As the Principessa of the Costello family, I found Angelina, the goddaughter of our family's Consigliere, wearing my heirloom necklace. This necklace was a symbol of our family’s power, one I was supposed to wear for the first time at my birthday gala tonight. I was about to make her regret it.

Suddenly, a stream of live comments materialized before my eyes.

"This pathetic side character is just jealous the female lead rocks that necklace better than she ever could!"

"Don't worry, the male leads are coming to save the damsel in distress!"

"Just you wait. Let's see how arrogant this side character can be after her family is destroyed!"

Right on cue, my brother and my fiancé appeared. They shielded Angelina behind them, staring at me as if I were some unforgivable tyrant.

I sneered and ordered my bodyguards, "Seize them. All three of them."

————————

1

Angelina Gallo, the goddaughter of our family's Consigliere, showed up at my birthday gala wearing the heirloom necklace that symbolized the succession of the Costello family. Just as I was about to order my men to rip the necklace from her throat, a stream of comments, like a holographic feed, appeared before my eyes.

"This pathetic side character is just jealous the female lead pulls off that necklace better than she ever could!"

"Just because she's a mafia Principessa, she thinks she's better than everyone! Once the male leads crush her family and sell her off to Mexico, we'll see how high and mighty she is!"

Almost instantly, my own brother, Marco, and my fiancé, Nico, stepped in front of Angelina, shielding her. "Scarlett," Nico snapped, "must you humiliate her in front of everyone over a necklace? How can you be so cruel?"

I sneered and ordered my bodyguards, "Seize them. All three of them."

I was about to show them what true cruelty looked like.

...

"It's just a necklace, Scarlett! What's the big deal if Angelina wears it for a bit? Why are you being so aggressive? Don't think this is how you get my attention. Let me be clear: even if you were wearing that necklace, you wouldn't be worth a single strand of her hair!"

That shrill, piercing voice made my temples throb.

I frowned, looking at the man and woman before me—Nico DeLuca and Angelina Gallo. One was my fiancé in name; the other was the goddaughter of my family's Consigliere, Sal Marino.

The two of them stood shoulder to shoulder, as if I were some venomous monster trying to tear apart a sacred love.

The necklace Nico mentioned was custom-made for my birthday gala by a master European jeweler, and I'd paid a hefty price for it. More importantly, the diamonds set in it were from my mother's own heirloom, symbolizing the transfer of power within the Costello family.

Without a doubt, Angelina knew exactly how important that necklace was to me. She had said to me more than once, "Aren't we friends, Scarlett? You have so much stunning jewelry anyway, why can't you just give this one to me?"

After I refused her yet again, she offered to organize my jewelry room. Instead, she secretly pocketed the necklace when no one was looking and had the audacity to wear it to my birthday gala, standing beside Nico.

Their coordinated outfits made them look like a perfect couple.

When I discovered it, I had stormed over to confront Angelina, but Nico shielded her and accused me of making a scene over nothing.

I sneered, a retort sharp on my tongue, when a series of comments materialized out of thin air before my eyes.

"Sorry I'm late! Is that the side character? She's average, kinda tacky actually."

"Who is she to say our sweet Angelina doesn't deserve that necklace? She's the female lead! Who's more qualified than her? It's just a stupid necklace. Only a trashy mafia Principessa like Scarlett would care. She's just jealous Angelina looks better in it!"

"It's okay. Nico is here, and Angelina's second suitor will be here soon! They'll definitely teach that vicious Scarlett a lesson!"

"She won't be arrogant for long. Soon, this side character's family will be destroyed, and she'll be sold to Mexico, tortured, and die a miserable death."

"She thinks she can do whatever she wants just because she's a mafia Principessa! I can't stand people like her!"

While I was reading the comments, Nico mistook my silence for guilt. He lifted his chin, announcing arrogantly, "I've told you countless times, Scarlett. Even if you use our engagement to force me to be with you, you will never have my heart!"

Then, he turned to Angelina, who was cowering behind him like an innocent lamb. His gaze softened.

"Give the necklace to her," he commanded, "and I'll forgive your insolence."

I couldn't help but let out a low chuckle. I was finally starting to understand. Were these comments predicting my future?

Even if I were dragged down to the depths of hell, I would claw my way back over a mountain of corpses and through a sea of blood to exact revenge on those who betrayed me. I would never die so easily.

I beckoned over our family's Consigliere, Sal Marino. "Taking without asking is stealing," I said coolly. "And this thief is a bold one, daring to touch something that belongs to the Costello family."

"Go get the security footage. Make sure all my guests see exactly who the thief is before my birthday gala officially begins."

Sal left with a few of his men, and the floating comments scrolled faster than ever.

"What the hell? How dare she call our sweet Angelina a thief? She just wanted to try on a beautiful necklace she'd never seen before, what's the big deal?"

