The Lancaster estate sparkled with luxury, but beneath the crystal chandeliers and polished smiles lay an unspoken truth—this dinner wasn't about celebration. It was about business. Two of the most powerful mafia families, the Blackwells and the Lancasters, had gathered to discuss an arranged marriage that would unite their empires. As the grand doors opened, the Blackwell family entered. At their center was Damien Blackwell—the feared heir whose cold stare alone silenced the room. He walked with quiet confidence, acknowledging no one as guests whispered his name. "Welcome," Mr. Lancaster greeted with a smile. "It's an honor to have the Blackwells here." "The honor is ours," Mr. Blackwell replied. Before anyone else could speak, the younger Lancaster daughter eagerly approached Damien. A successful model known for her beauty, she had spent weeks preparing for this night. "Mr. Blackwell," she said with a bright smile, extending her hand. "I've heard so much about you." Damien looked at her hand. He didn't take it. "..." She forced a laugh. "I guess you're not very friendly." "No." She refused to give up. "I model internationally." "I know." "I've been on magazine covers." "Hm." "I can cook." "I have chefs." "I ride horses." "I have drivers." "My parents think we'd make a perfect couple." "I wasn't aware they made my decisions." Her smile stiffened, but she stayed by his side, trying harder to keep his attention. Meanwhile, across the ballroom, Alyssa Lancaster, the eldest daughter, wasn't paying attention to Damien at all. Dressed elegantly yet simply, she stood with one of the family's lawyers discussing a case. "If the evidence stays circumstantial, the prosecution won't win," Alyssa said, flipping through a folder. "You brought work to a mafia dinner?" the lawyer asked. "My client has court on Monday." "Your family is introducing you to Damien Blackwell." "My client pays my bills." The lawyer chuckled. "You've always been different." Damien's gaze drifted away from the younger sister... and settled on Alyssa. She wasn't trying to impress him. She wasn't even looking at him. The younger sister noticed where he was staring and quickly stepped in front of him. "Would you like me to show you the garden?" "No." "The art gallery?" "No." "...Dance with me?" "No." The awkward silence ended when Mr. Lancaster stood. "I believe it's time we discuss the reason we're all here." Everyone gathered around the dining table. "Our families have worked together for many years," Mr. Blackwell began. "And now," Mr. Lancaster added, "we wish to unite them through marriage." He looked at Damien. "I have two daughters. Which one will become the future Mrs. Blackwell?" The younger sister smiled confidently, already imagining the answer. Damien remained silent for a moment before a faint smirk appeared. He raised a finger. "...Her." Every eye followed where he pointed. Not the model. Not the daughter trying desperately to impress him. His finger stopped on Alyssa. She looked up from her paperwork, confused by the sudden silence. "...Me?" Whispers spread through the ballroom. The younger sister's smile disappeared. Damien kept his eyes on Alyssa. "I choose the lawyer."