Taming the Mafia Boss: Chapters 1–5

Claudia Nielson's POV:

I carried the freshly baked apple pie to my father, Steven Nielson, and my so-called sister, Jenny Nielson.

Apple pie was my specialty. I hoped they'd like it.

About 18 years ago, two babies were switched at the hospital.

Jenny, who was supposed to grow up in an orphanage, took my place and became the pampered youngest daughter of an affluent Sorrentine businessman in Eastmoore.

Meanwhile, I ended up in the orphanage.

Steven's men suddenly found me three months ago and brought me back to the Nielson family.

My father, Steven Nielson, is the head of one of Eastmoore's prominent mafia families—the Nielsons. He's tall and imposing, with an aura of danger that screams mafia boss.

He values obedience, and from the moment I stepped into this house, I knew better than to defy him.

"I want 300,000 dollars. Not a penny less. Claudia's already 18; she can get married!"

I froze at the doorway, trembling. The plate in my hands shattered on the floor.

I couldn't believe what I'd just heard.

Steven had sold my hand in marriage for 300,000 dollars.

The noise I made caught their attention. Steven yanked the door open, his towering frame casting a shadow over me like a mountain.

"You heard everything?" he asked, his face emotionless.

Behind him stood Jenny, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"No." I choked out, tears welling in my eyes. "I'm only 18. I'm still in school. How could you marry me off like this?"

Had he brought me back into this family for this moment alone?

"Every girl gets married someday," Steven said sternly, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Our business has been hit hard. As my daughter, you should contribute to the family."

To the traditional mafia, daughters, and wives are property—sacrifices to be made when necessary.

Despite my fear of Steven, anger bubbled inside me, and I couldn't stop myself from protesting.

"Jenny's 18 too! We're the same age. Why don't you make her get married?"

Steven let out a cold laugh. "Do you think you're comparable to Jenny? She's smarter than you and better at everything. She's prettier, braver, and the daughter I raised with care."

"But I'm your biological daughter!" I shouted, unwilling to back down. "Jenny is the one who was switched!"

"Shut up!" Steven bellowed. "You're nothing but a disgraceful girl from the countryside!"

Disappointment washed over me.

Growing up in an orphanage, I longed for a family and love. But now that I'd found them, I was a stain on my father's honor.

Jenny's expression was mocking, though she feigned concern. "Claudia, don't upset Dad. Just apologize to him already."

"Jenny, don't defend her!"

To Steven, Jenny—whom he had raised for 18 years—felt more like a true daughter than I ever could.

I, the daughter he'd lost to the countryside, was timid and weak, a constant source of humiliation for him. He hated me for it.

"Either you give me 300,000 dollars," Steven said coldly, "or you marry the man. Choose."

I ran out of the house in tears.

All I had ever wanted was my parents' love—a family to call my own.

I had tried so hard to please them, hoping they'd accept me, but this was what I got in return.

I wandered down the street, kicking at pebbles as I walked, my heart heavy with the weight of Steven's cruel words.

Suddenly, a massive force hit me from behind, sending me sprawling to the ground.

A man landed on top of me, nearly knocking the air out of my lungs.

"Don't let him get away!"

"How is he still running with an injured leg? Catch him!"

"Go after him!"

The man's voice was low and hoarse, his breath warm against my ear. "Help me, and I'll give you 15 million dollars."

I hesitated, about to push the man's hand away. "Total of 15 million dollars?"

If I had that kind of money, I could give Steven the 300,000 he needed to cover the family's losses and wouldn't have to be sold off into marriage.

Gritting my teeth, I quickly hid the man behind a pile of cardboard boxes nearby.

Dropping my backpack to the ground, I pretended to focus on my homework, acting like nothing had happened.

"Hey, have you seen a man with a limp?" One of the black-suited men barked at me, his tone harsh.

I tilted my head as though deep in thought before suddenly pointing in a random direction. "Oh, yeah. He went that way."

"Move it!"

Once they were out of sight, I hurried back to the boxes and dragged the man out.

"Hey, wake up! Weren't you offering me 15 million dollars?" I held out my hand expectantly.