"Exactly! Isn't Scarlett Costello the daughter of Chicago's top Don? Making such a fuss over a necklace? So petty!"

"Ha! She thinks she can do whatever she wants because she's the Principessa of the Costello family. Just you wait. Once Angelina's second admirer, Marco Costello, shows up, she'll be on her knees begging for mercy!"

"A Principessa is nothing compared to the heir! Scarlett, that vicious side character, will never win. She should just hurry up and die!"

When Angelina was six, her mother, Sofia, brought her to our estate. She knelt before my mother, pleading, "My husband is just a Soldato and can't give her a good life, Donna Isabella. I beg you, let Angelina attend school with Miss Scarlett. You're a mother; you know what it's like."

"The top private schools are so expensive. A family like ours could never afford the tuition, but... I know you can. I've heard you sponsor so many children. Surely you could give Angelina a chance too, couldn't you?"

Sofia made Angelina kneel beside her until the girl’s knees were bruised. My mother had a soft spot for children in hardship, so under Sofia's "heartfelt" plea, she relented.

From then on, Angelina became a fixture in our house. I pitied her, so I generously shared my designer clothes and jewelry with her. Soon enough, everyone mistook her for the daughter of some prestigious family. It went straight to her head, and over time, she seemed to forget her place.

Angelina began to think she was my equal, competing with me in every way. She even entangled herself with my fiancé, Nico.

In the past, I couldn't be bothered to care. My engagement to Nico was just a political alliance. It didn't matter who my fiancé was, nor did I care who Angelina flirted with.

But now, having discovered that Angelina was the so-called "female lead" and that her loyal fan club of admirers would destroy my family, I could no longer remain indifferent.

Soon, Sal returned with an encrypted USB drive. The security footage played on the large screen, showing everyone how Angelina had slipped away from the party.

She entered my room in a simple gown and emerged with my necklace around her neck. Then, with her head held high like a proud peacock, she strode back to the gala.

The truth was undeniable. I pointed at the screen. "See? Angelina stole my necklace. That makes her a thief. If she dares to steal from our family, she'd dare to steal from any of you. Who here would dare work with someone like that?"

I glanced at Sal. "Deal with her according to family rules."

Instantly, a voice roared, "You dare!"

As my brother, Marco Costello, strode in, the comments went wild. He stood protectively in front of Angelina. "Angelina has my protection. I'd like to see who dares touch her today!"

More comments flooded the screen.

"Finally, the loyal second male lead, Marco, has arrived! That vicious woman almost succeeded in bullying our sweet Angelina!"

"Ha! Let's see how arrogant Scarlett can be now! Marco is the only son. No matter how much the Don favors her, she's just a daughter who'll be married off. She can't carry on the family name!"

"Everything will be fine. Once Marco takes over the family business, that vicious side character will be kicked out onto the streets!"

Marco? Take over the family business? The man got a headache just from looking at financial statements.

I narrowed my eyes. "Marco, is that how you speak to me? Where are your manners?"

Marco snorted. "I will never acknowledge a vicious woman like you as my sister! You're always bullying Angelina when I'm not around!"

I was fed up with being called a bully. It was time I showed them what real bullying was.

My gaze hardened. I pointed at the three of them and commanded, "Seize them all."

If they look down on me, they have no right to wear the fine clothes this family provides. No one enjoys the benefits of the Costello family only to turn around and bite the hand that feeds them.

Angelina crossed her arms, her expression a mask of indignation and resentment. She glared at me, her eyes red and brimming with tears, and screamed, "Why do you have to be so cruel to me, Scarlett? Is it because Nico doesn't like you? Is it because Marco doesn't think you deserve to be his sister?"

"But that's all your own fault! You've always used your status as Principessa to bully me! You forced me to wear your old clothes! You said I was too lowly to even carry your shoes!"

Her tears splashed onto the floor as she continued, "Yes, my family isn't as powerful as yours. I'm not some Principessa, but I have never been ashamed of where I come from! I live with more dignity and integrity than any of you!"

"So what if you're rich and powerful? You still can't get the love you've been craving for so long!"

I wanted to scoff. If she truly didn't care about her background, why did she use the luxuries I gave her to craft a false image of a high-born lady?

Unfortunately, the commenters were a pack of fools, swallowing every honey-laced lie that fell from Angelina’s lips.

"Angelina is right! I know a girl from a mafia family, and she's always looking down on everyone!"

"So what if Scarlett is rich and powerful? It's so satisfying that even if she knelt and begged, Nico wouldn't love her and would be devoted to Angelina instead."

"I feel so bad for Angelina, but it'll be okay. Soon, it'll be time for the third male lead to show up and teach that detestable side character a lesson!"

"Oh? The third male lead is coming? It's finally time for my favorite, Mr. Volkov, to appear. It's a shame Scarlett didn't end up with him. I loved the part where he imprisoned her out of jealousy!"

