Page 49 of Ruthless Prince

Never before have I seen my father look so angry with me.

Nico takes me to his mansion, neither of us saying a word on the drive. I think I’m partially in shock.

When we step foot through the front door, I come face to face with a beautiful middle-aged woman.

Instantly, I know she’s Vincent’s mother. It’s clear in her eyes—she has Vincent’s eyes.

“You must be Ellie. I’m Aurora.”

For some reason, I gasp and begin to cry. Aurora’s eyes soften, and she pulls me into a hug. I lost my own mother years ago and haven’t felt the comforting touch of one in a long time.

Something inside me feels healed.

After a moment, Aurora lets me go and turns to Nico. “Why are you bleeding?”

“I got shot.”

“Is it lethal?”

“No.”

“Good. So, now, go let your own son out of the damn basement. His wife is here, safe and sound. He has no reason to kill you . I want a proper family reunion, Nico. Make it happen.”

He sighs. “Fine. I’ll talk to Vincent. But if he tries to kill me again …”

“He won’t,” I blurt out. “He was never close with … the man who he thought was his father. He wants to get to know you, I believe it. Please, Mr. Mancini.”

“Mr. Mancini. You make me sound old. Besides, now that you’re married to my son, you can call me Dad.”

I pause and think it over. “I’ll stick with Nico for now.”

He laughs more to himself. “Understood.” He sets his eyes on his wife. “I’ll let Vincent out. But he better behave.”

“I want to get to know our son, Nico. So, yes, release him from that damn cell so we can do exactly that.” She puts her arm around my shoulders. “Ellie and I will be in the living room, chatting.”

Nico walks away as Aurora and I take a seat on the couch.

“So, Ellie, you’re my daughter-in-law.”

“I am.”

“How are you feeling?”

“An assassin just tried to kill us. My father is still out there, and I know he wants me back. So, to say that I feel surprisingly calm despite that is kind of weird.”

“It’s not weird. Everything is chaotic. It can make a person feel many things.”

“You’re nice,” I comment.

“I try to be. Where’s your mom?”

“Dead.”

“So is mine. For years now. But you have me.”

“You’ll accept me … just like that?”

Aurora’s smile is kind. “Just like that.”

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