My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin

"And... we’re sisters!"

A brief moment of silence fell over their small group, the ladies darting their gazes between the two (Ashley and Isabella). There was nothing—physically—that made them resemble each other. If no one said it, no one would know.

"Really?" one of the ladies remarked. "Like, sister-sisters?

Isabella smiled brightly before a flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Yes—oh, is that Le Roux from the Imperatrix collection?"

"Huh?" The lady raised her brows, instinctively touching the earring dangling from her ear. "You recognized this?"

"Oh my gosh!" Isabella excitedly stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Of course! Who wouldn’t? They say the Imperatrix collection isn’t that great, but only those with a keen eye would know it’s actually one of their best."

As Isabella demonstrated her knowledge of the brand, the lady softened, smiling in satisfaction. She nodded, clearly pleased that someone shared her opinion.

"And this too..." Isabella’s eyes twinkled as she turned to another lady.

Just like that, she broke into the group, effortlessly pointing out subtle details about each of them. As the ladies began engaging with her, flattered by her observations, Isabella discreetly slid her gaze toward Ashley.

No one was speaking to Ashley anymore. They were all too absorbed in Isabella’s conversation. Now, Ashley simply stood there, watching them with an unreadable expression.

Heh, Isabella sneered inwardly. See? You don’t belong here.

To Isabella, that look on Ashley’s face was proof—proof of how easy it was to push her out of a place she had no right to stand in. That Ashley was shrinking back to where she belonged.

How dare she think she was relevant when everything was only because of Lucian? What did this dimwit even know?

Isabella looked away, a faint smirk tugging at her lips before she returned her attention to the ladies with a sweet smile.

But unlike what she thought, Ashley was watching... and taking notes. She almost clapped!

So, that’s how it’s done, huh? That’s another approach. Impressive!

She nodded subtly, appreciating the skill Isabella was unknowingly showcasing. More importantly, Isabella had just given her the perfect opportunity to excuse herself, just as she had originally planned.

Smiling, Ashley stepped forward. Even that simple movement was enough to halt the ladies’ chatter, snapping their attention back to her.

"Ladies, it was lovely speaking with all of you. I’m glad to have met you," she said gracefully.

"Madam De Luca, we’re the ones honored that you gave us your time."

"Yes! Madam, would it be alright if I sent you an invitation to our farm?"

"Though it’s a bit far, I assure you it’s worth visiting—especially the land..."

The ladies, who had just been discussing luxury brands, shifted their focus instantly. Now, they were eager to maintain connections with Ashley for both business and leisure.

And just as quickly, Isabella dimmed.

Frowning, Isabella caught something from the corner of her eye.

A server was approaching with a tray of drinks. The corners of her lips curled into a malicious smile.

"I’ll reconsider," Ashley nodded. "Anyway, I’ll see you around—"

She didn’t even finish her sentence when Isabella suddenly—out of nowhere—tripped as another guest lightly brushed against her side.

"Ah—" Isabella tried to regain her balance, and thanks to Ashley, she didn’t fall hard. However, in the process, the red wine in her hand spilled onto Ashley’s red dress.

For a second, everything stilled. Heads turned toward the brief commotion. Isabella’s eyes widened as she paled, staring at the wine dripping along the hem of Ashley’s dress.

She panicked. "Oh no! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry—I’ll wipe it away! Oh, goodness! How clumsy of me!"

As Isabella hurriedly tried to clean it—even though the wine barely showed against the red fabric—Ashley furrowed her brows.

This had happened too many times before. Deep down, she knew something was wrong.

This wasn’t how Isabella usually reacted. Now, she looked terrified as if she would be punished for this.

Whatever it was...

Ashley reached out. "It’s fine, Isabella. Don’t worry about it—"

To Ashley’s surprise, the moment she touched Isabella, the latter cried out and stumbled backward on her own. Isabella collided with a nearby waiter, sending glasses crashing to the floor as drinks spilled everywhere.

At that moment, Ashley realized it.

She had fallen into Isabella’s trap the instant she reached out.

...I really never learn, huh?

Ashley winced internally as she looked at Isabella sprawled on the floor. Now, she truly had to deal with this.

"Ouch..." Isabella whimpered, raising her hand, only to reveal blood seeping from a shard embedded in her palm. Her eyes reddened as she looked up at Ashley like a pitiful maiden.

"Ashley, I’m really sorry," she said shakily, as if holding back tears. "I didn’t mean to spill the wine on you. I’m really sorry. You didn’t have to push me and hurt me like this..."

The crowd, who had only turned after Isabella fell, frowned. Even the ladies nearby were stunned because, from their angle, it truly looked like Ashley had pushed her.

"Over spilled wine?" one onlooker muttered. "Isn’t that a bit much?"

"I’d be upset too, even if it was an accident. But her dress is red, so no one would even notice."

"I thought the Madam of Dominion was refined, but I guess she’s... something else. Does she think everyone will just side with her because of Dominion?"

With blood dripping from her palm, Isabella wiped her tears with the back of her hand. The sight of her injured hand only deepened the crowd’s frowns toward Ashley.

"..." Ashley remained silent, watching Isabella’s flawless performance.

Her senses stretched outward, taking in the crowd—their displeasure, their judgment, their disdain—all from this single moment.

Yet Ashley didn’t panic.

This feeling... this attention... these gazes... they were all too familiar.

In her previous life, it had always been like this. Just when things seemed to improve, just when she thought she had found her place, Isabella, Carmella, or even Marshal would ruin everything.

And instead of facing them, she had taken it out on her husband. On Lucian.

Even when the humiliation damaged Dominion, she had shamelessly blamed him.

It’s not like I didn’t know, she thought, her eyes frosting over with a chilling calm. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t Lucian’s fault... it was never his fault.

"Ashley..." Another tear rolled down Isabella’s cheek. "Please forgive me."

As whispers spread, Ashley’s cold voice cut through the noise.

"Three."

Brows furrowed among those close enough to hear.

"Huh?" Isabella hiccupped. "Ash—"

"Two..." Ashley murmured, making Isabella frown.

"I—I’ll stand up now!" Isabella hurriedly said, her body trembling. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll stand up and won’t bother you again—"

"One."

Silence fell that very moment.

The crowd held its breath, exchanging uncertain glances. What was she counting for? A signal? A warning?

And then....

"Isabella!"

A sharp, frantic voice echoed through the hall.

Everyone turned instinctively, just in time to see Carmella pushing through the crowd toward Isabella.