Something inside Dante was off. Julia's name echoed in his mind, and her name, Julia Voss, floated around like a ghost. He was sure she never mentioned her husband's name. It was hard not to imagine that this man might be connected to her.
He quickly shook his head, as if trying to shake away the thought. How many Vosses could there be in the world? Just because of a last name didn't mean there was a link to Julia. Was he missing her so bad that any mention of her sent him spiraling?
"Get a grip, man!" a voice in his head screamed at him.
Mayor Harrison had waved him over to this man, but the man didn't spare him a glance. His eyes were glued to the Mayor, making Dante feel invisible even with his tall frame. No one could not see him, yet here he was, overlooked.
"Mayor, what a pleasure to see you again! With your birthday coming up, I've been thinking of a great gift. How about a sports car? Or a yacht? Just say the word!" His voice oozed pride and arrogance.
Dante's jaw clenched at the blatant snub; he didn't appreciate how this pompous hotel owner dismissed him so easily. It looked like Mayor Harrison noticed too, and he turned to make sure Dante wasn't left out.
The old man cleared his throat, a little cough that hinted at tension. "Victor, I don't need that! This is Dante. Dante Romano. He's a dear friend and someone I trust completely. He's also a businessman like you. He mentioned he wants to invest in hotels this year. I'm sure you two will hit it off."
"Tss, great, looks like this guy is difficult," Dante thought with a mental scoff. "He's really full of himself."
With a polite smile, he reached out his hand. "Good evening, I'm Dante Romano. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Only then did the man's eyes finally meet his, as if Dante had claimed a small victory for attention.
Dante felt Victor's gaze examining him, searching for flaws, revealing the man's blatant arrogance with every glance.
He dressed simply, wanting to blend in and stay unnoticed. Yet, the clothes covering him were worth nearly a year's salary for an average worker.
In contrast, Victor displayed his wealth like a trophy. From his shiny shoes to his tailored suit, everything screamed riches and power. Dante didn't mind; he had earned what he had anyway.
"Hmm, Dante Romano. Your name doesn't ring a bell. Are you new to business?" he asked, completely ignoring Dante's handshake.
Victor's challenging gaze was meant to unsettle him; he wanted to intimidate Dante. But Dante stood tall, refusing to show any weakness and bringing back his hands in his pocket.
"Oh yes, you're right. I haven't been in business long. Just a few years in the industry," he replied, keeping his voice steady.
A wide grin spread across Victor's face. "It shows. You seem a bit lost in the business world. You really want to partner with me already?"
Before Dante could respond, Mayor Harrison interjected. "You're mistaken, Victor! Dante may be new to the industry, but he has already achieved so much. Believe it or not, he wasn't born wealthy, no inheritance at all. He started as an average citizen, and through hard work and determination, he's a millionaire now. His businesses have blossomed rapidly. That's why I'm proud of this young man," he laughed, his voice echoing through the hotel lobby.
Victor paused, the corners of his mouth twitching at the old man's comment. Dante watched as a fleeting shadow crossed Victor's face—a telltale sign that Mayor Harrison struck a nerve. Even without words, the polished elegance in Victor's posture spoke volumes of privilege and heritage. Dante didn't mind; to him, legacy was valuable if handled well, much better than leaving unresolved conflicts and burdens.
Yet, it was the subtle narrowing of Victor's eyes, as if weighing Dante's worth as one might inspect a jewel for flaws, that didn't sit well with him.
"What business are you in?" Victor queried, voice cool and measured.
"Guns. That's my main business," Dante replied with a calm confidence, listing his ventures offhandedly. "Rentals, properties, restaurants—many others. I'm looking into new ventures, hotels among them."
Victor's brow arched in a mixture of surprise and interest. "Guns? Why that?" he questioned, casually leaning back. "My hotels are not just ordinary establishments; they're the pride of the country, you know?" he added with a slight tilt of his head, a proud smirk playing on his lips.
Dante noted the pause in Victor's response, the slight shift in demeanor. "Oh for sure, Mr. Voss. I am well aware of your reputation. I'd not assert my interest if I didn't believe in a successful partnership," Dante stated, his tone steady and composed, subtly asserting his own worth.
Dante understood Victor's wealth was immense, yet he stood firm, recalling his own journey and the steady flow of accomplishments and income that marked it. He had carved a life of richness and was capable of reaching for anything he desired.
"Let's see if you can really do it," Victor replied with a wry smile, a challenge lingering in his tone. "For now, let's enjoy the event. Business can wait until later."
Mayor Harrison turned to Victor, curiosity alight in his eyes. "By the way, Victor, have you brought your wife tonight? Everyone's eager to meet her. You've been together for ages, yet kept things so private. It was quite the surprise when you announced she'd accompany you here."
Dante hadn't planned to eavesdrop, but their conversation unfolded just inches away, making it hard to ignore.
"Oh, yes, Mayor Harrison. My wife is here with me now," Victor declared, a swell of pride in his voice. "You know, people have spread rumors about my marriage. That's why I brought her today; no point in keeping her hidden. She's my wife, and I take great pride in that."
The old man's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Really? I can't wait to meet her! I bet she's beautiful. You? Of all people? We all know how selective you are."
Dante winced inwardly. Was that a compliment, or was the old man just playfully teasing Victor?
"Naturally, Mayor. Every choice I make is spot on. Why would I ever choose an undeserving woman as a partner?" Victor replied, confidence wrapping around his words like a cloak. "You'll all meet her tonight."
Mayor Harrison glanced around, eyebrows raised. "Where is she? Why isn't she beside you?"
"She told me she'd be in the restroom. She'll join us at our table soon enough. Don't fret, Mayor," Victor replied, laughter bubbling up. "Catch you later, everyone. My wife is likely waiting for me."
Victor strode away, leaving Mayor Harrison turning to Dante with a sheepish smile. "Please excuse Victor; that's just his way—so arrogant. But I must admit, I'm surprised. He truly did bring his wife."
They stepped into the banquet hall together, Dante frowning slightly. "What's so surprising about that, Mayor?"
"There are endless rumors about Victor Voss's elusive wife," the Mayor began, glancing around as if to share a secret. "No one has ever met her; he's kept her away from the public eye. Some say he's embarrassed. Yet, there he is, bringing her to the event! It seems they're wrong. Honestly, I can't wait to meet her. I'd love to congratulate her for putting up with such a narcissist," Mayor Harrison chuckled, and Dante felt a grin spread across his face as he joined in the laughter.
Victor fit that description perfectly—an arrogant narcissist. Dante couldn't help but think he was the only one who saw it so clearly.
"You're quite the joker, Mayor Harrison," He chuckled, shaking his head as laughter echoed around them.
"Anyway, let's go. It seems the event is about to start," he urged, glancing at the crowd gathering near the entrance.
Just before stepping through the grand, ornate doors of the banquet hall, he spotted the sign directing to the restroom. "You go on in, Mayor. I'll hit the bathroom first," Dante said, gesturing toward the sign.
The mayor nodded, pushing open the door to the hall. Dante turned and strolled down the hallway toward the men's restroom.
As the door swung open, he nearly collided with a woman exiting the ladies' restroom. He frowned, an unsettling sense of familiarity washing over him.
Abruptly, he turned around to catch another glimpse of her, but the flow of other people moving past obscured her figure.
He shrugged off the feeling and stepped back into the restroom, yet something nagged at him. Why did that woman feel so familiar? Was it just a trick of his mind?