Page 14 of The Don's Hidden Heir

Even the hall is a symphony of elegance and luxury. It’s adorned with glistening chandeliers that cast a soft glow over the assembled elites.

Six years ago—when I first started my company—I would’ve been intimidated mixing in a crowd like this one. But years of attending events like this has helped me become accustomed to gatherings such as these.

I’m new money, so it took a lot of time for me to build my confidence. Sometimes, I still feel like I don’t belong.

Tonight though, It’s not the hundreds of aristocrats around me that has my heart sinking into my stomach, it’s the man standing at the center of the room, giving all his attention to the people around him.

He doesn’t even notice me standing here.

My fists clench, my knees almost giving out from standing in the same spot for too long. I want to turn around and leave before he sees me, but I’m afraid a movement from me will draw his attention.

Christ. My survival instinct is next to zero.

“Ms. Marconi!”

I almost jump out of my skin hearing Mr. Peterson’s voice. When I turn around to face him, he’s holding two glasses of sparking gold wine. I swallow, my throat yearning for alcohol.

He offers one of the glasses to me. “You look quite spectacular tonight.”

A blush spreads over my cheeks. “Well, thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

The corner of his eyes wrinkle as a smile spreads over his face. “There’s only so much an old man can do to look good.”

Mr. Peterson is only fifty-nine, which I don’t consider old, but I don’t tell him that. Instead, I say, “Thank you for inviting me to this lovely gala.”

He waves. “Please don’t say that. I should be thanking you for honoring my request. My apologies that it came so late.”

“It was no trouble, Mr. Peterson.” The corner of my eye drifts back and forth to where Dominic is standing. I’m wary he’ll notice my presence if I stand here for too long, but it’s not like I can shove Mr. Peterson to the side and make a run for it.

“If you don’t mind, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

I take a sip of my wine. It doesn’t burn nearly as much as I need it to, but I can make do with it. “Sure. I don’t mind.”

He places his hand on my lower back as he leads me to a group of older men. One of them has grey hair and a pot belly. As we near them, I notice the other men defer to him with respect. His face rings a bell, but my mind is too warped to try and remember where I’ve seen him before.

“Mr. Vadim,” Mr. Peterson says to the man when we reach him, and all eyes in the group dart to us. “I believe I’ve told you about Ms. Marconi,” he says, “my newest partner.”

Then Mr. Peterson turns to me. “This is my good friend, Kirill Vadim, I believe you’ve heard of him.”

Of course I have. Kirill Vadim, along with being the retired president of the biggest bank in New York, also owns several multi-million dollars companies across Europe, one of which include Vadim Air.

My eyes bulge, excitement sizzling in my chest. “Oh my God.” I try to water down my excitement, but it’s hard when I’m standing in front of greatness. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Vadim.”

Mr. Vadim stretches his hand out. “The pleasure is mine. I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Marconi, and I must say I’m impressed by how far you’ve come.”

I shake his hand. “Thank you. I’m not nearly as far yet, as I dream to be. You’re an inspiration to many like me. Would you be willing to share some of your secrets with me?”

His large belly vibrates in his suit as he laughs. “I’ll be more than happy to be your mentor.” He reaches backward and one of his bodyguards slips a card between his fingers. “You’re free to reach out to me whenever you need.”

I gasp as I take the card from him.

It still feels like a dream that I’ve caught the attention of someone like Mr. Vadim. It’s an opportunity that rarely comes, and I’m going to maximize his influence to the benefit of my company.

Having the most successful businessman in New York as my mentor is not an opportunity that comes every day, and I’m grateful I didn’t turn down Mr. Peterson’s invitation. “I sure will.”

“I almost forgot. Congratulations on your new contract. I’ll watch out to see how far you can go.”

I curl my toes in my shoes, not certain how to respond. A nervous smile touches my lips. “I hope to go far with your guidance.”

---