At the end of dessert, an orchestra takes control of the evening. Many couples rise to dance, and Enoro seizes the opportunity to offer me his hand.

"Let's set the dance floor on fire," he smiles.

I smile back and accept his hand. We move to the dance floor, bathed in a soft glow. While the couples around us press close together, swaying slowly to the gentle music drifting through the air, Enoro pulls me close, wrapping his arm around me. With one hand at the small of my back and the other clasping mine, I try to calm the frantic beating of my heart, fueled by excitement. I struggle to collect myself, not wanting to reveal my emotions.

As the musical notes surround us like an invisible embrace, our movements synchronize, drawing our bodies dangerously close. The atmosphere grows languidly electric with each step, slowly heightening the heat between us. Our exchanged glances become smoldering, laden with desire. As the dance progresses, every brush of skin, every contact, turns into a silent game of seduction, betraying our rising passion. Enoro's hands explore my body with a suggestive tenderness, tracing my curves with a mix of delicacy and firmness that only intensifies our attraction and the almost palpable sexual tension between us. Our breaths sync with the music's rhythm, mingling in the air, thick with lust. We draw even closer, our lips nearly touching, our gazes locked in an overwhelming intensity. The sexual tension, now well established, reaches its peak. Despite my resolve, I know I won't be able to resist much longer. With irregular breaths, I prepare to succumb to the passion consuming me. Just as I'm ready to give in to my deepest desires, the music fades, snapping us out of our erotic trance. We pull away, returning to reality, leaving behind a lingering promise of pleasure and unfulfilled desire.

By mutual agreement, we decide to step outside for some air and to regain our composure. Not wanting to discuss what just transpired, I choose to bring up a different topic.

"Honestly, what's the point of this dinner ? I was expecting an award ceremony, or a fundraiser, or something like that. Not just a dinner gathering all the country's narcissists and arrogant elites," I ask.

My words clearly catch him off guard, as he hesitates and takes a slight step back.

"As you may have noticed, I'm not alone in this venture. Investors are with me. This kind of dinner gathers not just the self-centered, but all the influential people who can make or break you in a matter of seconds. At our table sat the five key investors of Dottrece Productions. They still harbor doubts about their investment, so I often need to prove that I'm worth their trust. That's why your presence here tonight is so important—you're my greatest asset and an undeniable talent that can only reassure them."

"So, you're using me ? Am I just a trophy you show off for your business deals ?" I snap.

I try to leave, but he catches me and pulls me back. His scent stirs my desire, mingling with my anger. Both feelings swirl in my chest, battling for dominance.

As I do my best to contain the inner turmoil raging inside me, Enoro's voice rises:

"Don't twist my words. You're not a trophy. I respect you far too much to reduce you to that. If I brought you here, it's because I believe in you, I have faith in you, and I know you'll go far. You deserve the success you've achieved because you've worked hard for it. Bringing you here is a reward—it's an opportunity for you. Being seen by my side will elevate your career, broaden your horizons, and make you even more sought after than you are now. International success is within your reach. Tonight, your life takes a turn, and from now on, you'll be playing in the big leagues. Yes, it benefits me too, but I brought you here because I could've chosen any one of my talents who would've done just as well. But I chose you because you deserve to reach the stars the most."

I don't respond, feeling suddenly foolish and grateful. After a few moments, I meet his gaze.

"Thank you, Enoro. I wasn't aware of all that," I say sincerely.

He barely has time to smile before Franco makes his entrance.

He steps between us, asking me for a dance, and Rafia seizes the moment to do the same with Enoro, as if they had conspired together. Unable to refuse, I find myself in Franco's indifferent arms, dancing while struggling with a wave of jealousy. Frustrated and irritated, I push my emotions down and pray for the song to end quickly.

"May, May, May, you disappoint me."

"And now what ?" I sigh, already tired of his company.

"I thought you were honest, and yet you're lying to me, straight to my face."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I retort, frowning.

"I know you're the Phoenix. I've unmasked you," he whispers in my ear, and I stiffen in disgust and dread.

I glance at Enoro, who doesn't seem pleased with Franco's closeness. I don't react and refocus on Abiani, who's staring me down.

"Oh really ? And what makes you think that ?" I ask, trying to suppress my fear.

"A while back, I went to New York. On my private jet were two stunning birds, if you catch my drift."

I understand all too well and tense up, knowing he's talking about Andy, which enrages me even more.

"For no apparent reason, they got into a spat, and the sexier one tried to feed me some bullshit. I can smell lies like a shark smells blood. So I decided to tail them, and guess where they led me? Right to you, my daring beauty," he reveals, flashing a distorted smile.

I force myself to remain as neutral as possible, even as chaos and anxiety spiral inside me.

"That doesn't prove anything, Abiani," I reply coldly.

"True, but patience and persistence are two of my virtues, my dear. Everything comes to those who wait."

"Good luck finding any real proof, then."

"Oh, but I already have it. I recognized Ginevra, who was with that bimbo, and I know what she's up to. Your alliance doesn't bode well."

