The De Luca estate glittered like a kingdom built on lies.
Crystal chandeliers reflected gold light across polished marble floors. Classical music floated through the air. Men in tailored suits laughed too loudly. Women smiled too carefully.
No one here was relaxed. This was not a party. It was a battlefield disguised as elegance in suits.
Alessandro Romano entered alone. Eyes followed him immediately. Respect. Calculation. Envy.
Across the room stood Lorenzo De Luca, a glass of whiskey in his hand, smile perfectly measured.
"Romano," Lorenzo greeted smoothly. "Still standing alone, I see."
Alessandro adjusted his cufflinks.
"Appearances deceive."
Five minutes later, Eliana entered from a separate entrance. Emerald silk clung to her frame _ elegant, understated. Her hair fell in soft waves down her back. No heavy diamonds. No dramatic makeup.
She didn't need them, she was naturally pretty.
Before arriving, Alessandro had handed her a black invitation card.
