Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Isabella thought about it. In the short time she had spent with Jessie, she had realized that Jessie seemed like a strong-willed woman, not someone to be messed with. But as they interacted more, Isabella discovered that Jessie understood her, seemed approachable, and knew what Isabella truly wanted without her having to say it. Jessie would actively engage in discussions with her and soothe her emotions, something even Isabella’s best friend Evelyn couldn’t discern. Although Isabella knew that Jessie’s keen perception of her emotions indicated that she was not a simple person, Isabella was happy deep down. Someone understood her, could sense her emotions, which for Isabella was rare and had completely dispelled the depression she had been feeling lately. At least for now, Jessie didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives towards her.

Isabella roughly recounted what Jessie had said to Emanuele. Of course, she only summarized the heart-to-heart conversation, not wanting Emanuele to know too much. Some things couldn’t be shared with Emanuele, as it would make him worry and feel responsible, even though she didn’t think it was his fault. Emanuele had tried his best to protect her, but the unexpected attacks by enemies were unavoidable. He had given her the life she wanted, but who could have predicted such events? Isabella had blamed Emanuele for this matter, but eventually, she had calmed down.

“Isabella, I know you have a good impression of Jessie, but you should be careful and avoid too much contact with her. She’s not a good person,” Emanuele couldn’t help but warn Isabella after hearing her description. Even he was cautious when dealing with Jessie, and seeing how innocent and lovely Isabella was, he was worried that she might be taken advantage of by Jessie.

That woman was truly unfathomable. But Isabella felt that Emanuele was overthinking it. “It’s okay, Jessie said she’s only staying in Chicago for two days and then leaving. She asked me to visit her again tomorrow.”

“Is that also what you want? You want to spend time with her?” Emanuele frowned.

Isabella nodded, “Emanuele, I know you’re worried that Jessie might harm me. But think about it, you’re in a business relationship with her. If she were to harm me, you wouldn’t let her get away with it. I believe she wouldn’t do such a thing.”

Emanuele nodded, finding Isabella’s reasoning valid. Therefore, he should trust Isabella. If she wanted to interact with Jessie, let her do so. At the moment, Isabella was alone as Evelyn had work and he too had his own work to attend to. Isabella could only stay in the apartment by herself, and Emanuele was concerned that she might feel lonely and bored. Seeing Emanuele finally relent a bit, Isabella was very happy and couldn’t help but kiss Emanuele on the cheek, “Thank you, Emanuele. Rest assured, I will take care of myself.”

Being with Jessie made her feel comfortable, but Isabella also knew that Jessie didn’t show her friendly side openly. So, while interacting with Jessie, she had to remain cautious.

The next day, Jessie invited Isabella out early in the morning. Isabella had informed Emanuele beforehand, and although he agreed, he was still concerned and had Phillip accompany her. Even though Tony and Harry could protect Isabella, they were simple-minded and inexperienced. In case Jessie said something and they forgot to report it to Emanuele, it could pose a problem. Hence, Emanuele had arranged for Phillip to be with Isabella.

When Jessie saw Phillip by Isabella’s side, she was surprised and smiled, “Are you afraid I’ll harm Isabella?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Not at all, it’s just a directive from the boss to protect his wife, not specifically against Mrs. Campos,” Phillip replied.

At his words, Jessie smiled and lit a cigarette, “It’s okay, I know what’s on Emanuele’s mind. He probably thinks Isabella is too innocent and cute, afraid that I, being a bad person, might deceive her.”

Jessie reached out and touched Isabella’s cheek. “I have to say, Isabella, you’re such a lovely girl. If I were a man, I’d like you. Well, even now, I like you enough.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed by Jessie’s praise, Isabella smiled shyly. Isabella took Jessie to wander around the nearby shopping district. Yesterday, after dinner, they were supposed to go shopping in the mall, but Emanuele had suddenly shown up and whisked her away before they could finish their meal.

Jessie mentioned, “I thought you wouldn’t come out. Watching how nervous Emanuele was with you, I was afraid of hurting you.”

“He’s afraid that I might offend you. I heard Emanuele say that you’re a big shot in New York and that you’re cooperating with him. He’s worried that I might interfere with your business relationship,” Isabella naturally couldn’t tell Jessie what Emanuele had said to her. But how could she not feel that Jessie, such a clever person, would probably figure out the reasons even without her saying them?

Jessie flashed a smile but didn’t say anything. They strolled and talked, with Isabella taking Jessie to her favorite dessert shop to enjoy some sweets. As they shopped, Jessie tried on a few clothes, bought them all, and even asked Isabella what she wanted as a gift, trying to give her something. Isabella immediately refused, “No need, Jessie, I haven’t given you a gift.”

“You treated me to a meal; it’s only right for me to give you something,” Jessie insisted. Seeing that Isabella hesitated, Jessie couldn’t try on the clothes, but she could have the shop assistants pack some jewelry and have it sent to Isabella. Everyone likes jewelry, and Jessie believed Isabella would also enjoy it. After making the purchase, Jessie directly gave the jewelry to Isabella, allowing no room for refusal.

“Don’t worry, this amount is nothing to me. Thank you for accompanying me these past two days. Otherwise, I would be all alone in Chicago, with no idea where to go,” Jessie said, patting her hair and feeling okay about giving Isabella the jewelry. While it might seem expensive to an average person, Jessie didn’t consider it costly at all. The business deal she had completed with Emanuele was enough to buy a truckload of such jewelry. When you could make big money, these things weren’t considered high-priced. Isabella, knowing Jessie’s status, understood her confidence in saying these things.

They chatted and then went to a restaurant to have their meal, with Phillip and the others standing nearby. Jessie looked at Phillip, “Do you want to join us for a meal?”

“No, we’ll eat later.”

“Could you sit on the side and not disturb me and Isabella while we talk?” Jessie requested. Phillip immediately became serious, “I don’t think that’s appropriate. The boss instructed us to take good care of the lady.”