A mafia's obsession

CHAPTER 9: AN INVITATION TOO PERSONAL

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Noctis, but Mackenzie's thoughts remained fixed on the mysterious bouquet sitting on her office desk.

White orchids.

Elegant.

Expensive.

And the note...

"I hope yesterday's incident didn't frighten you."

She traced her fingers over the card before slipping it into her drawer.

Whoever had sent it knew far too much.

"Boss?"

Mackenzie looked up to see her assistant, Clara, standing at the office door.

"The Lawson Holdings team is here."

"So soon?"

Clara nodded.

"They're waiting in the conference room."

Mackenzie straightened her blazer before taking a deep breath.

"Stay professional."

She walked into the conference room, where Damien Russo stood beside two members of Lawson Holdings' legal team.

"Good morning, Miss Giovanni."

"Good morning, Mr. Russo."

Damien handed her a leather folder.

"Everything has been reviewed. If you're satisfied, we're ready to finalize the partnership."

Mackenzie carefully read through each page. Every clause matched what they had discussed.

She smiled.

"Everything looks good."

She signed her name.

Damien signed on behalf of Lawson Holdings.

The contract was official.

"Congratulations," Damien said, offering a rare smile. "Giovanni Events is now the exclusive event management company for Lawson Holdings."

Her heart raced.

Years of hard work had finally paid off.

"Thank you."

Later that afternoon...

Mackenzie was leaving the office when she noticed another black luxury car parked outside.

The driver stepped forward respectfully.

"Miss Giovanni."

She frowned.

"I already signed the contract."

"This isn't about business."

He handed her a cream-colored envelope embossed with a silver crest.

Curious, she opened it.

Inside was a handwritten invitation.

Miss Mackenzie Giovanni,

To celebrate the beginning of our partnership, I would be honored if you would join me for dinner this evening.

No business.

No contracts.

Just dinner.

— Kelvin Alexander Lawson

She blinked twice.

"Dinner?"

The driver waited patiently.

"There is no obligation, Miss."

Mackenzie folded the invitation.

"I'll... think about it."

Across the city...

Kelvin stood in his office, watching the rain begin to fall.

Damien entered.

"You invited her to dinner."

"I did."

"You've never invited a business partner to dinner."

Kelvin picked up a file without looking at him.

"There's a first time for everything."

Damien folded his arms.

"You know she'll hesitate."

"I expect her to."

"And if she refuses?"

For the first time that day, Kelvin smiled.

"Then I'll respect her answer."

Damien studied him.

Kelvin Lawson had always taken what he wanted.

But with Mackenzie...

He was giving her a choice.

That evening...

Sophia sat across from Mackenzie in her apartment, waving the invitation dramatically.

"I cannot believe this!"

"Keep your voice down."

"Kelvin Alexander Lawson invited you to dinner!"

"It's just dinner."

Sophia laughed so hard she nearly dropped the card.

"Bestie, billionaires don't send handwritten invitations for 'just dinner.'"

Mackenzie sighed.

"I don't know what he wants."

"Maybe he wants to get to know you."

"Or maybe it's about the company."

Sophia gave her a look.

"You don't even believe that."

Mackenzie looked away.

Deep down...

She didn't.

At exactly seven o'clock...

A knock echoed through the apartment.

Mackenzie froze.

She wasn't expecting anyone.

She opened the door.

The same driver stood outside.

"Good evening, Miss Giovanni."

She looked confused.

"I haven't accepted the invitation."

"I know."

He held out a small velvet box.

"Mr. Lawson asked me to give you this regardless of your answer."

Her curiosity got the better of her.

She opened the box.

Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny charm shaped like an orchid.

Beneath it was another handwritten note.

No pressure.

A thank-you for trusting Lawson Holdings with your work.

The invitation remains entirely your choice.

Mackenzie stared at the elegant bracelet.

It was beautiful...

But far too personal for a business gift.

She looked up.

"Please thank Mr. Lawson for me."

The driver nodded politely before leaving.

She closed the door slowly, her mind racing.

At Lawson Manor...

Kelvin stood on the balcony overlooking the city.

His phone rang.

Damien's voice came through.

"She hasn't accepted the dinner invitation."

Kelvin looked at the lights of Noctis stretching into the distance.

"That's alright."

"Boss?"

"Some things..."

A faint smile crossed his face.

"...are worth waiting for."

Just then, another call came in on Damien's phone.

His expression changed instantly.

"Boss."

"What is it?"

"Our men spotted Ricardo DeLuca near the Giovanni residence."

The warmth disappeared from Kelvin's eyes.

His voice became ice-cold.

"Increase surveillance."

"And this time..."

He turned toward the city.

"...if Ricardo gets anywhere near Mackenzie..."

"There will be consequences."