Chapter 12 - The Emerald Queen
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The preparation for the gala felt like a military operation.
Lorenzo had flown in a private styling team from Milan. For four hours, Emma was pampered, styled, and transformed in her opulent guest suite. She didn't look in the mirror until the very end.
When the stylists finally stepped back, Emma gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
She didn't look like the tired, invisible girl in the clearance-rack black coat.
She wore a breathtaking, custom-designed emerald green silk gown that cascaded to the floor like liquid glass. The dress was daring, with a plunging neckline that highlighted her lush curves and a high slit that demanded attention. Her dark hair was styled in elegant, sweeping waves, and her makeup was striking and flawless, accentuating her piercing green eyes.
She looked dangerous. She looked like a queen.
There was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," Emma called out, her voice surprisingly steady.
Lorenzo stepped into the room. He wore a bespoke, midnight-blue tuxedo that made him look incredibly handsome and utterly lethal. When his eyes landed on her, he stopped dead in his tracks.
The terrifying, untouchable mafia boss was rendered completely speechless.
He stared at her with a raw, consuming hunger that made the air in the room suddenly feel very thin.
"You are..." Lorenzo started, his voice a low, rough rumble. He shook his head, stepping closer. "Magnificent."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a long, black velvet box. He opened it, revealing a stunning, heavy diamond and emerald necklace that caught the light like shattered stars.
"Lorenzo, I can't accept that," Emma breathed, intimidated by the sheer wealth of the jewelry.
"Turn around," he commanded softly.
She obeyed, shivering as his warm, calloused fingers brushed against the bare skin of her neck, fastening the heavy diamonds securely.
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"You accept it because it belongs to you," Lorenzo murmured, his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear, sending a jolt of electricity down her spine. "Tonight, you are not the 'nobody sister.' You are the Donna of the Moretti syndicate. Let them burn."
He offered her his arm. Emma took a deep breath, resting her hand on his bicep. She was ready.
