The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 9: In the Gaze of Four

Valentina's POV:

I stayed a few steps ahead of my mother as we descended the grand staircase, the soft hum of conversation growing louder. The chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling cast a warm golden glow over the room, making the polished marble floors shimmer beneath my heels. The scent of expensive perfume and fresh flowers filled the air, mixing with the subtle clinking of champagne glasses and murmurs of hushed conversations.

As I stepped into the room, I took in the scene before me. The men were dressed in sleek black suits, their ties perfectly knotted, while the women wore elegant gowns that flowed like water as they moved. Each guest was adorned with jewelry that gleamed under the crystal lighting, adding to the air of opulence. Around the room, my siblings were already mingling—Veronica's laughter floated across the space as she engaged with a group of older men, while Owen and Lucas stuck together, shifting uncomfortably but trying their best to blend in.

"Ah, your children are beautiful, Thomas. But aren't you missing one?" A tall woman in an emerald green dress asked, her voice smooth like velvet, as she glanced around for the missing piece of the puzzle.

"Here she is," Dad announced as I stepped into view, his proud voice cutting through the chatter. Instantly, all eyes turned toward me, assessing, judging.

I straightened my shoulders, holding my head high as the weight of their gazes settled on me. The room seemed to pause, the conversation dipping just for a moment. I could feel the intensity in the air as these powerful men and women watched me, measuring whether I fit into their world. I wasn't going to disappoint them.

"Hello," I said with a confident smile, extending my hand toward the woman in green. "I'm Valentina."

The woman's eyes appraised me with a warmth that seemed rehearsed. Her smile widened as she took my hand. "You are quite astonishing," she said, her voice dripping with approval. "I'm Eleanor." Her perfectly manicured nails grazed my skin as she lightly shook my hand, her eyes never leaving mine.

I nodded politely, already feeling the tension beneath her flattery. "Nice to meet you."

Behind her, I could see more people watching, their faces unreadable but curious. The room buzzed with a kind of silent expectation. These were people used to power, influence, and control, and I was stepping into their world. I had to make an impression.

"Start greeting everyone else," Dad whispered into my ear as he brushed past me, moving on to speak with another guest.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face the room. The lavish decor, the expensive artwork hanging on the walls, the grand piano playing softly in the corner—it all seemed so perfect, yet the atmosphere was thick with hidden agendas. I could feel the unspoken tension in the air, the games being played beneath the surface. And tonight, I was part of it.I began shaking hands and meeting the people involved in Dad's business. I noticed Vero looking uncomfortable with all the attention.

"Valentina," I heard a familiar voice and turned to see Xander and his group. The sight of them caught me off guard for a moment, but I quickly remembered their presence was expected.

"Boys," I greeted them with a warm smile, extending my hand.

Ron was the first to step forward, his black suit fitting him perfectly, though his lean frame made him seem more relaxed than imposing. "I'm more of a hug person," he said, grinning with that boyish charm that made it hard not to smile back. He pulled me into a casual embrace, his hand resting lightly on my waist, but the warmth of his touch lingered. "You look fucking gorgeous, princess," he whispered, his voice teasing but sincere. When he let me go, his eyes stayed on me for just a moment longer, his admiration clear.