Chapter 8: Does Anyone Want to Marry Her?

At the wedding of the former Chicago boss, many guests had gathered, especially people from the five major families.

When Isabella arrived, she noticed that the number of security personnel was five times what it had been when she visited last time. People patrolled the grounds, and even snipers were positioned on the rooftops, keeping a close eye on the situation.

Security measures were tight, and Isabella knew it was because of the heavyweight guests attending. If anything were to happen to anyone here, Emanuele would undoubtedly face significant trouble.

However, this place had nothing to do with her, and she felt uneasy. She wouldn't have come if not for her mother, the one person who truly mattered in her life.

As she entered, a red carpet was laid out with rose petals strewn on the sides. Soft music filled the air, creating a pleasant atmosphere, despite the presence of guns and ammunition.

"Oh, Isabella, you look stunning today!" Grazia approached Isabella, giving her a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek, instantly putting Isabella at ease.

"Let me introduce you. This is my husband, Andrew Lee," Grazia said as she introduced Isabella to her spouse.

"Isabella, it's a pleasure to meet you. Grazia told me about her new sweetheart sister," Andrew greeted Isabella warmly. It was evident that they were both outgoing and friendly individuals.

"Shall we, Isabella? Let's go and chat with your mother," Grazia said, leading Isabella further inside.

At that moment, the people in the hall, engaged in conversation, suddenly looked up. Isabella followed their gaze to the balcony on the second floor.

It was Emanuele.

Emanuele had dressed up for the occasion. He wore a black tuxedo, and his hair was neatly combed back, revealing his striking and handsome face.

Although he remained silent, his powerful presence made everyone involuntarily look at him with a mixture of admiration and fear. Isabella, however, couldn't help but feel a sense of annoyance, remembering Emanuele's disrespectful behavior from the previous night. Her gaze toward him was filled with disdain.

Unbeknownst to her, Emanuele's eyes pierced through the crowd and landed on her.

Isabella was startled and quickly averted her gaze, hoping he hadn't noticed her earlier expression.

She needed to find her mother and congratulate her on her wedding today.

Emanuele did catch Isabella's displeasure, whether due to being in this situation against her will or because of his actions towards her the previous night. However, he couldn't deny that Isabella looked stunning today, like a princess—innocent and regal.

Several others from the clergy approached Emanuele at this moment.

Rocco complimented, "Emanuele, it's clear that you've put a lot of effort into this wedding."

Emanuele's gaze scanned the crowd as he responded, "Of course, I want those Sicilian folks to know that if they dare to cause trouble on my turf, they'll pay the price."

"Wow, what do I see here?" Clark, appearing as if he had just discovered a new continent, whistled and exclaimed, "Emanuele, when did you gain a beautiful addition to your family? She's with your sister, I assume you know her?"

It wasn't surprising that Clark was astonished; he had been a playboy for many years, but women of Isabella's caliber were a rarity. There were many beautiful women, and Isabella's face might not have been the most stunning, but combined with her youthful and innocent demeanor, she was indeed unique.

Everyone followed his gaze and looked at Isabella.

Emanuele observed Clark's glowing eyes, knowing that when this ladies' man set his sights on a woman, they rarely escaped. He might pursue a woman for no more than three months before moving on.

"She is the one I mentioned to you, my stepsister. Any of you interested in marrying her?" Emanuele inquired.

The others, while also impressed, seemed uninterested in pursuing women. They remained silent.

Only Clark raised his hand and said, "I'm interested!"

His sky-blue eyes were fixed on Isabella, radiating excitement, like a hunter locking onto his prey.

For some reason, Emanuele felt a bit uneasy inside, but he didn't show it. He raised his hand to signal a waiter to fetch Isabella.

At that moment, Isabella, who had been looking at her mother, was approached by someone beside her. They mentioned that Emanuele had requested her presence.

Isabella looked up and saw Emanuele gazing at her, not just him, but several unfamiliar men beside him were also looking her way.

In that instant, Isabella felt her blood run cold. Despite her apprehension due to Emanuele's words, knowing she would undoubtedly be pushed into a difficult situation, being confronted with it in reality was terrifying.

"I... I need to find my mother. I haven't had a chance to congratulate her," Isabella said, her lips trembling, refusing to go.

However, her insistence was met with a firm response. "Miss Gould, I hope you won't make this difficult."

Isabella was led to the balcony on the second floor, and with every step she took up the stairs, she felt the intense scrutiny of Emanuele and the men beside him.

She felt like an object on display, and a sense of shame washed over her. The choking feeling in her throat grew stronger.

Once she reached the upstairs balcony, Emanuele seized her shoulders, making her face the men in front of her.

"This is my stepsister, Isabella Gould."

Isabella looked at them, not wanting to exchange pleasantries.

These people were ruthless and had committed unspeakable acts. She only hoped they wouldn't take an interest in her.

"Isabella, come on, greet everyone," Emanuele said when he noticed Isabella's indifference. His hand, which had been placed behind her waist, couldn't help but give her a pinch.

Isabella had no choice but to reluctantly greet the men in front of her, "Hello."

"Oh, Emanuele, you've startled my little sweetheart," Clark approached and released Emanuele's hand from Isabella's back, then shook Isabella's hand before placing a kiss on the back of her hand.

"Isabella, I'm Clark Campbell, the current CEO of the Campbell Group. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said with enthusiasm, still holding her hand.