Chapter 48

Jessica's POV

Rob and Xavier had long left my side and I looked around with my bodyguards following me around. The hallway was filled with people drinking away and chatting with each other, probably thinking that making small talk can create a friendly relation with other mafias overnight.

I grabbed a random glass of champagne from a waiter who was walking around with glasses and stood at the very corner of the room. My bodyguards were still behind me, confirming if the stage was safe for me to use later.

"Hello. I've never seen you around before. I am James Cassel, the son of French Mafia." A blonde approached me with a glass of wine in his hands dressed in navy blue tuxedo and he looked pretty good.

"Jessica Knight." "And where are you from? It's my first time seeing you. I am sure I would have noticed you before looking at how gorgeous you look." He shamelessly checked me out with me standing right infront of him.

"Me too." I muttered and sipped my wine, making him look at me with a brow raised in confusion.

"I meant I would have noticed myself too if I were in your place. Who wouldn't?" I checked my beautifully manicured nails which took a whole ass hour to get it done.

"I love confident ladies. Would you like to see what's behind this suit?" He flexed himself and neared close to me, making my bodyguards take a step closer as if daring him to come any closer.

"Nah, I will pass. I am sure I have more muscles than you do anyway." I turned around and walked away before he could even utter a word.

Even after walking away from him, a lot of men and women from different parts of the world followed me to ask me about my whereabouts and having enough of their nosiness, I told William that I am ready to go on the stage. If they want to know who I am, I will let them know, no biggie but give me some personal space when I need it.

I walked backstage as William would be giving the speech as the host of the serenade. Had I known he was such a talkative person, I wouldn't have let him talk on stage, whether he was the host or not. Ten minutes had passed and he was still holding on to the dear mic as if his life depended on it.

"Today, I've invited one of the most influential and powerful leaders in the mafia who is waiting backstage to surprise all of you guys with her astonishing beauty. I've talked alot tonight and I am sure most of you don't want the old and ugly person like me to continue my speech so why don't we change the host and welcome Jessica Knight; the true heir and current don of Italian mafia on stage?" Chorus of agreements were heard and I took that as my que to walk out from backstage. Could have saved everyone's time if he realized no one wanted to hear his damn speech earlier.

After putting on my infamous smile, I climbed the stairs that led to the stage and I was the spotlight of the ball. Everyone's eyes were on me and I walked to the middle of the stage confidently. I nodded at William and he scurried away, leaving the whole stage to myself.

"Hello everyone. I am Jessica Knight, the new donna of Italian Mafia. I am the biological daughter of the late don of Italian mafia, Michael Knight. I don't plan on talking about my origin today and I don't see the point of doing that when I've earned all the hearts of people working under me. I would like to thank Mr. William Johnson for inviting me to this amazing Moonlight Serenade and giving me the chance to finally meet and talk to all the influential leaders from all around the world. I have so much more to learn from each and every one of you and I look forward to having more peace treaty and alliance with everyone here from this day onwards. But that doesn't mean I am giving you guys to belittle Italian mafia because you will pay the price more than necessary when you do that. Thank you and have a great night." I finished it off with a smile and climbed down the stairs.

For the next few hours, I spent getting to know mafia leaders from all around the world and dirtying my gloves with countless handshakes I had to hold. I was finally free from their torture a couple hours later and I sat down on a chair nearby, away from prying eyes and people.

People were dancing to the tune of a classic song that was being played through the speaker. I swear to God, if this ball doesn't end in an hour, I am just gonna leave to get my beauty sleep. I decided as I sipped another glass of wine, sitting at the very far corner of the ball, watching people dance.

"You're very popular. I had to wait for hours to talk to you" I froze on the spot with my glass still infront of me as a very familiar and deep voice resonated behind me; Luciano.

I stood up from the chair I was sitting on to face Luciano in a black suit with a black T-shirt underneath. His hair was gelled stylishly even though some of the strands popped out here and there, making him look so much hotter than he already was.

"You're flattering me, Mr. Ivanov. I am sure you're more popular than a newbie like me." I smiled at him and he took a couple steps closer towards me.

"Tonight, it doesn't seem like the perfect time to talk about business. Why don't you leave your number behind so that I can contact you after the serenade?" He whispered in my ear and I took a step back from him after he was done.

"What business? I don't think we've any alliance between us, Mr. Ivanov." "Call me Luke. And no, we don't but that doesn't mean we can't make one, right?" The corner of his lips was slightly risen up as he tried to suggest something. I knew what he was getting at but there was no way in hell was I joining hands with those who killed my parents.

"I don't think it would be necessary." I tried to end the conversation between us as the thought of him being involved to my parents' death made me want to kill him at the spot.

"You're very stubborn. I didn't want to come out as a creep by calling you uninvited but I guess that's what I should be doing then. Alright, have fun. See you soon." he winked and walked away.

I watched his back as he retreated and out of everyone's sight in less than a minute and I took it as a queue to leave as well. There was no point in staying here anymore after whatever I wanted had been accomplished.

I arrived to Italy, safe and sound without any commotion. Later, I praised everyone for their hard work for the past few days and I gave them two days off, as a reward. As much as I wanted to take a day off for myself, I couldn't with all the paperwork and files that were piled up on my desk to be signed and read over.

Please tell me why I still haven't gained my freedom after doing homework and taking exams for half of my life. What was the use of me going to school?