G, RUSSIA (THE

n's 70th

n light over red velvet drapes, priceless paintings, and plush carpets that swallowed the sound of foots

families gathered-Italians, Americans, and others-

and purpose. It was their first appearance within Br

hter, wore a flirty, chic dress that radiated youthful energy. Donatella, however, stole the show. Her backless black gown with a daring slit drew eyes a

tting her age. Ronan Marino, Ivan's towering personal guard, and Barin

ew blood in a hall where reputation reigned. But they mo

h polite chatter and raised glasses. But the moment t

tva had

wore a navy suit that sculpted his athletic build. Natalia's navy ball gown sparkled bene

uit, was every inch the politician's heir. Savannah, glowing in a champagne dress with a thigh-high

r changed.

Morozov

reacted-not with cheers, but silence laced with unease. By his side was Vera Sergeeva, stunning in a crimson gown t

wer, their footsteps a slow declaration of dominance.

the anno

nisovich Volkov, and hi

, shaking hands with known allies. Catalina, graceful and reserved, offered warm nods.

y stepped onto the pl

Empire. Tonight, we celebrate the 70th birt

s applaus

e welcome the man who built th

again as the fi

sharp-eyed, he wore a brown senator suit and leaned on a gold-tipped

Adrian Barinov, elite guards sworn t

at the Prime Minister. Volkov returned the gesture. When his eyes f

, Mi

but something else passed

rved from dark wood. Adrian and Igor stood on

acy, politics, and blood

***

gifts to the Pakhan. The Prime Minister offered a luxurious watch, while the grandchildren unveiled a finely c

esented, the Master of Cer

me the Pakhan, Sergei Moro

ood, leaning on his gold-tipped c

, his voice steady. "I'm honored to have the Prime Ministe

Alexei, Natalia, Nikolai, and Mikhail-you are my pride. Watchi

tly stood. Her mother, Anas

a?" she asked

d some fresh air," Don

ou don't kno

other's disapproval. She slipped away from the

tella didn't listen. Her thoughts were her own, and for the

***

seemingly endless expanse of towering buildings and bustling streets. She felt a sense of wonder wash over her as she br

, imposing figure standing behind her. His chiseled features and piercing eyes seemed to bore into her very

lodaya ledi(young lady)." The words were laced with a hint

yance. "You think you're the only handsome person in

movements fluid and confident. As he drew closer, Donatella could feel th

e said, his voi

playing on her lips. "I know I'm beau

a low, "Tough, huh?"

supporting her weight. She turned to face him, her eyes flashing with challenge. "

, the smoke curling up into the air. Donatella coughed, waving her ha

e and lose her balance. She felt herself falling, her hands instinctively reaching out to break her f

e catch was sudden, and the delicate fabric of her gown couldn't withstand

t of her cleavage. The man's eyes dropped to the expo

t." He said with a sm

rth, because she released herself from his grip

's going on here, Mikhail?" Vera's tone was laced with a possessive e

xcuse me." As she tried to step away, but Mikael's gaze lingered on her, his eye

exchange. "What's going on?" she repeated, her

th force. Mikhail's face twisted in anger. "How dare you," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "What right do you have t

ee herself. Finally, Mikhail released her, and Vera stumbled b

are alone was terrifying and she shifted bac

He said and walked o