The staff froze in shock. Some started screaming in panic, others fumbled for their phones to call for an ambulance.

I pulled the knife free and stood up straight.

“A Romano always repays their debts,” I said, looking down at Isabella, who was writhing on the floor, clutching her bleeding hand and sobbing. “Remember that.”

I turned and walked away, the sounds of chaos fading behind me.

My steps were steady as I headed for the exit, as if nothing had happened.

Just as I reached the door, Vincent blocked my path.

He was holding a blanket and a thermos, clearly having just returned.

Seeing me, Vincent’s face turned to stone.

“What did you do?” he demanded.

I glanced at the thermos in his hand and gave a bitter, humorless smile. “You went to get medicine for her?”

“I asked you what you did!” Vincent’s voice was colder now, sharper.

“She put my mother’s necklace on a stray dog and called my mother a bitch,” I looked him straight in the eye, my own gaze unflinching. “So I stabbed her.”

Vincent’s expression froze. “What did you say?”

But then his expression hardened again, colder than ever.

“I can’t control you anymore,” Vincent took out his phone. “Marco, bring your men to the auction house. Arrest Sophia for assault.”

Listening to his cold command, I felt the last bit of my heart get ripped out.

Ten minutes later, two uniformed officers walked in.

“Miss Sophia Romano, you’re under arrest for aggravated assault. Please come with us.”

I didn’t resist. I held out my hands for the cuffs.

As they led me away, I glanced back one last time.