But his face was flushed, and he was completely unconscious, no matter how loudly I shouted.

After what felt like forever, I managed to haul him to a nearby hotel and into a room.

"I'm exhausted!" I gasped, collapsing onto the floor.

After dumping him unceremoniously onto the bed, I went to the bathroom, wet a towel, and started wiping his face.

It was then I noticed just how strikingly handsome this man was.

He looked to be in his early 30s, with sharp, well-defined features, a straight nose, and lips so perfectly shaped they seemed crafted by a master artist.

Just as I was about to step back, his eyes flew open. Dark and piercing, his gaze locked onto me like a predator sizing up its prey.

I flinched in shock. "Sir, about the 15 million dollars you promised... "

Before I could finish, he grabbed my wrist.

"Ah!"

I barely had time to react before he murmured hoarsely, "Be good. Help me... and I'll marry you afterward."

When he tore off my underwear beneath my dress, I realized too late what was about to happen.

That night, the stranger completely ravaged me.

I regretted everything.

I thought I'd saved someone, but he turned out to be a monster.

The next morning, I slowly sat up, clutching the blanket tightly around me.

The man was gone. Grinding my teeth in frustration, I cursed him under my breath.

Sc*m.

If I ever saw him again, I'd make sure he regretted it.

Just then, there was a polite knock at the door.

Before I could answer, the door opened, and a man in a wheelchair rolled into the room.

"It's you?" I froze, dumbfounded.

He arched a brow, making a small gesture with his hand. Immediately, a group of maids streamed into the room.

"Miss, please allow us to assist you."

"Hey, what are you doing? Stop it!"

Half an hour later, I stood in front of a mirror, completely transformed.

My hair was carefully styled to cascade down my shoulders, my face was touched up with light makeup and a hint of lipstick, and I wore an elegant outfit straight from the latest Floravia fashion show.

I barely recognized myself.

The man in the wheelchair studied me like an artist admiring a newly polished sculpture. With a satisfied nod, he dismissed the maids.

"I should introduce myself," he began calmly. "My name is Liam Townsend. About what happened last night—I owe you an apology. I was drugged and not in my right mind. What I did to you was unforgivable."

I swallowed hard. "But... you said you'd give me 15 million dollars."

"I will," Liam said, his tone steady. "But I have one condition."

"What condition?"

He met my eyes, his expression serious. "I need a bride."

Liam's POV:

I am the youngest son of the leader of Nythoria's most powerful mafia family, the Townsends. I was once groomed to be the heir.

During a bloody vendetta, I lost the use of my legs.

For my safety, my father sent me to Eastmoore, away from the power struggles within our family.

My father is getting old. His grand empire cannot go leaderless, and the battle among my brothers to claim the position of successor has grown increasingly vicious.

Recently, hope emerged that my legs might be cured, and my father summoned me back to the family. He wanted me to choose a woman to marry, someone to strengthen my bid for the position of heir.

But my brothers fear my return to power. They orchestrated an assassination attempt, drugging me with a potent aphrodisiac laced with a chemical meant to destroy my reproductive ability.

Fortunately, the girl standing before me saved me.

I need a wife, but not just any woman. She has to be someone free from their control, with a clean background and no ties to my enemies.

This girl fits every requirement.

By this morning, I had already had my subordinates dig up every detail of her past. She needs money, and I need a wife untouched by the schemes of the underworld.

"Yes," I told her, "but I have one condition."

"What condition?"

"I need a bride."

"You've got to be kidding. You want me to marry you?" She stared at me, wide-eyed in disbelief.

"Are you rejecting me?" My voice grew cold.

I glanced down at my legs. Of course, she wouldn't want to marry a cripple.

"Fine, leave. As compensation, I'll still give you the money," I said flatly. I had no intention of forcing her.

"Wait," she hesitated. "Are you serious? You'll give me 15 million dollars if I marry you?" Her eyes lit up with a mix of hope and determination.

"Yes," I confirmed with a nod.

"Alright, let's get married!"

I was momentarily stunned. I hadn't expected her to agree so easily.

