The moment I crossed the threshold, the sheer opulence of the ballroom stole my breath. Elegant tables draped in crisp white linens gleamed under the warm chandelier light, set with fine china, polished silverware, and crystal-clear glasses that sparkled like diamonds. Gilded edges caught the light on every chair, making the entire room glow with a heavy, expensive warmth and fresh flowers sat in ornate vases, their delicate fragrance subtly perfuming the air.
My aunt stood among a group of well-dressed strangers, engaged in conversation and laughing softly. She turned the moment she spotted me, a warm smile spreading across her face. With a graceful gesture, she motioned for me to join her.
Just as I sat beside her, she leaned slightly toward me and whispered, "Why are you late?"
I cleared my throat, scrambling for a decent excuse. "I... I was—"
Before I could finish, she turned toward the others and announced brightly, "Everyone this is my niece I've been telling you so much about."
A gentle ripple of interest passed through the group. I forced a polite smile,suddenly aware of how every eye fixed on me.
Then, I noticed him.
A tall, lean man stepped forward, his chiseled features softened by a charming smile. His neatly styled blonde hair glinted in the light, and as he extended a hand toward me, his eyes crinkled at the corners.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Jennie," he said, his voice deep and velvety.
Finally?! I blinked. Had she been talking about me that much?
I shook his hand, trying to maintain my composure. His touch was firm and warm. I was just about to reply when a cold, deep voice cut through the room like a blade.
"Long time no see, Olivia Williams."
My breath hitched as I turned towards the voice and my heart skipped a beat.
There he was...
The same man I had stumbled into earlier. His towering presence demanded attention, his sharp eyes scanning the room with calm disapproval. He stood with his hands in his pockets, radiating an aura of a king.
The temperature in the room semed dropped ten degrees. The lively chatter didn't just stop but it died.
My aunt visibly tensed at the sound of his voice. As she slowly looked up, the blood drained from her face, leaving her features as frozen and grey as stone.
"Vincenzo," she said, voice firm but strained. "This isn't the time or the place."
But his deep, unyielding voice rolled out like low thunder. "And when would be the time, then?"
He stepped forward casually, his eyes not leaving hers. A flicker of anxiety passed through her expression looking subtle, but I caught it.
"Can we please speak elsewhere?" she asked quietly, her tone carefully composed, but tinged with uneasiness.
I watched in silence, more confused than ever. Who is this man making my iron willed aunt look so small?
**** 5 years ago****
The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in the modern office. Shadows danced across the sleek, dark marble floors. Abstract art adorned the walls, echoing chaos and control in the same breath.
Vincenzo sat behind a glass-and-steel desk, flipping lazily through a folder, his expression unreadable. A quiet knock echoed, and Tyler stepped in with his usual composure.
"What else do I have on schedule after this?" Vincenzo asked without looking up.
Tyler scanned the digital tablet in his hand. "You have a meeting with the CEO of WLM, sir."
Vincenzo's brow lifted slightly, his interest piqued.
"Mrs. Williams,Raphael's widow." Tyler added.
A moment passed. Vincenzo set down the folder, his fingers tapping a rhythmic beat on the table.
"When does it begin?"
"In thirty minutes."
Vincenzo leaned back in his chair, a ghost of dark smirk curling his lips. "Thirty minutes, hm?" He stood up abruptly, adjusting his suit jacket.
"You'll finish those papers later," he said, gesturing to the papers. "But for now, come with me."
Tyler offered a small bow. "Yes, sir."
**********
The conference room fell into a heavy silence the moment Vincenzo entered.
He took his seat at the head of the table, commanding the space without a word. Olivia sat across from him, her back straight and hands clenched, trying to maintain a mask of composure.
He gestured lazily. "Go on. Tell me why you're here."
She hesitated only briefly before sliding a file across the table. Tyler collected it and passed it to Vincenzo whose eyes flicked over the documents with a terrifying lack of urgency.
"You know what I want, Vincenzo," Olivia said quietly.
"Let's skip the formalities, Olivia," he replied, tone low and controlled. "Even if I agree to help your company… what do I get in return?"
Her voice faltered. "Anything."
A slow, dark smirk spread across his face.
"Is that so? Even your soul Olivia?"
The room went cold, Olivia's eyes widened, raw fear creeping into her expression. She opened her mouth, but no words came.
"Relax," Vincenzo drawled, standing from his seat. "I'm more than willing to help. But I'll need time… to decide exactly what I want."
She nodded slowly, swallowing hard against her nerves.
He smiled again but this time, it didn't reach his eyes as if it was the look of a man who had finally found the perfect piece for his chessboard.
And in that moment, Olivia realized that she already had to pay a price. She just didn't know what it was yet that the price would be her niece.