible.
32:44He's not as tall as me.
32:46Not as good looking.
32:46His presence is not even in my league.
32:48And most importantly,
32:50I've loved you without wavering for ten years.
32:53He couldn't even last three.
32:55A chorus of stunned breaths swept through the restaurant.
32:58The people present might not have seen Serafina Ferraro's face before,
33:02but there wasn't a single person who didn't recognize Damiano Moretti.
33:05Cesare's face had gone white as bone.
33:07He looked at Damiano, then at me, his Adam's apple bobbing several times.
33:10Who the hell are you?
33:11Damiano couldn't even be bothered to look at him properly.
33:13Who am I?
33:14Her fiancé, obviously.
33:16Your marriage is dissolved.
33:17She's not going to marry anyone else after this.
33:19He said it as casually as if he were commenting on the weather.
33:22I shook my head with a helpless smile.
33:23Damiano had been the same for thirty years.
33:25Blunt, direct, never one to mince words.
33:28He'd had exactly the same tone the first time he proposed an alliance to my father,
33:31a decade ago.
33:32Let's go.
33:33It's been a long time since I've been back to New York.
33:35Damiano nodded, extending his arm to shield my side as he walked me toward the door.
33:39Behind us came a scatter of frantic footsteps.
33:42Serafina!
33:44Cesare came chasing after us.
33:46His voice was hoarse and broken,
33:48like a pane of glass someone had stepped through.
33:50What about the Russos?
33:53What about me?
33:54My stride faltered for one second, but I didn't turn around.
33:58Every word I said before stands.
34:01As for you, the marriage is done.
34:03What does any of it have to do with me anymore?
34:05A long silence stretched behind me.
34:07Then I heard his voice, quieter than before,
34:09softer, as though he were speaking only to himself.
34:12If I hadn't humiliated you over Giada,
34:14if I'd called it off halfway through,
34:17would you have forgiven me?
34:18I finally stopped.
34:20The November night wind swept in through the open restaurant doors,
34:22cold and dry, stirring the torn hem of my dress.
34:25What if I weren't in Serafina Ferrara?
34:28My voice was so soft, it nearly drowned beneath the wind.
34:31Would you still know you were wrong?
34:34Would you still have punished Giada?
34:37No answer came from behind me.
34:39One second, two seconds, five seconds, ten.
34:42Silence was the only answer I needed.
34:44I stepped forward into the New York night.
34:46Damiano walked beside me without a word,
34:48his presence quiet and steady.
34:49The lights behind us grew smaller and more distant.
34:52The noise of the restaurant thinned in the wind,
34:54until it was nothing but a faint, shapeless hum.
34:56And then, it was gone entirely.
34:57There are no what-ifs in life.
34:59What's lost is lost forever.
35:01What's lost is lost forever.