Claimed By The Ruthless Mafia

assessments," Bella told her mom, her voice tinged with exhaustion. She missed her parents

much," her mom's voice cracked on t

lling up with tears. "But if I don't land this scholarship, there's no way I'll

could easily lend you some money," her mom whispered, tr

n cover my tuition, but I don't want to rely on favo

ilthy rich and ridiculously handsome. But he was off-limits in that way-he saw

Bye," Bella hurriedly said, glancing at the clo

ella jogged to her clas

______________

R PART OF

t for 2:00 p.m.?" Lara, Ryder's secretary, asked, her vo

h planned with my family. Please clear my schedule." His tone was firm, almost exasperated. "If it's n

nder his intense gaze. "Understood, Mr. Knight.

ank you, Lara. And please, make sure nothing else co

n her voice. She halted for a moment, her hooded eyes lin

he attention, the lingering looks, and sometimes, it was flattering. But more often than not

ed straight to the parking lot, the cool evening air doing little to soothe his restless mind. He slid into his red Ferrari,

adder of success rapidly. He was not only a business genius but also possessed a charisma that drew

who saw him for who he truly was. He thought about their childhood, how they grew up together, and the countless memo

nkled outside, a stark contrast to the solitude he felt inside. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and st

dow looking back at him, tired and contemplative. The weight of his responsibilities and the