Replace the Mafia Heiress? Not A Chance!

Ottavia Serra, a feared mafia matriarch, lost her daughter eighteen years ago. In her last life, Celia Neri, Zella's sweet best friend, stole Zella's place, her family, and her future. Zella died believing nobody loved her. Ottavia learned the truth too late. Now she is back on the day she finds Zella.

Zella has just finished a street fight. Her hair is a wild mix of colors, and tattoos cover her skin. She blows smoke at Ottavia and calls her the filthy rich birth mom. Behind her stands Celia Neri, polished and well-behaved with neat long golden hair. Zella agrees to come home on one condition: Celia comes with her. Ottavia takes both girls to the Serra estate.

At the entrance, Renzo Serra, Ottavia's son, hurries to Celia, mistaking her for his sister. Ottavia corrects him: Zella is his sister. Renzo studies Zella's bright hair, heavy makeup, and tattoos, then questions if Ottavia is sure. Ottavia pulls Zella to her side, declaring Zella her daughter and precious to her.

In the living room, Ottavia holds Zella's hand. She does not have to accept Ottavia as a mother right away, but she is her daughter and this will always be her home. Celia sighs, happy Zella finally has a family that loves her; she has never known that feeling. Renzo urges adopting Celia. Celia produces two test score reports: 1550 for herself, 900 for Zella. Renzo says the family values education and Zella does not come close to Celia.

Celia drops to her knees, her father beats her, she cannot go home. Zella pulls her up and says if Celia cannot stay, she will leave with her. Ottavia refuses to adopt Celia but offers to pay for her education and let her stay as a guest. Zella nods; as long as they stay together, fine.

Ottavia leads them to the third floor. Zella's room is a pink princess bedroom. Celia calls pink her favorite color. Renzo says Celia suits the room better. Ottavia stops Celia at the doorway: the three bedrooms on this floor are for family. She tells the housekeeper to take Celia to the guest rooms on the second floor. Celia protests sleeping with the servants. Ottavia corrects her: they are employees, not servants. Then Ottavia tells Zella she can redecorate the room however she likes.

Ottavia puts her hands on Zella's shoulders. "You are Ottavia Serra's daughter. Whatever happens, you never have to give up something you love just so someone else can have it." Zella studies her face and nods.

News spreads that the Serra family found their kidnapped daughter. Ottavia arranges a reception to introduce Zella to the entire Mafia circle. Guests arrive, the ballroom lights come up, Ottavia turns toward the entrance smiling. Gasps break out among the guests. The smile dies on her lips.