The mysterious man didn't take his eyes off Victoria's chest. His attention was fixed on the necklace, as if his soul were trapped in that jewel. Then, she, with her heart shrinking as it had so many times before, took Salvatore's arm and pulled him aside. She looked him directly in the eyes, with that pleading expression he could never resist.

"Darling, we've already talked about this... do you remember what I told you?"

"Yes, Salvatore, but that necklace means too much to him. It's a family heirloom," she replied, her eyes shining with compassion.

"Victoria, I paid a fortune for that necklace. It was a gift for you. We...