She Walked Past the Mafia Boss Without Looking Back, and His Next Order Shocked Everyone
Chapter 3
The man assigned to follow Elena was named Gabriel Rossi.
He had served Matteo for fourteen years.
He had fought beside him during dock wars.
He had taken bullets meant for him.
Yet that night, Gabriel was confused.
He followed Elena from a distance.
She walked home through narrow streets.
At the corner near the old church, she stopped.
A beggar was sitting against the wall.
Elena removed half a loaf of bread from her basket.
She gave it to him.
Then continued.
Gabriel watched.
A few minutes later, she stopped again.
An old woman was struggling with a sack of coal.
Elena carried it to her door.
Then she continued home.
Gabriel finally understood.
Matteo had not ordered him to protect a random woman.
He had noticed something.
But what?
When Elena reached her house, Gabriel remained across the street.
A small candle burned upstairs.
Then the door opened.
A man entered.
Gabriel immediately moved closer.
The stranger wore a dark coat.
Elena stepped backward.
Gabriel reached for his pistol.
But Elena spoke first.
“You followed me.”
The man smiled.
“I need the ledger.”
“What ledger?”
“The one you found.”
Gabriel froze.
Elena’s face remained calm.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The man grabbed her wrist.
Gabriel stepped from the shadows.
“Take your hand off her.”
The stranger turned.
His face changed.
“Belladonna.”
“That’s right.”
The man released Elena and ran.
Gabriel chased him.
The stranger disappeared into an alley.
When Gabriel returned, Elena was standing in the doorway.
“What ledger?” he asked.
She stared at him.
“Why did Matteo send you?”
Gabriel hesitated.
“I don’t know.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Then tell him I don’t need protecting.”
Gabriel almost laughed.
“That is not my decision.”
“No.”
She closed the door.
“It is mine.”
Gabriel returned to the tavern before dawn.
Matteo was waiting.
“Well?”
“She is safe.”
“And?”
“She knows someone is looking for her.”
Matteo nodded.
“What did she say?”
Gabriel hesitated.
“She said she doesn’t need protecting.”
Matteo smiled.
“That sounds like her.”
Gabriel frowned.
“You knew?”
“I knew enough.”
“Who is she?”
Matteo’s expression darkened.
“The daughter of a man who once saved my life.”
