I hung up the phone and coldly stared at Elaine.

After what happened with Felicia that day, I started to realize something. If I kept staying quiet and low profile, I wouldn't be able to protect the people I cared about. At the very least, when the time came, I needed to act. I couldn't just stand by and take it.

The women crossed their arms and glared at me skeptically. "Fighters? What are you talking about? Stop pretending."

"That's hilarious. He must've gotten scared when he heard that Elaine was calling for help and is now just putting on a show."

"Seriously. How could he act tough when he had to steal money just to buy some clothes for his girlfriend? If he were really that tough, why didn't he show up when Felicia was beaten last night?"

I froze for a moment, then immediately turned to Felicia. "You were bullied last night? Did someone hit you?"

Felicia lowered her gaze, her face pale. "It's nothing," she whispered.

"Is it because they thought I stole the money? Did they bully you because of that?" I asked.

I was shocked. The guys might have doubted me, but they didn't do anything. However, the women went so far as to actually lay hands on Felicia, and I had no idea about it.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded.

I grabbed her shoulder, feeling both angry and anxious. "I'm your boyfriend, and you didn't tell me about this?"

Felicia's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke. "Didn't you break up with me last night?"

"I..." I was momentarily at a loss for words.

"It was my fault last night. I'm sorry. I won't say anything like that again. From now on, I officially declare that you're my girlfriend!" I said firmly, looking her in the eye.

Her eyes lit up, and a smile finally appeared on her face. "Really?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. I'll take you to Imperia Manor sometime, and you'll see what's going on," I said, trying to reassure her. I didn't want to explain too much as I knew that she probably wouldn't believe me.

As we talked, a sudden commotion came from the door. Over ten people walked into the restaurant. Unlike the previous thugs, these men were dressed normally, but they were tall and muscular. Clearly, they weren't just average thugs—they were people with real skill.

"Mr. Russo!" Elaine greeted, rushing over to them. "What brings you here personally?" she asked eagerly.

Frankie Russo had a scar on his face and a cigarette dangling from his mouth. He glared at me and growled, "Mr. Rizzo sent me. He said his goddaughter was being bullied and told me to help you get some revenge. So, where's the idiot who did this?"

Elaine immediately pointed at me. "Dominic really cares about me," she said. "Mr. Russo, it's him. He hit me just now!"

Frankie looked me up and down, sneering. "This guy? You called me here for him?"

He shook his head and swaggered up to me. "Ms. Fowler, how do you want me to deal with him?"

Elaine's eyes burned with malice as she said, "First, blind him in one eye."

Frankie scoffed. "Is that all? You're going too easy on him." He took the cigarette from his mouth and raised the burning tip, aiming it directly at my eye.