The Meeting

The room exuded power, its rich decor a reflection of the dominance and wealth of its owner, Damien Russo. The crystal chandelier overhead bathed the space in a golden glow, highlighting the polished marble floors and towering ceilings. The walls were adorned with priceless art, each piece a statement of both culture and influence. Yet, despite the luxury, it was Damien’s presence that commanded the room. Standing by the window, silhouetted against the blood-red sky, he exuded authority and control. His tailored black suit hugged his athletic frame, while a crystal tumbler of whiskey rested in his hand, the amber liquid reflecting the last light of day.

Damien was a man whose stillness was unnerving. Every movement was deliberate, every glance calculating. His dark eyes, sharp as knives, missed nothing. He wasn’t just a man—he was an empire in human form, a force that could tear down anyone who crossed him. Tonight, however, his focus wasn’t on his business empire, but his son, Leo. The boy needed someone to care for him—someone who could endure the darkness of his world without flinching.

Aria Moretti arrived at the Russo estate, her purpose clear. Confident and composed, she entered the room, her posture unwavering as she met Damien’s gaze. Her simple yet polished attire—a white blouse and black trousers—spoke to a woman who could blend in while remaining sharp. As she stood before Damien, he scrutinized her, testing her resolve with his unrelenting gaze.

"Do you know who I am?" Damien asked, his voice low and thunderous.

"Yes. But I’m here to work," Aria replied, steady and confident.

Her calm defiance piqued Damien’s interest. He took a step closer, his towering presence like a predator closing in on its prey. "Confidence," he mused, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "That’s rare."

"I don’t fail," Aria said firmly, meeting his gaze head-on. "Your son doesn’t need someone weak to take care of him."

Damien’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Leo is my life," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "If you fail him, you won’t just lose your job. You’ll lose everything."

Aria felt the weight of his words, but she stood firm. "I don’t run," she replied, her voice unwavering.

After a long moment of silence, Damien nodded, his gaze still assessing. "Start tomorrow. Don’t make me regret this."

Relief washed over Aria as she left the room. She had passed the test, but she knew that this was only the beginning.

The next morning, Aria arrived at the Russo estate to care for Leo. The mansion was a sprawling fortress, imposing and cold, a place that screamed power. Inside, Leo’s room was a stark contrast—bright and cheerful, filled with toys and books. Leo, a small boy with dark curls and striking green eyes, was building a tower of blocks. He looked up at Aria, cautious but curious. She smiled, crouching to his level. "Hi, Leo. I’m Aria. I’ll be spending time with you from now on."

Leo asked her about wolves, clutching a stuffed one to his chest. Aria smiled, telling him that wolves were brave and strong, just like him. The boy’s small smile brought Aria a sense of relief. She had won Leo’s trust easily, but Damien’s approval was another matter.

Over the weeks, Aria bonded with Leo, teaching him to read, playing with him in the gardens, and telling him bedtime stories. But Damien’s watchful eyes were always present, observing her every move. He never said much, but his scrutiny was unyielding.

One evening, as Aria tucked Leo into bed, Damien appeared in the doorway. He asked her how Leo was, his voice as cold as ever. "He’s doing great," she replied, steady as always. Damien softened for a moment as he gazed at his son, but when he turned to Aria, his expression was unreadable once again.

"Good," he said. "Keep it that way."

Before he left, Aria couldn’t resist asking why he had chosen her. "Because you didn’t flinch," he answered, his voice low.

Aria was left alone with her thoughts. She had earned Damien’s approval—for now—but the true challenge had only just begun. In his world, one wrong move could cost her everything. The stakes were high, and survival was a constant battle.

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