CH 6

Ivelle’s eyes darted around the room, landing on her aunt, who she hoped might intervene or at least offer some silent support. But her aunt merely glanced back, looking helpless. Then, with a slight shrug and a turn of her head, she looked away, abandoning Ivelle to the spectacle unfolding around her.

The night drew on, and soon people began to retire to their rooms from exhaustion. Ivelle remained at the bar for a while after giving John instructions on how to clear the venue once everyone had left.

“John, please make sure the tables are cleared before dawn, and double-check that all the decor materials are safely packed up,” she instructed in a professional tone, though her heart raced with anxiety.

“Of course, Ivelle. You handled everything so well tonight. You should be proud,” John said with a warm smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling with sincerity.

Ivelle forced a smile, though inside, she felt far from proud. “Thank you, John. I'm just doing my job.”

As she turned away, she caught sight of Elena, her cousin, gliding towards her like a delicate wisp of silk. Elena wore a flowing lavender dress that hugged her curves just right, the fabric shimmering under the soft lights of the bar. Her hair was pulled back in an elegant updo, adorned with tiny pearls that sparkled like stars in the night sky. The soft blush on her cheeks and the perfectly applied makeup accentuated her features, giving her an ethereal glow.

“Look at you, Ivelle,” Elena teased, her voice playful yet sharp. “You'll make an amazing bride. Make sure you enjoy being a married woman while I take over the company. I hope you don't mind me stealing the attention for a while.”

Ivelle’s smile faltered, irritation bubbling beneath her skin. “You’re not stealing anything, Elena. You’re just taking the spotlight you always wanted.”

Elena chuckled softly, tilting her head. “Oh, sweet cousin, don’t be like that. This is a celebration, and you should be thrilled. After all, you’re the one getting married!”

With a flick of her wrist, she gestured to the party still buzzing around them, where laughter and chatter filled the air. Ivelle could feel her cheeks heat up. “Right, thrilled,” she muttered under her breath.

“Come on, Ivelle. Lighten up! You might even enjoy this whole wedding extravaganza if you tried,” Elena prodded, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Besides, it’s not every day a Hudson gets married to a Martino. You should be basking in the glory of it all.”

Ivelle could only manage a tight-lipped smile in response, her stomach twisting in knots. As Elena prattled on, she glanced around, searching for a means of escape.

“Don’t worry, Ivelle,” Elena continued, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. “Soon enough, everyone will forget about your little wedding. They’ll be too busy gushing over my new position.”

Ivelle forced herself to nod, the smile on her face feeling more like a mask. She knew Elena was just trying to get under her skin so she would make a scene and anger her uncle, but they weren't kids anymore. She was wiser now. Besides, she didn't want to be involved in the same business that caused her parents' death.

As Elena sauntered away, Ivelle let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. The bar was her sanctuary for now, a place where she could pretend the chaos of the night hadn’t rattled her to her core. She busied herself with her phone, typing a few messages to suppliers while the noise of the party faded into the background, allowing her a moment of respite.

Meanwhile, in a private room upstairs,

“Welcome, Mr. Romano. It's nice to meet you again,” one of the men said, his tone businesslike.

"I'm sorry, but I can't say the same," Damian replied, shaking the other man's hand firmly. "I'm afraid you haven't fulfilled your side of the deal."

"How do you mean?"

"You promised to raise the price of the new products being released to the market to make it within the specified range given at the Jewelers meeting, but you haven't done that."

"I'm not obligated to listen to anyone."

"Perhaps you forget I have shares in your company."

"And I have things on you too."

Both men shared a knowing look. "I think we are done here. Right, Mr. Stefan?"

"You can have this as compensation." He handed over a box containing a beautiful bracelet with the insignia of D&L Jewels, intertwined with pearls and diamonds. It was one of the limited edition pieces the company had just released.

Damian collected the box before replying, "And you too." They shook hands. "I'll be expecting the news of the price increase."

"Alright."

Damian walked out of the room, flanked by his younger brother.

"How do you always manage to do that? You're amazing, brother," Enzo said, struggling to keep up with his brother's swift pace.

"Mutual understanding," Damian replied with a shrug, his tall figure accentuated by the sleek black designer suit that fitted him perfectly. The white pocket square peeked from his chest pocket, and the limited edition Patek Philippe watch on his wrist gleamed in the light. With a striking jawline and deep-set, piercing eyes, he was the kind of man who commanded attention without uttering a word.

"The room prepared for you is Room B209. You can go there now. I've spoken with Secretary Rose; she said it's ready."

Damian nodded and turned sharply into the elevator to ascend to the second floor, where the room awaited.

"I've also ordered that the hotel staff bring in the wine you requested. It should be there by now," Enzo added as they entered the elevator, trying to keep up with his brother's swift pace.

Damian nodded, his expression neutral.

Once they arrived at the door of the room, Damian opened it and stepped inside, while Enzo lingered behind him, a playful grin on his face.

With a slightly annoyed expression, Damian asked, "What?"

"Hehe, nothing, brother. I'm just checking to make sure you are safe."

Damian raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. “Leave.”

"Are you sure you don’t want a companion for the night, brother? I can arrange it, we just..."

Before Enzo could complete his statement, Damian shut the door firmly in his face.

With a grin, Enzo shouted from outside the room, "Enjoy your night!"