Prologue

I’m just about to take another sip of my bourbon when a woman strides into the club, escorted by a man clad in a sleek black Armani suit. His expression is cold and unyielding, void of emotion, as he moves beside her with calculated precision.

The woman is striking—draped in a dark grey mini dress that hugs her hourglass figure, the wrapped front design subtly emphasizing her curves. Her skin, kissed with a saffron tint, glows beneath the dim club lights, while waves of obsidian-black hair cascade over her shoulders. But it’s her eyes—sharp and brilliant like sapphires—that hold an unmistakable presence.

I recognize her instantly. Edwina Gemstone—the youngest daughter of Armando and Henrietta Gemstone, a family for its wealth, power, and unshakable influence.

The Gemstones built their empire from the ground up, transforming a once-small family business into a multinational business that dominates the industries of luxury real estate and corporate banking. Their reach extends beyond boardrooms and balance sheets—whispers suggest hidden ties to underground dealings, political manipulation, and power plays that go far beyond the law.

Armando Gemstone, the patriarch, is a man known for his ruthlessness in business—an architect of power who rose from nothing and crushed anyone who stood in his way. His wife, Henrietta, is no less formidable. Behind her elegance lies a mind sharper than any blade, orchestrating deals that leave even seasoned tycoons at her mercy. Together, they built a legacy where their last name holds as much weight in the criminal underworld as it does in the corporate elite.

And Edwina? She’s the enigma of the family. Not much is known about her, except that she was groomed to be more than just a socialite. She rarely makes public appearances, her life a carefully guarded mystery—until now. People like her don’t walk into places like this—a club infamous for being the gathering ground of the most ruthless criminals in the city. And yet, here she is, stepping into the VIP lounge with effortless dominance.

Ignoring the wolf whistles and indulgent laughter of wealthy men entertained by strippers, she walks to a secluded table at the far end of the room. The man beside her leans in, whispering something in her ear before taking a measured step back, positioning himself at a comfortable yet protective distance.

I take a slow sip of my drink, the liquid burning my throat as I watch Alessandro approach her. He settles into the seat across from her, his presence sharp, cutting—yet she doesn’t flinch. Most people would shrink under the weight of his harsh gaze, but Edwina Gemstone isn’t most people.

Their conversation is quiet, intense. Whatever they’re discussing, it’s important. I lean forward slightly, my curiosity piqued, watching their exchange unfold. But before I can gather more, a tap on my shoulder pulls me from my thoughts. With one last glance at the intriguing scene before me, I rise to my feet and walk away—though something tells me this won’t be the last time I cross paths with Edwina Gemstone.