Amara was about to reply, but Rowan’s phone rang. He picked up, and his tone shifted. “I will be there,” he said, his voice clipped.
Rowan turned back to Amara, his expression softening again. “I’ll see you later, sweetheart.”
Amara shook her head as he drove away, thinking she couldn’t be bothered with him right now. She had an important task on hand, and that’s where she should focus.
Inside the car, Harvey glanced at his brother, who had returned to his usual stoic demeanor. “You really like her, don’t you?” he asked quietly.
Rowan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “It’s complicated.”
Harvey sighed. “Isn’t everything in our lives? But sitting outside her restaurant like that… it’s not going to win her over.”
Rowan nodded, his eyes fixed on the road. “I know. But I can’t help it.”
Harvey looked out the window, watching the city pass by. “Well, whatever it is you’re planning, just make sure it doesn’t backfire. We can’t afford any more complications.”
Rowan’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. His mind was already elsewhere, thinking about Amara and the feelings he couldn’t seem to control.
Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, Amara took a deep breath, trying to shake off the encounter. She had more pressing matters to deal with and couldn’t afford to let her emotions get in the way. With a determined stride, she walked toward the security room, her heels clicking sharply on the polished marble floor. As she approached, she noticed the guards stationed at strategic points, their eyes vigilant and alert.
Pushing open the door to the security room, Amara was greeted by the low hum of electronic equipment. Monitors lined the walls, displaying various angles of the restaurant and its surroundings. Lucas stood in front of the largest monitor, his gaze focused on the live feed.
“Is everything done?” Amara asked, her tone brisk and professional.
Lucas turned to her, a reassuring smile on his face. “Yes, miss. All the preparations are complete.”
“Good,” Amara replied, her eyes scanning the screens for any signs of trouble. She watched as her security team moved efficiently, their coordinated efforts ensuring that every corner of the restaurant was covered.
Minutes later, the door to the security room opened again, and Amara’s family began to arrive. Her father, Vincent Moretti, entered first, looking distinguished in a tailored grey suit. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his presence exuded authority. Behind him, her mother, Isabelle, walked in gracefully, dressed in a soft pink dress that complemented her elegant demeanor. She wore a string of pearls around her neck, adding a touch of sophistication to her outfit. Lastly, her older brother, Leo, stepped into the room, looking sharp in a navy blue suit. His eyes met Amara’s, and he gave her a nod of approval.
“Father, Mother, Leo,” Amara greeted them, her voice warm yet composed. “Everything is ready.”
Vincent smiled, a look of pride in his eyes. “You’ve done well, Amara. This event is important for our family, and I trust that you’ve taken care of every detail.”
Amara nodded. “Of course, Father. I’ve made sure that security is tight and that everything will go smoothly.”
Isabelle stepped forward, her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter. “You always do such a wonderful job, Amara. We’re lucky to have you.”
Leo, who had been observing the monitors, turned to Amara with a hint of curiosity. “Any trouble so far?”
Amara hesitated for a brief moment, her thoughts flickering back to Rowan. “Nothing we can’t handle,” she said, deciding to keep the encounter to herself for now. “Everything is under control.”
Vincent clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. “Excellent. Let’s make our way to the main hall. Our guests will be arriving soon.”
As they left the security room, Amara felt a sense of responsibility settle on her shoulders.
She knew that the evening’s success depended on her meticulous planning and the flawless execution of every detail. This event was not just a gathering of influential figures; it was a pivotal moment for the Moretti family.
Half an hour later, the atmosphere in the main hall shifted as the Ivanov family arrived. Today was the day to discuss the marriage matters of Emery Ivanov with Leo Moretti. The alliance between the Moretti family, deeply entrenched in the mafia, and the Ivanov family, a powerful political dynasty, was of immense significance.
Amara stood near the entrance, her eyes scanning the room. The chatter of guests filled the air, but as soon as Vladimir Ivanov entered, a hush seemed to fall over the crowd. Vladimir was a tall, imposing figure, with silver hair and a presence that commanded respect. His sharp blue eyes took in the surroundings with a keen, assessing gaze. Beside him was his wife, Tatiana, a striking woman with an air of grace and poise. Her elegant dress and composed demeanor complemented her husband’s formidable presence.
Amara stepped forward to greet them, a warm smile on her face. “Mr. Ivanov, Mrs. Ivanov, welcome. We’re honored to have you here.”
Vladimir nodded, his expression neutral but polite. “Thank you, Miss Moretti. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Tatiana smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at Amara. “Your arrangements are lovely, dear. You’ve done a wonderful job.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Ivanov,” Amara replied, her tone genuine. “Please, let me show you to the main hall. My family is eager to meet you.”
As they walked through the grand hall, the guests parted to make way for the Ivanovs, their whispers barely audible but filled with curiosity. The union of the Moretti and Ivanov families was a topic of great interest, and everyone was eager to witness this historic meeting.
When they reached the center of the hall, Vincent Moretti stepped forward to greet their guests. He extended a hand to Vladimir, his smile cordial but with an undercurrent of authority. “Mr. Ivanov, welcome. It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.”
Vladimir shook his hand firmly. “Mr. Moretti, the honor is ours. We are pleased to be here and to discuss the future of our families.”
Isabelle Moretti approached Tatiana, offering a warm smile. “Mrs. Ivanov, you look stunning. Thank you for joining us tonight.”
Tatiana returned the smile. “Isabelle, it’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for hosting us so graciously.”
Amara watched as her brother, Leo, approached Emery Ivanov. There was a noticeable spark between them, a connection that went beyond the political and criminal ties of their families. Leo, always composed and confident, seemed slightly nervous as he reached out to take Emery’s hand.
“Emery, it’s good to see you,” Leo said, his voice softening.
Emery smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Leo, I’m glad we can finally do this properly.”
Amara noticed the way they looked at each other, and she felt a pang of hope. This marriage was more than just an alliance; it was a genuine love match, a rarity in their world.
Vincent cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Shall we move to the private dining room? We have much to discuss.”
The two families followed Vincent to a secluded area of the restaurant, where a long, beautifully set table awaited them. Amara took her seat next to her father, while Leo and Emery sat together, their hands occasionally brushing under the table.
As the first course was served, Vincent began the conversation. “Vladimir, Tatiana, we are delighted that our families can come together in this way. Leo and Emery have expressed their wishes, and we fully support them.”
Vladimir nodded, his expression serious. “We are pleased as well. Emery’s happiness is paramount to us, and we believe that this union will benefit both our families.”
Tatiana added, “Emery has spoken very highly of Leo. We trust her judgment and believe that she has chosen well.”
Leo smiled, glancing at Emery with affection. “Emery is an incredible person. I’m honored to be with her.”
Amara listened intently, her mind racing with the implications of this union. The Moretti family had always operated in the shadows, their power derived from the underworld. The Ivanovs, on the other hand, wielded influence in the political sphere. Together, they would be an unstoppable force, able to navigate both the dark alleys of crime and the pristine halls of government.
The conversation continued, touching on various topics from business to politics. Amara observed the dynamics between the two families, noting the subtle shifts in power and respect. Vladimir and Vincent were both formidable men, each used to being in control, but there was a mutual recognition of strength and capability.