His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 363

Aria

When I expressed my feelings of wanting to get married, I had not expected to sit back and watch without being allowed to do a single thing.

I trusted mom, always have-but watching her plan my dream wedding, choose my dream dress, and so much more while I could only sit back and watch tiring-

Not wanting to waste my day, I focused on the business which would soon be mine. Today was collector day.

A day where we would go through some of the small local businesses we had funded to collect our money.

We hadn’t been in the city for long, but we had been investing in some businesses for quite some time.

“And that is why you don’t send out men to take care of your issues.” Dad ranted as we were walking to our first target. “Seeing the big boss in person scares them, and that’s what we want. We don’t even want them to think about screwing us over.”

I typed all of his words on my phone. “Yes, daddy.”

If there were one thing I was serious about, it would be the fortune and the well-being of our family. I wasn’t even ashamed to admit that not being the center of attention in this city was a blow to my ego.

Still, Christian was someone I respected, and | appreciated his way of working. There could only be one winner, and as long as it was him- I had no issues with it.

“So I just ask for the money?” I asked. Dad twitched his nose, shaking his head. “No, absolutely not.”

“Then what?”

“You stand back with your arms folded while the guys take care of it-and only if they refuse to pay, it’s time to take your stage.

“Got it.”

Dad patted my head. “Make sure you do because a few days from now, all of this will be yours.”

Taking over the Morales’ sooner than expected was not what I had in mind as I had planned on spending some time as Vince’s wife-but the Garcias could do with some cleaning, so maybe it was a good thing.

From what I’d heard-their business was an unorganized mess. Commoners walked over them, didn’t pay their debts, and raised their voices at them. They were too soft.

Leading the family could also serve as a way for Vince to respect me. Despite everything, I had not forgotten about Beau’s words, and the thought of Vince disliking me had not left my mind.

Even then, I was still in love with him, and I still believed he would make a great husband.

Deep down, I knew he didn’t mean anything he said. Pince wasn’t like that.

“Pay attention!” Dad whispered, waking me from my thoughts.

“I’m here to pick up a special delivery!” One of the four men we were with announced as we entered a

small bakery. Flustered, I looked back only to see dad had stayed behind.

I scanned the empty bakery and stood at the back as the Morales’ men stepped forward.

revealed himself with a guilty smile on his lips, and I

a loan of

is-“Joe brushed his hand through his thin brown

out loud, frowning. “You don’t have

“Stay out of it,

for this and knew I had to earn my respect. People saw me as young and inexperienced, and I had to prove them wrong.

don’t have the money, but you have a wife and two daughters.” I squinted, reading through the notes. “Livia, 24-Paloma,

Joe stuttered, losing his balance. This man had ten

finish.

my notebook with a thin smile. I’m in charge now.” Joe’s jaw dropped at my

Do you want to pay by cash, or should I find another way to make you

got the money!” The man rushed back to the counter to grab an envelope

opened the envelope and counted every bill, ensuring the money was in there. “See, why couldn’t you just give me it the first time?”

“How am I supposed to pay my taxes?

do not care.” I didn’t give Joe a chance to explain himself as it would only be a waste of time. What did his problems have to do with

for a few seconds until Joe bowed slightly. “I-I’m

money the next time.” I

next week, we’ll be merging with the Garcias so you might see a

mean for us?” Joe

means that the next time you try raising your voice at me-I’ll send my husband, Vincenzo Garcia, to collect

body. That name strongly affected many people in this city, this neighborhood specifically-so why not

that’s the one. I chuckled. “Come on, guys,

arms with a wide grin and kissed my head. “My daughter.” He

thoughts went back to Vince. Becoming a mother had been one of my biggest dreams, and I couldn’t wait to see a little Garcia-Morales one

I hadn’t noticed before tilted his head to the side so I could see him. He shot me a slight smile as we returned to the vehicle-and

up front with dad while I walked behind the two, and that’s how it went for the rest

everything went well-but I had yet to

the car on our way back home. Before dad could answer, the guy removed his cap, showing me his chocolate

introduced himself, sitting beside me in the back. I’m older

Like I cared

the so-called main branch.

he be with his family?” I turned away

He works for you for the time

Garcias were not on good terms, so if this were his way of keeping Vince in check to make sure he

dirty look. One wrong word about Vince, and I would

friend, advisor, and mentor

my opinion on your fiancé, but I can assure you that I do not share the same views as my family.” Angelo gave me the explanation I had never asked for.

way of protecting me from future

us didn’t agree with each other,

expected of me and stuck out my hand to the

nice to meet

my wedding dress

Vince’s

having anyone to hang out with was a pity, but at the same time, that wasn’t my fault. These people in this city just weren’t on my level.