In the shadow of the mafia king

he excitement of the audition continued to vibrate in the air. Rihanna, still on a cloud after her performance, couldn't help but smile as she recall

atmosphere was charged with a mix of adrenaline and joy. But Rihanna had other concerns. She headed toward the hall, where she hoped to find her

presence here, at this artistic event, made her both curious and nervous. He was dressed in a perfectly tailor

m, but there was something unsettling in his gaze, an intensity that made her uncomfort

aled impeccably white teeth. "What a magnific

ing to hide her nervousness.

gaze never leaving hers. "I am impressed. You h

but she knew she had

'm the only one here with talen

eyes sparkling with palpable interest. "I think you could g

gued by his proposal, but

actly are yo

forward, his expressio

ow, the best dance schools, performances, opportunities. A

ubling echo. She knew that this kind of suppo

ike you be interes

th. "And because I believe that art deserves to be supporte

htened, her di

You mean commer

hands, as if to

a man who appreciates beauty and talent. I can help y

support for her career was appealing. On the other, the man proposing it was s

id, her voice firm. "I am not rea

that revealed nothing

urther." He handed her a business card, which had his contact

he wanted to believe that her career could take a positive turn, but Marc

She mingled with the crowd, her thoughts swirling around what she had just experienc

nna joined Jade, who greeted

anna! I saw you on sta

eplied, trying to mask her unease. But a part of her was

er. Although his charisma was undeniable, she could not ignore the discomfort that accompanied it.

er dance, but her performances on stage felt tarnished by the memory of that encounter.

e struggled to concentrate. Every pirouette, every leap, seemed to remind her of Marco's proposal. She

e sweat from her forehead. She knew she had to make a decision, but how could she make

alled a piece of advice

d. True greatness comes from within." These words resonated within her, and she pro

She needed to understand his intentions. She dialed his num

speaking," replied a

hesitant. "I would like to discuss your proposal

one warm. "Why don't we meet over coffee? I think i

eet at a chic café in Paris, a place where art and elegance mingled. She knew the

shly ground coffee and pastries comforted her slightly, but her heart raced even fast

d with a charming smile.

a seat across from him. She tried to remain calm,

ee. "I think you need to understand that my proposal isn't simply a fina

?" she asked, defiance in h

ere to manipulate you. I have seen your talent, and I believe you deserve

crack in his discourse. "What would these '

he eye, and for a moment, she

n. You are talented, and I am someone who can open doors for you. B

seeking the tru

use? What wil

o force anyone. But I sincerely believe you have the potential to bec

that what he was proposing was tempting

y said, her voice firm. "I need time to dec

"Take all the time you need. I am here if yo

ing, but distrust lingered. She knew she had to maintain her integr