☆Chapter 38: The Future of De Luca☆

Seraphina De Luca stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, her gaze fixed on the stunning figure that stared back.

Her gown was breathtaking— a silhouette of midnight blue that hugged her figure perfectly, the fabric shimmering under the light like stars reflecting off the ocean. The dress was simple yet elegant, its subtle sparkle enhancing her beauty without overshadowing her natural grace.

Her hair fell in soft waves, and a delicate diamond necklace adorned her neck—a gift from Nonno. But it was the confidence in her eyes that made her radiant.

"Bambina," Nonno's voice echoed from behind.

Seraphina turned to see her grandfather, Matteo, and Lucian standing at the door.

"Nonno…"

"You look magnificent, Sera." His voice was warm, but his eyes were filled with pride and something… protective.

"Ready?" Matteo grinned, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe.

"As I'll ever be," Seraphina murmured, but her heart pounded in her chest.

Tonight wasn't just her birthday.

It was her formal introduction to the mafia world—a statement that the heir of De Luca was not only alive but ready to take her place.

☆☆☆

Downstairs, Lorenzo paced the room, his expression as dark as ever.

"Lorenzo…" Matteo's voice broke through his thoughts.

"She's not ready, Matteo."

"She's more ready than any of us were at her age, boss."

Lorenzo's jaw clenched.

"She's still a child... my child."

"And she's eighteen now."

"That doesn't make her invincible."

Matteo sighed.

"You can't keep hiding her forever."

"I'm not hiding her."

"Yes, you are." Matteo's tone softened. "But tonight… you're showing them that the future of De Luca is stronger than ever."

Lorenzo's eyes darkened.

"And if anyone tries anything…"

"They won't live to tell the tale."

☆☆☆

The Grand Entrance

When Seraphina descended the grand staircase, all eyes turned to her.

The entire hall fell silent.

Heads turned. Gasps echoed.

Seraphina's gaze was steady, her posture regal, exuding an aura of grace and strength that left even the most powerful men in the room speechless.

Lorenzo stood at the bottom of the stairs, his usual cold expression softening for just a moment as his eyes met hers.

"Papa…"

Lorenzo offered his arm.

"Let's go, dolcezza."

☆☆☆

The ballroom was filled with the most influential families in the mafia world.

The Romanos, the Riccis, the Costas— all eyes were on Seraphina as she entered, escorted by her father.

"The De Luca heir…" whispers echoed around the room.

"She's grown up so beautifully."

"And dangerous."

But Seraphina paid them no mind.

Her focus was on maintaining her composure, her cold aura matching her father's perfectly.

Lucian stayed close, his eyes scanning the room like a hawk. His presence alone was enough to keep most of the men from daring to approach her.

Off Limits

Despite the formalities, men from powerful families lined up to ask for a dance.

"Miss De Luca, may I—"

"No."

Lucian's voice cut through the air before the poor guy could even finish his sentence.

"But—"

"No."

The boy froze under Lucian's cold glare.

"You don't want to do that, trust me," Matteo murmured from the sidelines, smirking as he watched the chaos unfold.

☆☆☆

"Alright, bambina," Nonno stepped forward, his grin mischievous.

"Who gets the honor of your first dance?"

Seraphina blinked.

Uh-oh.

"Me, of course." Lorenzo's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

"Hold on." Nonno's brows shot up. "I think I should have that honor."

"Nonno, you've danced with her before."

"That was when she was a child!"

"Exactly."

"I practically raised her. I get the first dance."

"I protected her life. I should have the first dance."

"I taught her how to fight," Matteo chimed in, his smirk widening.

"Matteo, you can't even waltz properly."

"I can learn!"

"You'll step on her toes, Matteo."

"At least I won't terrify her potential partner like Lorenzo would!"

Seraphina watched in amusement as the three men bickered like children.

"Enough!" Lorenzo's voice cut through the argument.

"She's dancing with me."

"Sera?" Nonno looked at her, hopeful.

"Papa." Seraphina sighed, her lips twitching.

"You all are ridiculous."

☆☆☆

Lorenzo led her to the center of the ballroom.

As the music began, Seraphina felt her father's strong, steady hand guiding her.

"You've grown up, dolcezza," Lorenzo murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I had good teachers," she teased softly, her eyes twinkling.

Lorenzo's expression softened, his usual cold demeanor giving way to something warmer.

"I'm proud of you, Sera."

"Thank you, Papa."

But even as they danced…

Lorenzo's sharp eyes never stopped scanning the crowd, always alert, always ready to protect her.

☆☆☆

As the night came to a close, Seraphina stood beside Lorenzo, Nonno, Matteo, and Lucia, her heart filled with warmth.

She wasn't just a De Luca by name.

She had become the future of the family.

A force to be reckoned with.

But most importantly…

She is loved.