I slid a marriage agreement across the table. "This is the contract. I have some matters to handle first, but in six months, I'll formally make you my wife."

She picked up the pen and carefully signed her name.

Claudia.

Her name is Claudia, and she's as pure and beautiful as she appears.

"Sir," she said softly, "I'm still in school. Could we keep our marriage a secret for now?"

"Of course," I agreed.

Keeping her identity hidden for now would also shield her from the dangers around me.

"Thank you, Sir. You're so kind!" she said, relief evident in her voice.

I handed her a card. "This has 15 million dollars on it. The password is your birthday."

Her eyes widened. "How do you know my birthday?"

A smile tugged at my lips. For someone who seemed so eager for money, she betrayed an innocence she couldn't hide.

She probably doesn't understand what it means to marry into the Townsends of Nythoria.

I looked at her and smiled. "From now on, you're my wife. I'll give you everything you've ever wanted."

Claudia's POV:

Liam had someone escort me back to the Nielson Residence.

As I stepped out of the car, dazed and lost in thought, a single question plagued my mind.

Did I just marry someone like that?

Wasn't this all too impulsive?

The moment Jenny saw me step out of the sleek, understated luxury car, she rushed up to me, her eyes blazing with suspicion. "Where did you get those clothes? Have you been taken care of by someone?"

I glanced down at the designer outfit I was still wearing—one of the newest, limited-edition collections. I remembered seeing it in a magazine Jenny had left lying around. Only 100 sets existed worldwide, and even money couldn't easily buy one.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I calmly looked at Jenny.

In my parents' eyes, Jenny was their perfect daughter. Beautiful, charming, a cheerleader at school—she was their pride and joy.

But only I knew her ugly, twisted side.

With a haughty, sneering expression, Jenny jabbed at me verbally, "So, how much did you get for selling yourself? Let me guess—just enough to buy that silly outfit? Did you sleep with some old, ugly rich guy for this?"

She took a step closer, lowering her voice, her face contorted with malice. "You might be the real Nielson daughter, but so what? I'll steal your parents, your title, and everything that should belong to you! You're nothing more than a stepping stone for me!"

Finished, she folded her arms, a cold smirk on her lips, clearly expecting me to explode in rage.

But this time, she was sorely disappointed.

I replied with chilling calm, "You can have those biased parents if you want. I couldn't care less."

Then I walked past her and headed toward the house.

Jenny stood frozen in shock.

She was used to provoking me into fits of fury—screaming, yelling, sometimes even fighting her. Our parents would always side with her afterward, showering her with even more affection while their disdain for me grew.

She had mastered this cruel game, making me feel smaller and more irrelevant with each passing day.

But as of today, everything has changed. I wouldn't play into her hands anymore.

Inside the living room, Steven and my mother, Hannah Lloyd, were waiting.

Steven's face darkened the moment he saw me. "Claudia, what are you wearing? What kind of shady things have you been up to out there? If you dare humiliate this family, I'll send you straight back to the countryside!"

I met his glare without flinching. "Didn't you say that if I gave you 300,000 dollars, you'd let me stay in school and wouldn't force me to marry anyone?"

Everyone in mafia families knew the rules: betrayal was met with death. If I defied their arranged marriage, Steven would make sure the family's allies and enemies alike hunted me down, daughter or not.

Now, I finally had the leverage to buy my freedom.

Steven scoffed, his tone dripping with mockery. "You think working part-time jobs and scrimping pennies will ever get you 300,000 dollars?"

I didn't say a word. Instead, I slid the straps of my backpack off my shoulders and emptied it onto the floor.

Bundles of cash spilled out, stacking high on the ground.

Steven and Hannah were speechless, their mouths agape as they stared at the money.

"There's 300,000 dollars here. From now on, you'll stay out of my life and stop trying to sell me off for profit," I said coldly before turning on my heel to leave.

Steven's voice roared behind me, "Stop right there! Where did you get that money? Did you steal it?!"

Claudia's POV:

I lowered my gaze, hiding all the emotions welling up inside me.

These were my biological parents.

In their eyes, I was worthless—someone who had thrown her life away, amounting to nothing.