Thanks to these comments, I now knew Angelina had a third admirer—a man with a penchant for locking up women.

I looked toward the entrance and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man walk into the hall. He wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his dark hair slicked back to reveal a high forehead.

He looked at me, a pleasant smile playing on his lips. "How has my little canary offended you, Miss Costello?" he purred. "She’s a delicate thing. If any harm comes to her at your own birthday gala, I'm afraid I'll have to hold you responsible."

My face darkened. I hadn't expected Dimitri Volkov to be Angelina's third admirer.

The Volkov family ran the Russian Bratva in Chicago. They were known for their cruelty, and Dimitri was the most ruthless of them all, having seized control of the Bratva at a young age with savage methods.

In our world, everyone knew not to cross him. He was an absolute madman.

How did he and Angelina even know each other?

Meanwhile, the comments erupted again.

"Mr. Volkov is so damn cool! Did he just call Angelina his little canary?"

"I'm screaming! Quick! Look at Scarlett's face. I bet she realizes she can't mess with Angelina now. Ha! Mr. Volkov could crush her like a bug!"

"Calm down, friend. Soon, Mr. Volkov will send his men to break Scarlett's legs for Angelina. Scarlett will be pushed to the brink of death!"

Dimitri, still smiling, strolled over to Angelina, pulling her into his arms. "I believe an apology is in order for my little canary, Miss Costello."

The threat in his tone was unmistakable.

I frowned, but before I could speak, a cold female voice cut through the tension from the entrance.

"Apologize for what? On what grounds should she apologize? Angelina hasn't even apologized for stealing my daughter's heirloom."

My parents, just back from business in Europe, had intended to surprise me. They never expected to walk into a scene like this.

Dimitri might have the audacity to flaunt his power in front of me, but he still maintained a sliver of courtesy for his elders. His smile vanished as he greeted my parents, "Don Costello, Donna Isabella."

My mother took off her sunglasses, her gaze sweeping over him dismissively. "In the Costello family, those who disrespect our daughter are not welcome."

She turned to my father. "Lorenzo, get these uninvited guests out."

...

The day after my birthday, Nico wasted no time announcing online that he was breaking off our engagement. After the news sent shockwaves through our world, he started a live stream on his company's official social media account.

No one in our circle expected a live stream from the man himself right after the news broke. Within minutes, over a million people tuned in as Nico promised to answer all their questions.

Once again, I looked up to see the flood of comments hanging in the air. They always appeared whenever I was about to be humiliated.

"The payback I've been waiting for is finally here! Quick, expose the evil Scarlett's misdeeds and let her be despised by everyone!"

"Yes! Everyone should join our anti-Scarlett association! As long as Scarlett is alive, we will curse her to death!"

I clicked on Nico's live stream, his voice filling the room from my tablet's speakers. He explained in a weary tone, "I apologize to everyone for hiding my engagement. Scarlett and I were never in love."

"I always thought I wouldn't mind a political marriage. However, what Scarlett did has crossed my bottom line."

I snorted. A political marriage, was it?

Frankly, the Costello family agreeing to an alliance with the DeLucas was a favor to them.

Nico quickly launched into an exaggerated account of what happened yesterday. He poetically described how innocent and pitiful Angelina was. She just wanted to wear a beautiful necklace she had never seen before, only to be viciously humiliated by me, who then tried to have her punished in public.

With fire in his eyes, Nico declared, "Angelina is a delicate young woman. If Scarlett dared to treat her that way with Marco and me present, I can't imagine the kind of suffering Angelina has endured behind our backs!"

"It is because of this incident that I have decided to call off my engagement with Scarlett. This time, no matter what tricks she uses to cling to me, I will not compromise!"

Thanks to his bold and righteous words, the comment section exploded with praise, calling him a principled and outstanding young man.

To ensure the live stream had the desired effect, Nico even played a short surveillance clip from my birthday gala. The footage was maliciously edited to vaguely show me ordering the bodyguards to restrain the three of them.

There was even a segment where my heavily distorted voice could be heard shouting, "A mere Soldato's daughter thinks she's worthy of our family's heirloom?"

With this seemingly solid evidence, the online mob went from spectators to active aggressors. They flooded the social media accounts of the Costello family's legitimate businesses, venting their rage in a tirade of malicious comments.

"What's wrong with a Soldato's daughter? She's a hell of a lot better than a disrespectful bitch like you!"

"How can someone like this be in charge of a family business? I bet her attitude poisons the whole company. They'll all look down on us common folk!"

"I demand that the Costello family revoke Scarlett's inheritance rights!"

Nico then stared into the camera, as if speaking directly to me.

"Scarlett, I don't know if you're watching this. If you are, I need you to know: you still owe Angelina an apology!"

Following that, the comments on his live stream and the ones floating before my eyes roared in agreement.

"Apologize, Scarlett!"