A woman who makes her living selling fish is pulled into the criminal underworld, where she discovers a talent for power and survival. As she climbs from the market stalls toward the top of a mafia empire, she must decide how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice to rule.
My reputation is filthy. I've broken a man's legs before. I am certain only a ruthless fighter like you can protect them from the wolves in that house. I looked down at the trembling girl beside me, her eyes filled with anxiety.
Something soft stirred deep inside me. Heal. After hanging up, Sylvia tugged my sleeve, frantically telling me that her brother Ethan was still deathly sick back at the estate. Sylvia led me through the iron gates of
the massive Grimaldi estate, past manicured fountains and golden halls. But she avoided the main house, leading me straight to a dark, desolate storage room behind the stables. I kicked the broken door open, and the sight made the blood rush to my head. Three-year-old Ethan was curled up on a filthy, moldy mat, his lips cracked and red, burning up with fever. I didn't
hesitate, I bent down and scooped the unconscious boy into my arms. As I reached the a woman blocked my path. She wore a fine silk dress and heavy makeup. Sylvia flinched, That's my aunt, Tina! Tina covered her nose with a lace handkerchief, looking at me with disgust. Which servant are you now? Caring for a man who carries a disease is a waste of time.
Your job is to clean, not play savior. Don't bring trouble on yourself. He doesn't! Shut up! I haven't dealt with you yet, you ungrateful b----
Running out to leak news again, were you? Tina raised her hand to slap her face.