"I work for a wealthy family. The money was borrowed from my boss, and I've promised to repay it after I graduate. As for the clothes, they were hand-me-downs from my boss. He didn't want them anymore."

I didn't want to tell my parents the truth.

While Liam was indeed rich, he was just an ordinary businessman running a few small ventures. On the other hand, Steven was the head of a mafia family. Though currently facing financial troubles, he still had the power to bring ruin to anyone who crossed him.

Under Steven and Hannah's stunned and bewildered gazes, I turned and left expressionlessly.

Even as the true eldest daughter of the Nielson family, my room was nothing more than a dark attic—a cramped storage room hastily converted into a living space.

Jenny, meanwhile, lived in the sunniest, largest room on the second floor.

While Jenny was learning piano, tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and art, I was flipping burgers at a fried chicken joint or waiting tables at a bar.

Jenny effortlessly earned the love and affection of our parents, while I received nothing but scorn and ridicule.

I took a deep breath.

Suddenly, Liam came to mind.

Even though I had only spent a single day with him, I had felt kindness and warmth for the first time in what felt like forever.

Thanks to the 300,000, Steven stopped talking about forcing me into marriage.

At dinner that night, Steven brought up the Townsends—the most powerful mafia family in Nythoria.

"Our business is getting tougher by the day. If we could establish some kind of partnership with the Townsends, even their smallest venture in Eastmoore could match our annual income!"

Something clicked in my mind. "The Townsends? Liam shared the same last name. Could there be a connection?"

No, that didn't make sense. Mr. Townsend was rumored to be a generous and honorable gentleman. There was no way he'd be involved with the mafia.

Still, I couldn't help but eavesdrop more attentively.

Jenny glanced at me, then smirked before saying, "Dad, Eric has been pursuing me lately. The Yorks and the Townsends have always had a good working relationship. Maybe I could get Eric to pull some strings for us."

"Jenny, you're so thoughtful!" Steven beamed at her with a warm smile—a look I had never seen directed at me.

Suddenly, my appetite vanished. Silently, I set my plate down and retreated to my room.

I didn't want to quit school and get married. I wanted to graduate, earn my diploma, and secure a job that could support me independently.

Before the break, one of my professors gave me an internship recommendation letter for Sandy Group. It was an incredible opportunity—a chance to intern at the largest company in the region and lay a solid foundation for my future.

Today was the interview. If it went well, I'd have the chance to pave a path toward the life I envisioned for myself.

I arrived at the address on the letter and stood before Sandy Group's towering office building.

Just as I was about to step inside, a surprised voice called out from behind me.

"Claudia? What are you doing here?"

As I turned, I saw Jenny stepping out of a red sports car, with Eric York standing beside her.

Eric was the youngest son of the York family.

The moment he noticed me, his eyes lit up. "Jenny, who's this beauty?" he asked, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Grinding her teeth, Jenny replied, "This is my sister, Claudia."

Eric adjusted his hair, putting on what he must have thought was a suave expression. "Ms. Claudia, nice to meet you. I'm Eric York. Surely you've heard of the York family? We dominate the construction materials business across Eastmoore."

I had no intention of humoring him. His leering gaze made my skin crawl.

"I've got things to do. I'll be on my way," I said curtly.

Jenny stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "Claudia, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're here to work?"

"That's right, I'm here to work," I replied, not bothering to elaborate.

"Are you here as a cleaner?" she pressed, her voice dripping with mockery.

I frowned. "That's none of your business."

Jenny covered her mouth, feigning concern. "Claudia, if you need money, just say so. Why humiliate yourself by cleaning?" She let out a laugh, loud and scornful.

In just a few words, she declared me a cleaner, as if it were a foregone conclusion.

"A cleaner?" Eric recoiled in disgust, taking a step back. "Gross! She probably reeks of trash. Ugh, the smell!"

Jenny picked up her empty drink and tossed it onto the ground at my feet. "Here, take care of that. Sweep it up nice and clean!"

Her smug expression made it clear she wanted me to bow down, lower myself, and pick up the trash she had intentionally dropped.

