Chapter 5 - the engagement at midnight
Three days later, the Kane estate hosted an intimate dinner to officially announce Vittorio and Bianca’s upcoming nuptials. The long dining table was draped in black silk and lit by dozens of tall silver candlesticks. Twelve high-ranking lieutenants and their wives sat in quiet, respectful attendance.
Bianca sat at the head of the table opposite Vittorio, wearing a breathtaking ruby-red velvet dress that accentuated her pale skin. Her diamond earrings sparkled in the candlelight as she held up her glass of vintage wine.
"To new beginnings," Bianca announced smoothly, flashing her dazzling, effortless smile to the gathered bosses. "And to the enduring strength of the Kane family."
The men raised their glasses, murmuring their toasts, though the air remained heavy with unspoken tension.
Vittorio sat calmly at his seat, his hands folded over his plate, his heavy gold signet ring catching the light. He looked at Bianca with a expression so completely unreadable that even she felt a subtle shiver touch her spine.
"A beautiful toast, Bianca," Vittorio said, his deep voice commanding total silence across the table. "And since we are celebrating new beginnings, I have a special gift for my future bride."
Vittorio motioned to Leo, who stood near the grand entrance of the dining hall.
Leo stepped forward carrying a large wooden frame wrapped in black velvet. He set it down on an easel right beside Bianca's chair and pulled the velvet cover away.
Gasps rippled softly through the room.
The painting was a beautifully restored portrait of Elena Kane, painted ten years ago. She looked stunning, regal, and deeply gentle. But what drew everyone's breathless attention was her left hand resting on her lap—wearing the exact same antique diamond ring that Bianca currently wore on her finger.
Bianca’s smile instantly froze. The color drained from her face as she stared at the portrait.
"I found it in the family vault this morning," Vittorio said softly, taking a slow sip of his water. "Elena loved that ring. She always said it belonged only to a woman who was entirely faithful to this house."
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Bianca swallowed hard, her hand instinctively pulling back toward her lap to hide the diamond. "Vittorio... this is... thoughtful."
"I thought so," Vittorio replied, his dark eyes locking onto hers with terrifying precision. "I wanted everyone here to remember where this family came from... before we decide where it goes next."
