Page 11 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

Yes. He could solve this. He could.

I pulled out my phone and walked outside.

My heartbeat was too loud, almost piercing my eardrums. But I couldn't stop. I had to protect Maggie. I had to pay that money. Or I'd lose my family, and everything I'd held onto would be meaningless.

I dialed. The phone rang. My breathing and heartbeat rang with it, one ring after another, getting heavier.

Until someone answered—

Chapter Four

Elena

"Looks like you've already made up your mind, Elena."

I was back at the manor, standing before Salvador.

His voice was thick and low, satisfaction bleeding through every word—like he already knew what I'd say before I even opened my mouth.

I hated admitting he'd been right. That I'd come crawling back to him so soon. But there was no denying it—he was the only one who could pull me out of this mess. My only option.

I took a breath. "About your offer. I have conditions."

Salvador chuckled softly. "Name them. I'll agree to whatever you want."

"First." I forced myself to stay calm, to keep my voice from shaking. "I need a hundred thousand dollars. Today, if possible. Transferred to my account."

"Done."

He agreed without hesitation. I knew that kind of money meant nothing to him.

"Second, I want my mother to have a new job. And a house of her own. A fresh start."

I met his gaze head-on, willing myself not to look away.

Maggie's safety—that was what kept me up at night. With a new house and a job, she could finally leave Richard behind. Start over. No more threats. No more fear.

Salvador paused. "Done. Anything else?"

My first condition paid off Richard's debt. My second gave Maggie a way out. As for me...

It didn't matter what I asked for now. Once I married Dante, I'd be tied to the Moretti family for good. Any condition I made would be meaningless.

I hesitated. "No. That's it. Just those two."

Salvador actually smiled—an expression so rare it almost startled me. "The money will be in your account shortly. Alfredo will handle your mother's arrangements. Now, I have two conditions of my own."

Of course he did.

My stomach dropped. "What conditions?"

"First, you don't tell Dante about our deal."

"Second, you give Dante an heir. Only then can you dissolve the marriage."

Cunning old bastard.

There's no such thing as a free lunch. If I wanted to solve this crisis, I had no choice but to agree.