Chapter 17 The car slowed to a stop in front of Marco's mansion . Marco stepped out , his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over the estate . Delilah followed , stepping out cautiously , her eyes trailing up the impressive stone façade . The place was grander than she had imagined , a testament to the wealth she knew Marco possessed but had never seen up close . Without a word , Marco turned and strode towards the entrance . Delilah followed , her shoes clicking softly against the polished marble as they crossed the threshold . Inside , Marco greeted a middle - aged woman with salt - and - pepper hair , dressed in a neat uniform . " Delilah , this is Mrs. Hayden , the housekeeper . " Delilah offered her a polite smile . " Nice to meet you , Mrs. Hayden . You ' ve done a lovely job here . " Mrs. Hayden smiled warmly in return , but before she could respond , Marco cut in , his tone brisk . " You'll have plenty of time to get to know 0.00 % 13120 Chapter 17 each other later . For now , we have more important matters . " 269 bars Delilah rolled her eyes as she followed Marco deeper into the mansion . They climbed the sweeping staircase , his footsteps purposeful . He led her to a bedroom at the far end of the hall , pushing open the door to reveal a sleek , modern space centered around a massive king - sized bed . The room was spotless , with a simple design that spoke of luxury . Delilah walked in slowly , her gaze trailing over the furniture . Her hand drifted to the dresser as she traced the smooth surface . She could feel Marco's eyes on her , watching her every move . He likely thought she was growing comfortable here , maybe even appreciating the wealth that surrounded her . " You should make yourself comfortable , " Marco said from the doorway . His voice carried a strange mix of casualness and command . He left without another word , the door clicking softly behind him . Alone now , Delilah's curiosity got the better of her . 12.919 13.12 Chapter 17 She opened one of the drawers . 1201 Vues Inside , she found a collection of golden wristwatches , each one more expensive than the last . Her eyes sparkled with interest . She slid open another compartment , revealing diamond - studded timepieces . A smirk tugged at her lips . Her husband was clearly quite wealthy - wealthy enough to buy her the golden wristwatch that Gaga had worn , the one that had caught Delilah's eye . She wasn't planning to steal anything . No , she was simply admiring . Marco could certainly afford to spoil her if he wanted . The door creaked open behind her . Delilah turned quickly , expecting Marco . Instead , Mrs. Hayden stood there , her expression calm and composed . 28.65 % 13 120 Chapter 17 288 Vouchers " Ma'am , " Mrs. Hayden began , " Sir Marco ordered me to assist you with your dress . " Delilah raised an eyebrow . " Dress ? " " Yes , ma'am . Elder Donato will be arriving shortly , and Sir Marco wishes for you to be dressed beautifully , with my help . " Delilah let out a small laugh under her breath . " Ah , so that's why he was in such a hurry . " She crossed her arms but nodded . " Alright , Mrs. Hayden . " The housekeeper led her to a suite where the closet held an array of dresses . Within minutes , Delilah was dressed , her reflection in the mirror showing a woman transformed . The black dress hugged her curves perfectly , the deep V - neckline drawing attention to her figure . It was high - waisted , accentuating her silhouette in all the right places . The fabric was luxurious , clinging to her as if it had been tailored specifically for her . Her auburn hair fell in loose , flowing curls , while her makeup was soft , highlighting her eyes and lips . 119 Chapter 17 She had an almost sun - kissed glow , the kind of effortless beauty that looked both natural and enticing . As she made her way downstairs , Delilah's eyes roamed the mansion . It had been cleaned and decorated since their arrival . 20 Additional guards stood at attention near the entrance , and she noticed surveillance cameras discreetly positioned along the walls . Refreshments were laid out , and soft music played in the background . Delilah frowned slightly . This was no casual visit from Elder Donato . The mansion looked prepared for an event , a gathering of some sort . Her brow furrowed as she wondered , " Is there a party I don't know about ? " She reached the bottom of the stairs just as Marco finished a quiet conversation with Gino . His head snapped up at the sound of her footsteps , his eyes locking onto her . For a moment , he said nothing , simply taking in the sight of her . 53.38 % 13120 Chapter 17 Her dress wasn't overly extravagant , but it was striking . The way it clung to her figure , the way it seemed to bring out her confidence - Marco felt his pulse quicken . His eyes lingered on her curves , the way the fabric accentuated every part of her . He swallowed , the Italian words slipping from his lips almost unconsciously . " Che donna bellissima ... " he murmured under his breath , his voice laced with admiration . ( " What a stunning woman . " ) Gino glanced over , his eyebrows lifting slightly as he took in Delilah's appearance . He hadn't expected her to clean up this well . " She looks ... incredible , " he muttered , clearly impressed . Instantly , Marco's gaze snapped to Gino , sharp and dangerous . His eyes darkened , his jaw tightening as he fixed his right - hand man with a glare that could cut through steel . " That's my wife you're talking about , " Marco said , his voice low and 66 85 % 13120 Chapter 17 edged with warning . 2001 Vie Gino froze , his smirk faltering as he felt the shift in Marco's mood . He gulped , swallowing down the nervousness rising in his throat . " Wife ? " Gino raised an eyebrow , his expression shifting to confusion . " But, Boss ... you never really considered her as your wife before . " Marco's gaze didn't waver . " That doesn't change the fact that she is . The room seemed to grow still for a moment , the weight of Marco's words hanging between them . Gino's casual attitude dissolved as he realized the seriousness of Marco's tone . He glanced briefly at Delilah , then back to Marco , trying to gauge what had shifted . " Well , if that's the case ... " Gino muttered , not finishing his thought as he straightened up , his eyes darting away from Marco's intense stare . Marco turned his back on Gino , his focus shifting back to Delilah , who had been observing the exchange from a distance . His mind churned , realizing how protective he felt in that moment . Whatever this arrangement had been before , there was a change now- something different that neither he nor Gino fully understood yet . 1,80 30 % 13 120 Chapter 17 " Prepare for Nonno's arrival , " Marco ordered , his voice clipped . " No more distractions . " Gino nodded quickly and moved away , casting one last glance at Delilah before disappearing to fulfill his orders . 12.125