Page 10 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

Maggie sobbed, struggling. The man dropped her. She hit the floor hard but crawled to me immediately, pulling me into her arms.

My eyes burned red with fury. The situation was clear. Richard couldn't pay these debts. I didn't have the power to get Maggie out of New York. If we didn't pay, neither of us would survive this.

"How much does Richard owe?"

I'd use my savings. Help Richard one last time.

Next time he gambled, I'd never help him again.

"A hundred thousand dollars."

The tallest man named an astronomical figure. I wondered if I'd heard wrong.

"A hundred thousand!" My voice went shrill. "How could he owe that much?"

The man crossed his arms and snorted. "Richard's a regular customer. We take care of him."

All of them looked unconcerned. In their eyes, this was simple—lend money, watch it get lost, then squeeze the gambler's family. Sell the daughter, sell the wife. There was always a way to collect.

Nausea rolled through my stomach. I almost threw up right there.

A hundred thousand dollars... I could sell myself and not get a hundred thousand.

How could I possibly get that much? Borrow from people at the manor? They'd never lend it. And even if they would, they didn't have that kind of money.

I had no options left.

A hundred thousand dollars was crushing me.

"Take the old woman first."

Someone got impatient, grabbed Maggie's collar, and started dragging her out.

"No, no—" I wrapped my arms around Maggie's waist, begging them. "Please, give me a few more days. I'll borrow from friends. I'll pay you back, but don't hurt Maggie, please..."

I begged, my arms trembling uncontrollably, eyes red, pain and grief flooding my heart. I knew my life had reached its most desperate point.

"Tears don't solve problems, miss." The man reached out, his tattooed arm extending toward me. He stroked my face, his gaze pornographic and lewd. "There are lots of ways to make money. Want me to tell you?"

I understood what he meant.

I closed my eyes. Tears streamed down. I didn't know who could help me anymore. Who could save me now?

The tallest man stepped out to take a call. When he came back, he gave us a final deadline, looking at me and Maggie with contempt.

"One more day. Tomorrow, if you don't pay, I'm selling both of you to the underground casinos. Understand?"

Then he had his men tie up Richard. Richard twisted violently, shouting. "My daughter will pay! Don't take me, take her! Why are you taking me?"

My own father said that. I watched Richard curse me as they dragged him away. The moment they left, I couldn't control my body anymore. My legs gave out.

Maggie helped me up. She stroked my hair. "I'm sorry, Elena. I wasn't going to tell you."

"You're my mother—what are you talking about?" My voice broke. "If I hadn't come back, were you really going to let them sell you?"

I held Maggie tight. She was so thin, her body fragile from years of work and malnutrition. I didn't want to see her suffer, but I didn't have the power to protect her, to end her pain.

In my desperation, I suddenly thought of someone.