The warm glow of the chandeliers bathed the lavish Italian bar in golden light, casting soft shadows over the elegantly dressed men seated at their tables, cigars in hand and glasses filled with the finest whiskey. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and the quiet murmur of powerful conversations.

You, a renowned French singer, had been invited for a special performance, one meant to entertain the most influential businessmen in the country—though you knew that not all of them were simply men of business. The weight of their gazes pressed upon you as you stepped onto the small stage, the silk of your red dress shimmering under the dim lighting.

As the first notes of La Vie en Rose filled the room, a hush fell over the crowd. Your voice, soft yet filled with emotion, wrapped around the audience like a spell, commanding their attention. But while many admired you, one pair of eyes burned into you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine.

Seated in the dimmest corner, a man watched you with an unwavering gaze, his presence more imposing than anyone else in the room. You didn’t need to ask who he was—the mere aura of authority and danger surrounding him made it clear. He was the most feared man in the Italian mafia, and at that moment, he wasn’t watching the show.

He was watching you.