"Ma'am, this is the design you asked for," Joy, one of Mia’s assistant designers, said, her voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "I personally visited the site and noted every detail according to our client’s preferences. Please review it so we can start working on the project as soon as possible." She glanced at Mia, knowing how difficult she was to please—nothing short of perfection would do. Mia scanned the design, nodding slightly. "Hmm, everything seems good," she murmured, still absorbed in her review. "But..." She stopped mid-sentence as her phone chimed. The notification showed a message from the private number. Mia held up her finger, gesturing for Joy to wait a moment, and unlocked her phone, curiosity tugging at her. As she read the message, her eyes widened, and she instinctively licked her lips, trying to conceal her nervousness. "Joy, give me a few minutes. I’ll get back to you," she said, looking up with a forced calmness. Sensing something urgent, Joy nodded and left the room without another word, leaving Mia alone with the unsettling message.Mia swallowed hard, her hand trembling as she stared at the message on her phone. The words seemed to leap off the screen, chilling her to the core: ‘Stay away from Alessandro Valentino, or be ready to see your children dead, one by one, mercilessly.’ A cold wave of fear swept over her, tightening around her heart like a vice. Her mind raced, struggling to process the gravity of the threat. She gripped the phone, her knuckles turning white, as the weight of the words sank in. Mia’s thoughts spiraled—who could be behind this? Why target her children? She needed answers, but the terror coursing through her veins made it hard to think clearly. Her children were her life, her entire world, and her everything. A mother’s instinct kicked in and she was willing to do anything for her children. Nothing was more important in her life than her children—not even her mafia husband. For a brief moment, all the noise and activity around her faded into the background as panic set in. What was she supposed to do now? ___ "Where are you, Adam?" Claire huffed on the phone. Adam and Claire were supposed to go ring shopping together as part of their strategy. Being seen together at a jewelry store buying an engagement ring while pretending to hide from the media would elicit sensational news and gossip about the superstar being seen with his PR manager. However, she had been waiting for him for over an hour, and he still hadn't arrived. "I'm on my way," Adam replied on the phone, making Claire sigh. "It means I still have to wait longer," Claire grumbled with irritation. "Why don't you go inside the store and choose a ring for yourself?" Adam suggested. "But we were supposed to do it together," Claire reminded him. "I'll reach by the time you select a ring. After all, you girls take time in shopping, right?" Claire rolled her eyes, imagining Adam smirking while making this wicked remark. "Alright," she mumbled halfheartedly. Knowing it was part of her job, she went inside the store. Claire stepped inside the Tiffany store, instantly dazzled by the shine of diamonds. She had always dreamed of owning fine jewelry but never had the chance due to her many expenses. Though Adam provided her with a decent salary, her grandmother’s medical bills, supporting her uncle's family, and paying rent and bills for her boyfriend left her with barely any money to buy herself good clothes. Buying jewelry, especially from a branded store, was a distant dream for her. The store was a glittering paradise of luxury. Each piece of jewelry was displayed with meticulous care, sparkling under the perfect lighting. Claire wandered around, her eyes wide with awe as she glanced at the diamond necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and many other exquisite ornaments. The delicate designs and shimmering gems captured her imagination, allowing her a brief escape from her financial worries. She took her time, knowing she had a while until Adam arrived. “How may I help you?” Claire was pulled back to reality by a sales associate's voice. The woman approached with a professional smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She scrutinized Claire from head to toe, clearly assessing her simple appearance and tasteless clothing. Internally, the sales associate grimaced, thinking about how often people walked into the store without knowing they couldn't afford anything. Yet, she maintained her professionalism, though she wanted to chase the woman in oversized clothes away from the store.