Page 9 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

I needed this job. No matter what, I couldn't let this break me.

I worked into the night before finishing. When I stood, my bones cracked and groaned. Everything told me this body was running on empty.

My phone chimed. A calendar reminder.

Tomorrow was my day off. Every servant got one day a month. Usually I stayed at the manor, but with everything that had happened lately, I suddenly wanted to see my mother.

The next morning, I left early. Alfredo was there when I walked out.

I didn't speak to him. Just nodded. His look was strange, but I was in a hurry. I didn't stop to ask why.

Downstairs, climbing the stairs to the apartment, I wondered if I should tell Maggie what had been happening. My mother wasn't brave. If she knew a mafia Don had threatened me, she'd probably faint.

Better not to tell her.

I reached the door. It was open. I pushed through. "Maggie—"

Everyone in the room turned to look at me. Maggie was on the floor. That bastard Richard stood beside her. Across from them, several massive men held baseball bats and other weapons. Dangerous, every one of them.

I understood immediately. I rushed over, helped Maggie up, then shoved Richard away hard. I glared at him. "What did you do now?"

Maggie grabbed my hand like I was her last hope. "Elena, please, save your father..."

I stood between Maggie and the men, patted her hand to calm her, then faced Richard. I already knew why these men were here.

"Did you... gamble again?"

My voice shook. Not from fear. From rage.

Richard had been gambling since I was little. As I grew up, his bets got bigger. My school fees, Maggie's living expenses—all became his gambling money. Poor Maggie worked alone at a diner for pennies. I'd been forced to work early too, just to keep this family afloat.

But Richard would never stop. He scratched his head carelessly and grinned at me. "Yeah, Elena, perfect timing. You've got money, right? Pay them off for me, sweetheart."

"Ask her—she works for rich people, makes good money!"

Richard said this, then backed into the corner, pushing me forward to face his disaster.

The men's eyes turned to me. I used my small body to shield Maggie, fought to keep my legs from shaking, not to show them my fear.

"Where's the money I sent back?" I turned to Maggie, voice full of worry. "I told you not to give it all to him!"

Since I'd started at Moretti Manor, I knew I'd become another source for Richard's gambling. To save for my clothing shop—and to slow him down—I'd hidden half my wages, only sending half home each month.

But Maggie had given him everything anyway. Did she think that would make Richard love her?

Ridiculous.

Maggie covered her face and cried, apologizing over and over. "I'm sorry, Elena, I'm sorry..."

The lead man grabbed Maggie's collar, lifted her like a helpless little bird. He stared at me. "If we sell the two of you through the black market, we might get a decent price."

"Let her go!" I lunged forward, trying to save Maggie from his grip.

The man's fist slammed into my shoulder. The force threw me into a cabinet. Pain exploded in my lower back. My face twisted. My body lost all strength. I collapsed.

And that bastard Richard just huddled in the corner, head in his hands, not saying a word.

"Elena!"