THE POWERS
In 1930, the Ashfords, once rivals, are now a feared mafia couple. United by marriage, they run separate empires while facing danger together. Jack urges Lisa to focus on strategy, but her deadly skills remain hard to hide. They'll do any...
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WHERE THE HEART LIES
Night At The Velvet Rose, North London
Jackie parked the Duesenberg outside The Velvet Rose.
Junior followed him out of the car, casting a curious glance at the warmly lit windows of the bustling restaurant.
Inside, the restaurant was alive with energy.
Patrons filled nearly every seat, waiters moved in graceful chaos, balancing trays of drinks and platters of steaming food, and laughter mixed with the soft clinking of glasses.
Jackie led the way inside, his gaze scanning the room, and Junior stayed close behind, slightly awestruck by the atmosphere.
It was cosy and inviting, yet elegant, the low amber lights emitting a glow across tables.
Just then, a soft, melodic voice floated through the air.
A voice that caught Junior's attention. It was so familiar, he almost stopped in his tracks, but he tried to brush it off.
Jackie's eyes landed on Elisabeth, sitting alone at a circular table near the centre of the room. Without hesitation, he crossed the room and leaned down, pecking her cheek.
Elisabeth's eyes widened, a delighted smile spreading across her face as she looked up at him, surprised but pleased. "Jack," she murmured, "I didn't know you'd be here."
Jackie leaned in, glancing around. "Where's Marc? I expected to see him with you."
"He's back at Emma's," Elisabeth replied with a soft chuckle. "He fell asleep early, exhausted from all the excitement, and Emma's servant is looking after him at the house."
Jackie nodded, visibly relieved. "He deserves the rest." Then he leaned back slightly, looking amused. "I didn't come alone tonight."
Elisabeth raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh?"
Jackie tilted his head, gesturing subtly across the room. "I brought Junior with me."
Together, they looked over to where Junior stood, his attention fixed on the stage, seemingly entranced.
Jackie followed his gaze, realizing what had caught his brother's attention: Emma, singing on stage, her voice captivating the entire room.
Elisabeth stifled a smile, watching Junior's mesmerized expression.
Meanwhile, Junior found himself drifting closer to the stage, his eyes glued to the figure in the spotlight. As the singer turned slightly, the light catching her features, he felt his heart thud heavily in his chest.
It was Emma, her voice filling the room with a jazz melody that was both haunting and beautiful.
She was lost in the music; her eyes closed, elegance and ease radiating from her that he hadn't seen in years.
