Chapter 47

Jessica's POV

After getting some of my opponents killed during the ceremony, there were so many things on my mind that kept me awake that very night. But at the end of the day, I came up with a promise. A promise that I would protect this empire built by my parents with all my might.

So, the very next day when I woke up, I listed down the things that I should do today. Yes, a to-do list. I've never written a to-do list before except the ones I made before going shopping but it was pretty efficient.

By the time I was done doing some light exercises to keep myself fit and a bit of breakfast, it was just seven in the morning. Had it been Rose, she would still be having her beauty sleep.

Damon and Kate seemed to be planning to travel the world in a week or two. They must have been waiting forever to be alone after Damon took over the mafia.

I on the other hand, appointed Xavier as my right-hand man and the used to be right-hand man of Damon, Rob became my left-hand man. They were the ones who will help me with day-to-day activities. So basically, they are my secretaries but they have power and authority over others.

Harry was made the head of the bodyguards who were assigned to protect me. He no longer served me but all the bodyguards following me 24/7 were appointed by Harry.

I had Aron build some restaurants and real estate buildings throughout the world and a lot of them around our neighborhood. I also had the head of the training come over with the draft of the training routine so that I could find the flaws and strengthen the training of overall mafias.

I also had Xavier make a project to select the best members and level them as 'Elite' who would go on the most important missions. I had revised the contracts between the dealers who were smuggling behind my back. I've ended almost half of the contracts because most of them were not very loyal to us and they worked for other mafias. So, I formed new collaborations with new illegal business partners.

A month have passed just like that in a blink of an eye, my schedule was packed as I had to renew alot of things as the new don of Italian mafia.

And finally, the Moonlight serenade, where Damon heard about the existence of me! The serenade was approaching; it was in two weeks and Damon made calls to remind me about it which only added more fuel to my stressed and busy schedule.

After alot of thinking, I've decided that I would attend the ball and make a first public appearance to the world of mafias. I was getting cold feet just by thinking about it but it also made me anticipate since I can use it to my advantage and make the first public appearance.

And in a month, so many things have changed in the Italian mafia empire. Alot of members were replaced, more and more buildings were sold to the Italian mafia and the most amazing thing was that the Italian mafia rose from its rank; replacing American mafia and ranking the second.

After getting the call from Damon about the serenade, I gathered people to discuss the dangers and the precautions everyone had to take. I had all the members gather in the hall to compliment them for their hard work for the past month and gave a determined speech on how we should strive harder to be the best.

My goal wasn't just to be in the top ten or three, it was to rank the first position and get back the justice for my parents. And I know that with the help of everyone in the empire, I will be where I want to be if I work hard on it.

Soon, two weeks passed and it was time for the serenade. I was excited but nervous at the same time. After all, it's my first time making my first official appearance in public.

I wore a charming and magnificent, long-sleeved black evening dress. It had high slits from the upper thigh and the dress hugged all the attractive curves that I've got during my three years of training. I had a pair of black killer high heels with the dress and to say the least, I looked exquisite even to my eyes after make-over.

The ball was to start in an hour and everyone was at their standby position, in case anything happened during the ball. Rob and Xavier was by my side the whole time, dressed in black tuxedo.

A couple bodyguards followed me and they were the best we could find from the recent project Xavier managed to accomplish. We named the project EAP, standing for Elite Assassination Project. The elites from the EAP were chosen to take care of the ball today. And the best of them were chosen to be my bodyguards. Well, it wasn't my idea but Xaviers that the best ones were to guard me.

I arrived right in time but the hall was already full of people bustling and chatting. Most of the people at the ball were over fifty except their bodyguards and mistresses they'd brought with them.

I heard that this year's Moonlight Serenade was held by American mafia don; William Johnson. Hence the reason why I had to fly for hours to reach New York City. When I entered, a lot of them turned their heads in my direction, giving us weird eyes, questioning our arrival.

Not even a minute has passed when a seemingly old man approached me with two bulky men following him behind. Xavier and my bodyguards got alert upon their arrival but I just shot them a smile, signaling them that he wasn't a threat.

Well, maybe not now at least.

"Hello Miss Knight. I am William Johnson, the don of American Mafia and the host of this year's Moonlight Serenade." He spoke with a smile, his accent almost making me cringe at his strong American accent.

No offense but I was never a fan of American accent throughout my life of living in Australia. Their accent seemed forced even though some Americans sounded magnificent with their accent.

Masking my emotion with a fake smile, I shot out my hand for a handshake, nodding my hand for acknowledgment at the end for emphasis. "Jessica Knight."

As I was about to rip my hand from his grip, he held it tighter and brought it to his lips, making me want to beat the shit out of him. I was so thankful that I'd worn the gloves, saving me from having to feel his disgusting lips on my fucking precious skin. With a strained smile, I took out my hand from his grip.

"Welcome to New York and Moonlight Serenade. As you've requested, I've prepared the stage for you." He turned and pointed at the large and big stage at the other end of the room which was decorated with flowers and a glamorous mic stand in the middle of it.

"Thank you very much. I will let you know when I am ready to be on the stage." I took a step away from him, about to leave and he nodded his head.

I then lifted my hand to my bodyguard, who took off my gloves and replaced it with new ones. The fact that the pervert could see me take out of my gloves were least of my concern. I needed to get it off as soon as I can.