As I stepped into the grand room, I was immediately captivated by its opulence.
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. Gold accents adorned the luxurious chairs, 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 saw 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, "Come here this is my niece I've been telling you 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.
The tall, lean man stepped forward, his chiseled features softened by a charming smile. His neatly styled blond 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, maintaining my composure. His touch was firm, but warm. I was just about to reply when a cold, familiar voice cut through the room like a knife.
"Long time no see, Olivia Williams."
An intimidating deep voice came from behind and I turned to see who it was, my breath hitched.
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 confidence and quiet authority. I noticed the air in the room shifted suddenly.
My aunt visibly tensed at the sound of his voice. She slowly looked up, and her expression turned to stone.
"Vincenzo," she said, voice firm but strained. "This isn't the time or the place."
But his deep, unyielding voice rolled out like 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 unease.
I watched in silence, more confused than ever.
***7 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. Then Vincenzo set down the folder, his fingers tapping once on the table.
"When does it begin?"
"In thirty minutes."
Vincenzo leaned back in his chair, a ghost of amusement curling on his lips. "Thirty minutes, hm?"
Tyler nodded, standing silently as the weight of the room shifted. Finally, Vincenzo stood.
"You'll finish this later," he said, gesturing to the papers. "But for now, come with me."
Tyler offered a small bow. "Yes, sir."
—
The conference room fell silent when Vincenzo entered.
He took his seat, commanding the space without a word. Olivia sat across from him, tense but trying to maintain her 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. His eyes flicked over the documents without a hint 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.
"Even your soul?"
The room fell silent. Olivia's eyes widened, 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 what I want."
She nodded slowly, swallowing her nerves.
He smiled again but this time, it looks more intended.
And in that moment, Olivia realized that she already had to pay a price. She just didn't know what it was yet.