I wasn't about to let her win.

If we were done pretending to be sisters, there was no need for me to save face for her either.

Fixing my gaze on her, I spoke directly in front of Eric. "Even if I came here to clean, it's still better than being a courtesan. At least I earn my money through honest work. I'm not ashamed!"

I glanced at the designer bag hanging off her arm and added, "Oh, and don't worry, I won't mention to Mr. Eric that this bag of yours was a gift from Mr. Smith."

With that, I brushed past them and walked into Sandy Tower. Behind me, I could still hear their argument escalating.

"What bag? Jenny, is what she said true?" Eric demanded, his tone laced with suspicion.

"Of course not!" Jenny replied, her voice tinged with indignation. "This was a reward from my mom for getting first place in my finals!"

"My bad, Jenny. I should've trusted you. Tell you what, after I close this business deal, let's go catch a movie. There's a new couple's theater that just opened, and the experience is supposed to be amazing."

Jenny's sickly sweet laughter followed.

I nearly gagged.

I stepped into Sandy Tower but was immediately stopped by a security guard.

"Out! This isn't a place for high schoolers to wander around."

I glanced at my reflection in the glass—a ponytail, a simple backpack—and I did look like a teenager still in school.

"I'm here for an interview," I said calmly.

"Do you have an appointment?"

I pulled out my recommendation letter, and only then did he let me through.

An administrative assistant escorted me to a waiting room, but on the way, I caught sight of someone familiar.

Claudia's POV:

I recognized him immediately—Liam's assistant.

What was Mr. Townsend's assistant doing at Sandy Group? Could it be …

A wild, unbelievable thought popped into my mind. "Was the 'small business' Mr. Townsend mentioned this massive Sandy Group?"

OMG!

I wanted to chase after him and get to the bottom of it, but a woman suddenly blocked my path.

"Claudia? What are you doing here?"

"Danielle?" It was Danielle Smith, a former classmate from high school.

Her father worked as a mid-level manager in Sandy Group's HR department. Before Danielle started college, her father, Isaiah Smith, used some shady connections to secure her an internship at Sandy Group, boosting her résumé.

Danielle gave me a slow, judgmental once-over before turning to the administrator beside me. "What's going on here?"

The administrator replied, "She's here for an interview."

Danielle raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "An interview? You're here to interview for our company?"

She didn't even try to hide the disdain in her voice as if the mere idea of me showing up for an interview was utterly ridiculous.

My initial surprise at seeing an old classmate quickly vanished. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you're not qualified," she said smugly.

"What you say doesn't matter," I replied coldly, pulling out my letter of recommendation. "I have this."

Danielle sneered. "And what good is that?" She turned to the administrator and said, "You don't need to take her to the interview. We went to high school together, and her overall performance back then was terrible. HR standards won't allow someone like her to qualify."

The administrator, unwilling to offend Danielle, nodded and walked away without a word.

I was furious. "Who do you think you are?"

The 'poor performance' she mentioned had only been an issue during my first year of high school. Afterward, my hard work earned me the recommendation that got me into college.

She couldn't just slander me like this.

I'd always known Danielle looked down on me. In high school, she often mocked me behind my back, calling me a country bumpkin who didn't belong.

But I never expected her to wield her authority like this, blatantly canceling my interview on a whim.

"You? A bookworm? Interviewing at Sandy Group? What a joke!" she said with a laugh. "I should share this in our class group chat. Everyone will have a good laugh at your expense!"

She pulled out her phone, typing quickly. At the same time, she shouted to the security guards, "What are you waiting for? Get her out of here! Now! If you don't act, I'll tell my dad, and you can kiss your jobs goodbye!"

It felt like my arms and legs had turned to ice. The same suffocating humiliation I'd felt during high school bullying came rushing back.

I was overwhelmed—angry, humiliated, and utterly at a loss for what to do.

Oh Lord, will someone please come save me?

At that moment, the elevator doors opened.

Liam's assistant, Ryder Landon, stepped out.

The moment he saw me, a look of shock spread across his face.