“Yes, miss. I am looking for a beautiful engagement ring,” Claire smiled at the sales associate, who remained stern. “What’s your budget, ma’am?” the sales associate asked, her tone a mix of skepticism and politeness, hoping this could be an excuse to drive Claire away without being rude. “I haven’t decided yet. But show me a beautiful ring,” Claire shrugged nonchalantly. The sales associate snorted at Claire’s reply and smirked before questioning arrogantly in a whisper, leaning closer. “Are you sure you can afford a ring from here?” “Excuse me?” Claire was taken aback by the scrutinizing gaze. “Ma’am, I mean no disrespect, but I think you’re in the wrong place,” the sales associate said, her tone dripping with condescension. “The shop you should go to is across the street. You’ll find a ring within your budget there.” She pushed Claire intentionally with her shoulder as she stepped past her, greeting another client. “Good evening, ma’am and sir. How may I assist you?” The sales associate’s smile was bright, and her eyes showed respect this time. Claire shook her head, feeling a mix of humiliation and frustration. Deciding to leave, she turned to go and find another jewelry shop. “Claire!” A familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. She turned abruptly to see Amanda standing there, dressed in a stunning knee-length dress with a handsome man in an expensive suit by her side. “Amanda!” Claire smiled, momentarily forgetting the insult from the sales associate. “What are you doing here?” Amanda asked with a taunting edge in her voice. “I came here to buy a ring,” Claire replied honestly. Despite pretending to be Claire’s friend, Amanda had always been jealous of her. Claire had consistently topped the class and earned scholarships, becoming the teachers’ favorite and the center of attention for her excellent academic record. Back then, Amanda’s bitterness was masked by a façade of friendliness, but she secretly wished for Claire to fail in life. “But it’s Tiffany, Claire!” Amanda placed a palm on the side of her mouth and whispered with amusement. “I know that, Amanda,” Claire replied, swallowing her pride and trying not to let the humiliation affect her. She wanted nothing more than to leave the store, a place where looks and money seemed to be the only things worthy of respect. It was a harsh reflection of the real world, and Claire felt like she didn’t fit in. “I was also telling the same to this woman, ma’am,” the sales associate, who had been witnessing their conversation, interjected with a mocking smirk. “Oh, poor girl,” Amanda said with a taunting smile. “By the way, I forgot to introduce my fiancé. This is Richard Harrison. He’s one of the top men on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest people in the world,” she said proudly, clinging to Richard’s arm. “I’m happy for you, Amanda,” Claire said softly, offering a polite smile. “Congratulations.” “Thanks,” Amanda replied, tightening her grip on Richard’s arm. “By the way, are you still single, or has someone finally noticed you?” she giggled mockingly. “No, I have a boyfriend and I’m getting married in a few days. That’s why I came here to buy a ring for myself,” Claire responded innocently. “Buying a ring for yourself?” Amanda and the sales associate laughed, making Claire grimace at her situation.The thought of getting married for money and treating it like a job made her heart ache with sadness. “Oh my gosh, Claire! Your boyfriend didn’t even come with you, and you’re buying the ring yourself? How pitiful,” Amanda clucked her tongue, mocking Claire. “But my fiancé came with me, and he’s going to buy me the most expensive ring in the store. Isn’t that right, darling?” she asked confidently, batting her eyelashes at Richard. “Of course, sweetheart,” Richard replied with a smirk, planting a brief kiss on Amanda’s lips. “I think your bad luck never leaves you, Claire. You’re getting married to a poor guy who didn’t even show up because he couldn’t afford to buy you a ring,” Amanda snickered, pursing her lips. Her words were a sharp sting, making Claire’s eyes glisten with humiliation. Claire had reached her limit. The mocking laughter and the condescending remarks were too much. All she wanted now was to escape from the judgmental atmosphere of the store. “Who said her boyfriend didn’t show up?” A deep, commanding voice cut through the conversation, making everyone turn their heads. Claire looked up to see Adam striding toward her with an air of authority. The room buzzed with excited gasps and murmurs, but Claire’s gaze was fixed solely on Adam. His intense and eager eyes locked onto hers as if she were the center of his world. “I’m sorry, babe. I was stuck in traffic and got here late,” Adam whispered, a smirk playing on his lips as he stopped beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. With a possessive kiss on her cheek, he added, “But I’m here now.”