The atmosphere grew awkward, and I quietly excused myself to the restroom, needing a moment to breathe. As I leaned on the sink and staring at myself in the mirror, my thoughts drifted back to the strange tension between my aunt and that mysterious man.
They weren't just strangers,It seems like there was something between them, something unspoken. A past, maybe. Olivia Williams was a powerful businesswoman, who used to control and command. But with him… she seemed cornered.
How the hell did she know him? Was it money?
'No,it couldn't be. The man's presence screamed power, wealth, and dominance. He didn't need money.'
So what was it…?
I was drowning in questions when I heard giggles and voices coming from the restroom next door.
"He's so cute!" one girl squealed.
'Cute?' My brows lifted.
"I still can't believe Vincenzo is at this ball!" another exclaimed, practically breathless with excitement.
"Patricia, this is your chance! You can't let it slip away," someone urged.
Patricia…? The name struck a chord. My frown deepened. Why does that name sound so familiar?
I wasn't exactly eavesdropping, but I couldn't ignore the conversation either.
My phone buzzed. It was a message from Naomi my best friend:
'Are you okay? Caught any fish yet and you better spill everything when you're back here'
A small smile tugged at my lips. Trust Naomi to tease me even when worried. I had asked her to come with me, but work got in the way.
'Of course yes, I'm fine' I smiled before replying.
When I stepped back into the ballroom, the tension had lifted slightly… until I met his burning gaze again.
Vincenzo.
His gaze found me effortlessly. Cold and Intensed
"I want her," he said suddenly, his deep voice cutting through the room like ice.
I froze because I have no idea what they had discussed before I returned, but those three words slammed into me like a wave. My chest tightened, and my breath caught. Vincenzo watched me, clearly savoring my reaction. At first, he hadn't believed the captivating young woman could be Olivia Williams's niece. But once Jacopo confirmed it, his interest on her lit up.
One stone, two birds, he mused, a sly smile curling on his lips. Still, frustration lingered through him because Jacopo had failed to dig deeper into her background. And Vincenzo hated loose ends.
---
Earlier
As Jennie walked into the ballroom, Olivia quickly wrapped up her conversation with the other guests.
Soon, they all dispersed to mingle, leaving Olivia and Vincenzo seated alone at a large table.
Vincenzo's gaze trailed Jennie as she excused herself.
"You haven't forgotten our agreement, have you, Mrs. Olivia Williams?" he asked, his voice low and sharp.
"I haven't," Olivia answered, her face composed, but her mind raced. She hated this being at his mercy, never knowing what he truly wanted. It can be never money.
Then what?
He turned his eyes in the direction Jennie had gone.
"What about her?" he said, tone as casual as it was dangerous.
"You wouldn't dare—" Olivia gasped, her voice cracking.
Vincenzo's smirk deepened. Without another word, he rose to his feet.
"I'll send the documents. Along with the contract," he said, and walked away.
---
***Olivia's Room***
The party was long over, but Olivia's thoughts still spun like a storm. Vincenzo's words echoed in her mind. She dreaded what came next, how she would explain it all. A knock at the door echoes,jolting her, and she knew who it was.
I stepped inside, concern etched into my features.
She gestured for me to sit. I sank into the couch, staring at her intently.
"Who is he?" I asked. "Why does he feel… dangerous?"
Olivia let out a breath. "You get two questions tonight," she said, her tone firm but gentle.
I hesitated, then asked again
"Who is he… and why does he exude such an aura of danger?" Her expression seemed shifted and distant.
"Vincenzo is a man of unimaginable power. He doesn't need to raise his voice to be feared. His gaze alone cuts deeper than knives. Silence follows him like a shadow. He commands without effort, cold, exacting, merciless." Her voice trembled slightly. "Mercy, to him, is weakness. Betrayal… is a death sentence."
She paused, then added in a whisper, "And he's connected to your parent's tragic accident, Jennie."