His usual polished, professional demeanor disappeared in an instant, and he hurried over to me.

Danielle froze in place. "Mr. Landon?"

Ryder didn't even spare her a glance. He rushed to my side, his steps almost frantic. "Ma... "

He paused, quickly correcting himself. "Ms. Nielson, welcome! I apologize for the oversight in my duties and for being late to greet you!"

Danielle looked like her eyes were about to pop out of her head.

It hit me too—Ryder wasn't just any assistant. His position within Sandy Group must be incredibly high.

Ryder's brows furrowed as he asked, "Ms. Nielson, has someone been giving you trouble?"

Finally, I had a chance to vent my frustration. Without hesitation, I pointed at the security guards and Danielle. "They abused their authority and denied me the chance to attend my interview."

Ryder's gaze turned razor-sharp as he glared at them. His tone was ice-cold. "Abusing authority? You're all fired!"

The two security guards turned pale and immediately began pleading, tears streaming down their faces. "We're so sorry! Please forgive us for our ignorance! We were only following company policies and didn't mean to mistreat this lady. We have families to support—if we lose our jobs, we'll have nowhere to go!"

I hesitated for a moment and then said to Ryder, "Let them off this time. They were just following the rules."

Ryder nodded without hesitation. "This time, I'll let it slide. But from now on, inform everyone in the security department to remember Ms. Nielson's face. Whenever she visits the company, you are to treat her with the utmost respect. Do you understand?"

"Understood!" The guards bowed repeatedly, thanking me profusely. "Thank you, Ms. Nielson!"

Danielle stood to the side, utterly stunned. Her expression was one of disbelief and reluctance.

"Mr. Landon," she said, straightening her posture to emphasize her curves. Her voice took on a syrupy sweetness. "Claudia and I are classmates. This is all just a misunderstanding ... "

"You're an intern, right?" Ryder asked, his tone filled with disdain as he stared at her.

"With someone as lacking in character as you, who in the world hired you into this company? Get HR over here immediately!"

Isaiah Smith arrived shortly after, looking disheveled and panicked. "Mr. Landon, this is all a misunderstanding! My daughter truly is an exceptional talent. I only brought her in to help the company by nurturing young talent."

Ryder let out a cold laugh. "Oh? For the company's benefit or your own? Do you dare to abuse your power for personal gain? Do you think Sandy Group is your playground?"

"You're done here. Head to the finance department now, settle your paycheck and leave. Starting today, I'll ensure you're blacklisted across the entire industry. No company associated with Sandy Group will ever hire you again!"

With that, Ryder turned to me and gave a respectful bow. "Ms. Nielson, this way, please. I'll take you to meet the boss."

Claudia's POV:

I finally pieced everything together.

So, when Liam said he was running a "small business," he was talking about Sandy Group, the largest corporation in the region.

No wonder he could casually throw out $15 million without a second thought.

If I hadn't unexpectedly come to Sandy Group for an interview, I might never have known just how wealthy my future husband truly is.

When I arrived at the 38th floor, I found myself standing in the CEO's office, face-to-face with Liam.

Since he entered my life, he's been helping me solve one problem after another.

"Mr. Townsend," I called out joyfully, hurrying over to him.

"Hello," Liam greeted, rubbing his temples while towering stacks of documents sat on his desk.

Ryder had already briefed Liam on everything that had happened.

"You want to intern here?" Liam asked, his voice calm. "What position are you aiming for? I can arrange it for you."

"That won't be necessary," I quickly waved my hands. "I have a recommendation letter. I can get through the interview and secure the position on my own merits."

A soft smile appeared on Liam's tired face. "Alright, as you wish."

I moved behind him and gently pushed his wheelchair. "Mr. Townsend, you need a break. Why don't we go outside and get some sun?"

"Okay," he replied.

The sunlight was perfect. Standing on the spacious terrace, the entire city stretched out in breathtaking beauty before us.

"You never mentioned yesterday that your so-called ‘small business' is the largest real estate company in all of Eastmoore."

"I'm just helping my father manage a few properties," Liam said modestly.

