Chapter 19 A masked waiter appeared at my side , offering a flute of golden champagne . I took a delicate sip , the bubbles dancing on my tongue as Lorenzo guided me to a table in the center of the ballroom . The placement felt deliberate , like being put on display . Faces turned toward us from every direction . Womens jewels glinted like predatory eyes in the chandelier light. Mens expressions hardened behind their wine glasses . But Lorenzos steady presence beside me acted as a shield . His thumb traced circles on my hand under the table , grounding me . The microphone squealed as Antonio took the stage , tapping it twice . The murmur of conversation died . My esteemed colleagues , honored guests . His voice boomed across the marble floors . Tonight marks a historic moment for our families . We gather here not just as individuals , but as a united force . He paused , his gaze landing directly on our table . Recent … shifts in power have made it clear that we must adapt . Change with the times . And so , I am . proud to announce a coalition pact between our families . The room held its breath . Antonios lips curved into what might have been a smile . A pact formed specifically to counter the growing influence of the Constantine empire . All eyes swung to Lorenzo . My heart hammered against my ribs , but . Lorenzos expression remained unchanged . If anything , his smile widened as he raised his glass in Antonios direction . The tension in the room could have been cut with a knife . I felt the weight . of dozens of stares , waiting for Lorenzos reaction . But he simply sipped his champagne , radiating an aura of absolute control that made Antonios words feel hollow . na Antonios eyes gleamed with malice as he continued . As of tonight , weve mapped out every Constantine holding . Every property . Every business . He snapped his fingers , and a projector whirred to life behind him , displaying a complex web of companies and locations . One by one , well dismantle your empire , Constantine . Unless … Lorenzos hand tightened almost imperceptibly on mine under the table . Unless you surrender it all willingly . Sign over your properties to our families , disappear , and never show your face in these circles again . Antonios voice dripped with false concern . Think of it as an early retirement package . Better than the alternative , wouldnt you say ? Murmurs rippled through the crowd . I caught fragments of whispered conversations unprecedented and dangerous move floated past my ears . The air grew thick with anticipation . You have until midnight to decide , Antonio declared , checking his watch with exaggerated care . After that , we begin . And trust me , Constantine , your wont like our methods . The projector clicked through slides showing Lorenzos hotels , restaurants , shipping companies assets worth billions . My stomach churned at the calculated precision of their plan . They must have spent months , maybe years , preparing for this moment . Lorenzos posture remained relaxed , almost bored . He took another sip of champagne , but I felt the coiled tension in his body . His eyes had turned to steel , tracking Antonios every movement like a predator studying its prey . Oh , and Constantine ? Antonio added , his smile turning cruel . Dont bother trying to move assets or call in favors . Every family here has signed blood oaths . Your usual tricks wont work this time . The room buzzed with dark excitement . These people were vultures , eager to pick Lorenzos empire apart piece by piece . I glanced around the room , counting at least eight major family heads nodding in agreement with Antonios words . Lorenzos deep laugh suddenly echoed through the tense ballroom . He turned to me , eyes dancing with dark amusement , and pressed a slow , deliberate kiss to my lips . The gesture felt like a statement , defiant and possessive all at once . He rose from his chair with fluid grace , straightening his jacket as he strode toward the stage . The crowd parted before him like water . Without a word , he plucked the microphone from Antonios hand , their eyes meeting in a clash of wills . Surrender ? Lorenzos voice filled the room , cold as arctic wind . believe that word exists in my vocabulary . His gaze swept across the assembled families . Death would be preferable to bowing before this … coalition of yours . 11:56 Sun , 2 Mar K 95 % He paused , a predatory smile playing at his lips . Though I must congratulate you all . The research , the planning , the coordination truly impressive work . His tone dripped with mockery . Such effort youve put into this little scheme . Its almost a shame , really … Lorenzos expression hardened , all traces of amusement vanishing . Because no force on this earth can touch me . Not your families , not your blood oaths , not your threats . His voice dropped lower , becoming deadly quiet . But please , by all means try . I look forward to watching you fail . The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees . I watched as faces in the crowd shifted from smug satisfaction to uncertainty , then to fear as the full weight of Lorenzos words sank in . He didnt sound like a man facing destruction he sounded like one about to unleash it . However , he twirled the microphone between his fingers , putting all that unpleasantness aside , I do have some rather exciting news to share with you all tonight . My heart skipped a beat as his eyes found mine across the room . There was something in his gaze that made my pulse quicken . You see , while youve all been busy plotting my downfall , Lorenzos voice carried a hint of amusement , Ive been occupied with more … personal matters . He extended his hand toward me , beckoning . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!