I hesitated at the threshold, my heart pounding in my chest.The members of the Viper Group dominated the room, their sharp suits and colder gazes slicing through the air. My throat tightened as I tried to speak, but the words stuck.
Vito leaned in close, his breath brushing against my ear. “Be nice to them. First impressions matter,” he whispered.
I glanced at him, startled by his calm. How was he so composed? Every instinct screamed at me to turn and run, but Vito’s presence beside me steadied me, his words carrying a weight I couldn’t ignore.
Swallowing hard, I stepped forward. “It’s an honor to meet you all,” I finally managed, my voice shaking.
The man who’d spoken earlier—standing at the center—chuckled softly. “An honor? Interesting choice of words, Mrs. Moretti.” His gaze swept over me, calculating.
“Celia,” Vito corrected, his voice steady but firm.
The man raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He stepped closer, his polished shoes clicking sharply against the marble floor. “Vito’s spoken highly of you. Says you’re… resourceful.”
I stole a quick glance at Vito, unsure of what to say. He gave me a small nod, his face unreadable.