As soon as the jet landed at the private airport in Rome, Jade stepped out into the warm Mediterranean air, her heels clicking softly on the tarmac. The city spread out in the distance, its iconic skyline a mix of ancient ruins and modern charm. She’d barely taken in the view when Clair approached her briskly, clipboard in hand.
“You’re free for the afternoon,” Clair said, glancing at her watch. “But you’ll need to be ready by 7 p.m. The men are taking you to a masquerade ball tonight.”
Jade blinked, caught off guard. “A ball? Like, a formal event?”
Clair nodded, her tone brisk. “Yes, and they expect you to dress appropriately. Find something elegant. You have time to shop, so make use of it.”
Before Jade could respond, Clair handed her a small envelope. “Consider this a company expense. Spend wisely.”
Jade opened the envelope to find several crisp bills inside. It wasn’t much, but enough to find something suitable. She exhaled, tucking it into her purse. “Got it.”
The bustling streets of Rome were alive with energy as Jade wandered through the charming boutiques and high-end stores near Piazza di Spagna. The cobblestone streets were lined with glowing storefronts showcasing luxurious dresses, sparkling jewelry, and towering heels.
She walked into a boutique with sleek gold signage and soft classical music playing in the background. A saleswoman greeted her warmly, her Italian accent smooth and melodic.
“Buongiorno, signorina. How can I assist you today?”
“I’m looking for a dress,” Jade replied, feeling slightly out of her element. “Something for a masquerade ball. Elegant but… understated.”
The saleswoman smiled knowingly. “Ah, I have just the thing. Follow me.”
After a few minutes of browsing and trying on gowns, Jade found it: a deep emerald-green dress that hugged her curves perfectly. The fabric shimmered faintly under the boutique’s soft lighting, and the flowing skirt added a touch of drama.
“Perfetto,” the saleswoman said, clasping her hands together. “You look like a vision.”
Jade smiled at her reflection. For the first time in weeks, she felt genuinely excited. “I’ll take it,” she said, her decision firm.
By the time Jade returned to the hotel, it was nearly time to get ready. She styled her hair into loose waves, pinning a few strands back with sparkling clips, and applied light but striking makeup. The pièce de résistance was the delicate gold mask she’d picked up to match her dress.
When she stepped out of her room and into the lobby, the men were already waiting.
Milan was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, his icy-blue eyes scanning her from head to toe with a faint nod of approval. “You clean up well.”
“Thanks,” Jade replied, her tone clipped, though her cheeks warmed under his gaze.
Enzo stood beside him, his dark suit tailored to perfection. His signature smirk widened as he looked her over. “Now this is a sight. Rome’s going to remember us tonight.”
Thiago, ever the rebel, had paired his tux with a slightly unbuttoned shirt and no tie, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. “Don’t let them outshine you, Jade. You’re the star tonight.”
Jade rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. “Let’s just get this over with.”