Page 62 of Sardonic Burn

All of these people are somehow connected to various criminal organizations. Hell, even the current Bratva boss will be here. He’s the one keeping Jane safe, so I’ll have to greet him properly.

But he’s giving me terrible vibes, and I can’t help how much I dislike him.

Even the De Santis’ have expanded. They started off as a simple assassination family—a guild—but now they’re into arms dealing as well. It’s not as big as their paid killings, but it’s enough to terrify people.

The thought of the danger lingers in my mind as we step forward, slowly going up the stairs. The door is right in front of us; behind it is another flight of stairs that leads down.

Everyone’s eyes will be on Ray and me.

I’m dressed in a long, red dress with a big slit reaching just around my thigh. The sleeves are long, yet the chilly breeze makes goosebumps tug on my skin. Ray’s pocket square and tie match the color of my dress perfectly.

“It’s showtime,” he whispers. “Do not let these people intimidate you. I’ve raised you better than that.”

A bitter, choked laugh slips.

If this were a normal situation, I wouldn’t have cared. Hell, I might’ve caused a scene just to lift up my mood and keep everyone’s attention on me. However, those days of oblivion are long behind me.

Now, there’s someone who is out to get me and harm my family. There’s a high possibility they will attend tonight’s event,yet I won’t know who they are. They will strike when I least expect it, and I have to be prepared.

A week and a half ago, Ray and I received two separate invitations for the event. It means I’m officially acknowledged as the heir of the Campbell empire. However, since Ray is still the head, he had to be invited, too.

“Do you think Hudson will follow through with the plan?”

I’m skeptical and barely manage to utter a response. “He better.” I grit my teeth.

The thought of having to suffer and work with him still occupies my mind daily. He’s becoming more and more insufferable, and my desire to see his blood is slowly rising, the control slipping away.

Someone snitched that the two families have called for a temporary truce. As an attendee of tonight’s event, the plan is fairly simple: make everyone believe that it’s not the truth.

I’m not exactly sure how Hudson will manage to start a loud argument, but I’m sure he’ll do a good job. After all, we’re the most compatible when it comes to arguing. Even if The Silencer isn’t attending tonight, there’s bound to be a person or two who will deliver the message.

The door opens, and I take a deep breath, managing to push the anxiety to the back of my head. My steps are slow, calculated, and my head is held high. Ray tightens his grip on my hand in reassurance, and, oddly enough, it helps.

Murmurs and whispers follow us as we step into the venue. All eyes are on us. I can sense the murderous intent from quite a few people. Some people are standing in the way and with a mere glance from me, they step aside and make room for us.

Nikolas is waiting for us near the bar with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looks rather bored to be here, and it’s evident on his face that he doesn’t want to be approached. It’sprobably why there’s a large distance between him and the rest of the people.

“I have to go greet a couple of people.” Ray withdraws his hand from mine, and I’m no longer nervous. It’s like allowing a child to step into the real world and although it’s not pleasant, it’s bearable.

“Alright.” I nod. “I’ll do the same.”

Harsh eyes don’t leave me, even once I’m alone. Ray and I were half an hour late, on purpose, because it’s the best way to grab people’s attention. I’m in the spotlight, and, for the time being, I’m the safest I’ll be tonight.

“Took you long enough,” Nikolas grumbles and orders me a drink of what he’s having. “Everyone was staring at me.”

“Aw, you poor baby. Can’t handle the pressure?”

He snorts. “Something like that. That dickhead is yet to appear.”

I nod. “He’ll be here, soon.”

“You think it’ll work?”

“To announce to the world that the two families hate each other? Yes. I’m not sure what comes afterward.”

“It’s easier for you to be snatched off the streets,” he says in a lower tone. “You should hire bodyguards.”

“Must I remind you what happened the last time? I was in the manor, yet they still snuck into my room without being detected. Bodyguards are useless.”

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