A few minutes later, Ryder walked in, bowing respectfully. "Boss, Eric, the supplier for Sandy Group's construction materials, is here. He's requesting to meet with you."

"Handle it for me," Liam said casually, barely glancing up.

My nerves immediately kicked in. Eric was known to be tied to the Yorks, the local mafia. Liam's offhand dismissal of him could invite trouble.

"Sir, do you have any business dealings with Eric?" I asked hesitantly.

"Why do you ask?"

I cautiously replied, "Well, it seems like he has strong connections with the Yorks... "

"And?" Liam sounded completely indifferent.

Flustered, I pressed on, "I mean, he's not exactly a good person! The way he looks at people—it's sleazy ... "

Liam's expression darkened instantly. "Did he harass you?"

"No, no!" I panicked, rambling, "He just ... uh ... said I smelled like trash ... "

Before I could finish, Liam turned to Ryder and ordered coldly, "Effective immediately, terminate all partnerships with Eric. Halt every ongoing project involving him. And ... "

Liam paused, his gaze flicking to me briefly before adding, "You know what to do."

Ryder's face grew serious as he nodded firmly. "Understood, Boss. I'll take care of it right away."

I was completely taken aback by the sudden shift in Liam's demeanor, stunned by the commanding presence he exuded.

Is he not afraid of the local mafia?

What kind of man is my future husband, Liam?

Eric's POV:

Inside the conference room, I sipped coffee with Jenny, the woman I'd just spent the night with.

I thumped my chest confidently. "Jenny, don't worry. The Yorks control all the building materials in this city. Not a single business here would dare to refuse me!"

"You're incredible, Mr. Eric!" Jenny flattered me, smiling sweetly.

"Haha, let's head to the couples' cinema later ... "

Just then, the door opened, and several security guards walked in.

I glanced at them in surprise. "Where's Mr. Landon? I had an appointment with him. Why isn't he here?"

One of the guards replied coldly, "Mr. Landon won't be meeting with you. Our CEO has issued a directive: from now on, all collaboration with your family is terminated!"

I froze for a moment.

Did they just say they were cutting off all cooperation with the Yorks?

I knew the Sandy Group was backed by Nythoria's most powerful mafia family, the Townsends. If my godfather found out I had botched our dealings with the Townsends ...

I shot to my feet. "There must be some mistake! I need to see Mr. Landon! I need to ask him face-to-face!"

"I'm right here." Ryder stood at the doorway of the conference room, his expression icy. "There's no need to ask. This is a direct order from our boss. From this moment on, you and your family are forbidden from stepping foot in the Sandy Group!"

"Mr. Landon!" I clutched at him like a drowning man grasping for a lifeline and fell to my knees with a thud.

"Please, Mr. Landon, don't terminate the contract! We've worked together for so many years and always had a good relationship, haven't we?"

Ryder remained stoic. "It's not just the Sandy Group. All companies under the Townsends' umbrella will also be cutting ties with you. Now leave."

"Why? At least tell me the reason!" I shouted, my voice cracking.

Ryder let out a cold laugh. "Because you reek of garbage!"

I froze. The words sounded oddly familiar.

Suddenly, several security guards stormed in, dumping bucket after bucket of trash over my head.

Uneaten breakfast, spit, used tissues, and a blood-stained sanitary pad stuck right to my hair.

The stench was unbearable, so overpowering that I started gagging uncontrollably.

Ryder held a handkerchief over his nose and mouth, looking disgusted. "He reeks! Get him out of here!"

The guards dragged me out and dumped me on the street. I was like a walking stink bomb—everyone who saw me immediately covered their mouths and fled.

Jenny came running out, holding her nose as she hesitated nearby. "Mr. Eric, are you okay?"

"You b*tch!" I slapped her hard across the face, venting all my frustration on her.

"Idiot! Do you have the nerve to hit me? You call yourself a mafia man from the Yorks, yet you couldn't even handle the Sandy Group? A coward like you is bound to be abandoned by the family! And without the Yorks to back you up, you're nothing!" She hurled the words at me before flagging down a taxi and speeding off, leaving me alone, humiliated, and reeking on the side of the road.