𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

𝟐𝟑| 𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

I woke up early and glanced at the date on my phone. Today was the day I had been dreading, but also anticipating. I was about to meet with some of the most powerful and influential leaders in the city.

It all started when rumors began spreading about my growing power and influence in the underworld. As the leader of one of the biggest families, I had made a name for myself in the male-dominated world of crime. And now, the other leaders wanted to see for themselves what made me different from the rest.

I turned on the shower and let the warm water wash away any lingering sleep before I began my preparations.

I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in a fluffy towel. I dried my hair and applied some makeup in soft, natural tones. I wanted to look elegant and sophisticated - not overly done up.

Next came the dress. I had carefully chosen a long red dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. The fabric felt soft against my skin and the deep red color made me feel confident and beautiful.

As I slipped into the dress, I couldn't help but admire myself in the mirror. The way the dress flowed around my body and the way the color brought out my features made me feel like a princess.

I added some simple jewelry and a pair of strappy heels to complete the look.

As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach.

Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I headed out of my mansion and towards the meeting point - a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. As I stepped inside, all eyes were on me. I could feel their gazes scan me from head to toe, evaluating me. But I refused to let their scrutiny faze me.

Making my way to the designated meeting room, I couldn't help but notice the tension in the air. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and I could tell that everyone was on edge, waiting for the meeting to begin.

Finally, the doors opened and the other leaders started filing in. They were all dressed to the nines, flaunting their wealth and power. But I could tell that they were taken aback by my appearance. They had expected to see a cold and ruthless mafia boss, not a glamorous and confident woman.

"Hello, everyone," I began, addressing the group as they all fixed their eyes on me.

"I am Anthea, leader of the Enyo mafia. It's a pleasure to meet you here today."

The other leaders nodded in acknowledgement and greeted me in return, introducing themselves and their respective mafia organizations. I took note of each one, already planning my next move and alliances in my head.

But as the introductions went on, one of the leaders, Emiliano Blood from the Italian mafia, caught my attention. He had a sly smirk on his face, and his eyes were fixed on me, sending a chill down my spine.

"And who are you? The pretty face in charge of the Enyo?" he sneered, his tone laced with scorn.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let his provocation get to me. I had dealt with men like Emiliano before, and I knew how to handle them.

"I am Anthea, leader of the Enyo mafia," I repeated, my voice steady and confident. "And I suggest you watch your words, Mister Emiliano."

Emiliano raised an eyebrow, amused by my response. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know I was speaking to the queen of all mafias," he mocked, earning a few chuckles from the others at the table.

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm and composed. I knew that reacting in anger would only make things worse.

"And what is it that you want, Emiliano?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"I want a partnership with your mafia. You can't deny that working with the Italians would be beneficial for you," he said, his tone dripping with arrogance.

I considered his proposal. I knew the Italians had power and resources that could be useful to me, but I also knew that Emiliano was not to be trusted. He was known for his deceit and betrayal, and I couldn't afford to make an alliance with someone like him.

"I'll think about it," I finally said, my expression unreadable.

Emiliano's smirk widened, sensing an opportunity. "Oh, and Anthea? I heard you have a weakness for pretty things. Maybe I could provide you with some," he said, his eyes lingering on my body in a suggestive manner.

I felt a wave of anger wash over me, but I kept my composure. I knew that my gender was often seen as a disadvantage in the mafia world, but I refused to let anyone belittle or disrespect me.

"I have no interest in your petty gifts, Emiliano. And I suggest you watch what you say next time if you want this partnership to happen," I warned, standing up from my seat.

The others at the table fell silent, watching the tense exchange between the two leaders. I could feel their eyes on me, waiting to see how I would handle the situation.

"I look forward to your decision, Anthea," Emiliano said, now speaking with a more respectful tone. I noticed the shift in his demeanor, knowing that my words had struck a nerve.

As the meeting came to an end, I made my way out of the room, my head held high. I knew that Emiliano would not be the last to underestimate me, but I was ready to prove them all wrong.

As I stepped out into the city streets, the cool breeze blowing through my hair, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I may be a woman in a man's world, but I was a powerful leader, and I would not be brought down by anyone, not even the likes of Emiliano.