"Is that all you've got ? A friendship with Ginevra and two flight attendants bickering ? A bit flimsy to make such accusations," I challenge him.

"You don't know me very well. I saw one of your goons—or rather, one of Ezio's former men—lurking around my place. I followed him and caught him going to a secluded area with a small cabin. I know that's where you plan to kill me, so I destroyed it and everything inside. I have proof, and I'll use it. I don't know when yet, but I'll get you, and I'll be ready for you. I know you're the Phoenix, and I'll trap you because, unlike you, I have more contacts and power than you'll ever have."

"You're pathetic. Making up stories just to sound impressive and dangerous. Whatever you think you have on me, it's either lies or the result of your paranoia. Honestly, the mafia is far from my ambition. You're all too dull for me to care, and I'd never waste my time plotting some petty revenge. You're so insignificant that even the worms wouldn't bother gnawing at your brain."

"I know what I'm talking about, and nothing you say will change my mind."

"Are you sure ? Because I can sense doubt creeping in, gnawing away at your credibility. You're just trying to save face, but you know you've made a fool of yourself. Even if I were the Phoenix, telling your enemy you've unmasked them isn't exactly the smartest move. And if you're capable of being that stupid, then your word holds no credibility, and what you claim no longer holds any truth," I retort before leaving the dance floor, not waiting for the music to end.

I leave the reception hall to contact Andy. Hiding in the restroom, I send a message explaining the situation and ask if they've encountered any obstacles. His reply comes quickly.

"More people than expected at his house. Abiani hired extra security for himself and his family. Andrea had doubts about our cover since the plane trip. So he asked Amadeo to make himself seen at the manor to gauge Abiani's reaction. Amadeo then led him on a false trail so Andrea could determine whether or not Abiani was onto us, and it turns out he was. We didn't tell you because we had it under control. Everything's fine; we're just waiting for your orders."

Frustrated by the lack of transparency, I'm on the verge of exploding but manage to keep my cool. I reply directly, telling him to get there with Andrea and finish Abiani off as quickly as possible, fearing he might talk to someone about his suspicions. Once I get Andy's confirmation, I leave the restroom and run into Enoro, leaning against the wall. His presence instantly lightens the weight on my shoulders.

"Is everything alright ?" he asks, sincerely concerned, standing up straight with a worried look.

All the emotions I've been holding in finally break free. His question hits me like a hammer, shattering the wall I'd built around myself. Tears well up and start streaming down my face. I quickly cover my face with my hands, not wanting to show my loss of control. I feel Enoro's comforting arms wrap around me, surrounding me with warmth.

— It's okay, I'm here. You have nothing to fear, he reassures me, gently stroking my back, his cheek resting against my head.

I compose myself, straighten up, and wipe away my tears. I pull away from Enoro's embrace, and he places his hands on my hips. I give him a shy smile, suddenly embarrassed by my vulnerability in front of him.

— I'm sorry, that wasn't supposed to happen, I apologize.

— You're allowed to break down, considering how Franco has been targeting you all night. Honestly, it would've been more surprising if you hadn't, he reassures me, wiping away a final tear with his thumb.

His smile warms my heart, and I smile back before stepping away from him.

— I'll be back. I need to get rid of the panda that's taken over my face, I say, stifling a laugh.

— You make a very beautiful panda, he compliments, just before I turn and disappear into the restroom.

Fixing my makeup isn't exactly a priority, so I head into the stall and glance at my phone. A message from Andy informs me of their imminent arrival.

"Set fire to the building. The ensuing panic will give you the perfect cover to deal with Franco without anyone noticing. But first, you need to take care of his driver, or everything will fall apart. Once that's done, meet me and Ginevra at the hangar for the kill. In the meantime, I'll work on my alibi. Good luck."

I quickly freshen up before leaving the restroom.

This time, Enoro is nowhere to be seen. I rejoin the reception hall and return to my table to maintain a normal appearance and avoid suspicion. Four people are seated at my table, so I join their conversation, drawing attention to myself and behaving as naturally as possible.

As time passes, my stress mounts, fearing that the plan might unravel. After about half an hour, the fire alarm goes off, and chaos ensues. An older man shouts for everyone to stay calm and exit via the balcony, which leads to the gardens by a staircase. Of course, no one listens, and amidst the screams, I try to follow the crowd, which quickly becomes dangerous. I search for Enoro, but to no avail—the sea of people sweeps me along, and I have no choice but to move forward to avoid being trampled. Once outside, the crowd floods out, but there's still no sign of Enoro or Franco. Anxiety grips me until I hear my phone beep with a new message.

"We've got him. Heading to the hangar," I read, feeling a wave of partial relief but still anxious about Enoro's whereabouts.

After twenty minutes, everyone is outside, but still no sign of him. Panic sets in, and I want to go back inside to find him, but I'm held back, told it's too dangerous. We're instructed to circle around the manor to reach the cars waiting at the front to evacuate us. With no other choice, I follow the flow. Once at the front of the manor, I hear a familiar voice calling my name. I turn toward the sound and, to my immense relief, see Enoro waving at me from the car. I run toward him, leaving the remnants of my past behind.