Heartbreak to Power: The Don's Chosen

When my husband, Matteo Romano, comes over to pick me up so that we can attend an auction on our wedding anniversary, I spot a woman sitting in the front passenger seat of his car.

"This is Sofia Bianchi, the one I've been telling you about. She's still very young, so you must take good care of her."

So, this is the woman, huh?

The same woman who's been making waves in my family, and also the one my subordinates have warned me to watch out for, hmm?

Sofia is clad in a simple white dress that makes her look pure and innocent. The way she acts delicate yet prideful gives me a weird feeling.

She casts me an aggrieved look while biting her bottom lip. Reluctantly, she says to me, "Hello, Mrs. Romano."

I reply kindly, "Hello!"

At the same time, I open the car's back door. "By the way, your seat's at the back."

The aloofness in Sofia Bianchi's expression instantly crumbled, and she called out with a choked voice, "Matteo."

"I told Sofia to sit here. She's sensitive to the cold and isn't feeling well. Also, she's used to sitting in this spot," Matteo Romano explained in his usual cold and deep voice.

I stood still and looked at him with a faint, knowing smile. "Oh, I see. You're not feeling well, huh? Then wouldn't sitting on Matteo's lap be even cozier? He could even hold you."

Then, I turned my considerate gaze toward Sofia. "What do you say, Sofia? Go ahead and sit over there. You'll even get to enjoy Matteo's scent more strongly. It's perfect for curing whatever's bothering you."

I kept my eyes fixed on Sofia and completely ignored the seething Matteo beside me.

When he saw my indifferent reaction, Matteo's low voice turned sharp with reproach. "Elena, just what are you trying to do?"

I didn't answer, but I saw Sofia's face flush instantly. With reddened eyes, she pushed the car door open and stepped out, affecting an air of pride.

"Matteo, I appreciate your kindness, but I won't be attending the auction after all. Not everything the crowd hypes turns out to be a dazzling gem. People are like items up for sale—there's no inherent hierarchy of worth.

"What's often missing is just the right opportunity and a discerning eye that recognizes true talent. So, all I have to do is be true to myself."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow—I truly wanted to applaud her performance.

Over the years, I had dealt with countless women who approached Matteo with all sorts of motives. Some were after money, some for gain, some for his looks, and some for fame. I had seen them all.

But I had never come across this type of self-righteous, artificially innocent, and fragile pick-me girl before.

This explained why Matteo had been unable to forget since seeing Sofia dance at the nightclub. He sent her a constant stream of jewelry, trinkets, and flowers, and even planned