Chapter 69: Chapter Sixty Nine

*Ivy*

The night was finally here, and the time has come to act on her plan. The fact that she had to succumb to this was completely beneath her. But she felt that she had no choice by this point. The party was in full swing down below with a few close guests and neighbors. It was set up beautifully, she’ll give them that much and the fact that Gabriela thought she hit the jackpot was both amusing and pathetic to her.

If anyone deserved a happily ever after it was her and she was damn sure going to get it. Even if she had to do all the dirty work to obtain it. Sitting at the vanity table in her room she made sure to look her best for tonight.

Wearing a dark forest green sleeveless evening gown that hugged her body in all the right places, it showed off her cleavage magnificently. She knew she’ll be grabbing all the attention tonight. Male and female alike.

Her skin was smooth and glowed from the beauty products she used. Her makeup was flawless that charmed her striking features that she was undoubtably blessed with. Her thick black hair was styled in a braided bun with wisps of ringlets framing her face. A long slit went up one thigh showcasing beautiful, toned skin.

Smiling to herself in the mirror, her eyes twinkled back at her as she carefully opened the single drawer of the vanity. There were a few blank stationery paper, a fancy looking pen with a decorated letter opener for, she assumed, the quests’ pleasure.

Reaching far in the back of the drawer she clasped the small velvet bag the size of her palm tightly and brought it out of its hiding place. Untying the satin strings she carefully took out what was inside and peered down at the small vial of clear liquid. Looking at herself in the mirror once more her eyes became dark with horrible intentions. With a sickening smile she slips the vial between her breasts, pushing if far down into them until the cool glass can no longer be seen.

Once more looking herself over she stands up and heads for the party down below.

***

Slowly walking around the patio of the backyard she tries to mingle here and there with people of low importance to her. It was disgusting to talk with others that held no standing in higher society. She was talking to a bakery owner for God sakes. But although she recoiled on the inside she kept her dazzling smile in place and was the sweetest she could ever be in her life.

It's been a little over an hour since the event started and not once has she seen Enzo be apart from Gabriela’s side. Irritation swam inside of her as an opportunity seems lacking to enact her plan.

So, now she had to find a way to split them apart.

Carefully looking around she takes a drink of the champagne that was being served along with Giovanni’s specialty wine. She quickly walks away from the party, heading towards the warehouse. It was nearly pitch black as the night only grew darker. But thankfully some lights were dimmed enough for her to see her way.

She looks around to make sure no one has spotted her and once the coast was clear she opens the wooden door a slither, slipping through. Earlier in the day while everyone was scrambled to get last minute things completed, she snuck in here, grabbed one of the very expensive wines that was a rarity and broke the seal on it. Quickly taking out the vial from between her breasts she slips the liquid in and gently swirls the bottle for a good minute before securing the cork back in.

Then she hid the bottle in a loft of hay that was kept in the corner for shipping purposes and covered it as best she could. Mentally remembering where it was located when she came back later.

Now she was here to retrieve it. As quickly as she could with the high heels she decided to wear she dug the bottle out and grabbed one of the cloths that was neatly folded for packaging as special gifts. Wrapping it she tucked it to her side and headed back out before she was missed.

Heading to the open bar that was set up and being served by the help’s many cousins she gave him a megawatt smile and leaned in dangerously close where her breasts showcased nearly in his face.

The boy was around her own age but obviously a greenhorn to seductiveness. “Can you please do me a favor?” she asked sweetly.

He just nods with wide eyes as he couldn’t help looking at what she was so graciously showing off.

“This is a very special wine that was crafted by the owner himself. Since it’s his birthday he wanted to share a glass with his grandsons later tonight. Can you make it special for them by presenting it in the study where they can have their celebrated drink? Just have it ready for them along with this note.”

She quickly gives him the wine along with a small envelope with Enzo’s name written on it. “Enzo will know what to do once he reads it.”

Again she smiles sweetly and leans a little closer while grazing the man’s arm. He clears his throat as he takes both items.

“Sure miss. No problem. I’ll do it for you right away.” His tone was breathy at first as he shakes himself from the awe of her beauty and that someone like her was even talking to someone like him.

He gave a grin of his own and immediately headed off. Taking her glass and bringing it to her lips she gave a rueful smile. Because by the end of the night Enzo was finally going to be hers whether he liked it or not.

***

The party was finally winding down as the hour grew late. Waiting was starting to take its toll on her patience but once she saw Enzo, Giovanni, and Domenico head inside for that celebrated drink she couldn’t help but smile a little devilishly. The event became quite dull for her taste and in future she’ll be sure to liven things up a bit more.

How they weren’t bored was beyond her. But now that the three men went inside as the rest of the guests said their goodbyes the next step of her plan was ready to be set in motion. Gabriela started helping the maid servant with cleanup while she headed inside and went up the stairs but not before she closely and quietly listened through the study door for the men’s laughter and low voices.

Again smiling to herself she went up the steps to her room. It was only a matter of time before the effects started from the wine making the men drowsy. The only flaw was whether Enzo made it to his room before he passed out. But if she had to drag him up the stairs to his room then she would.

Opening her door she turns on the light and jerks back in fright with a sharp intake of breath. Her heart pounded wildly as she stared at the person causally sitting in the lounge chair by her window. She stood stock still staring at him as she demands,

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

Domenico quirks a brow at her tone of voice. “And here I thought you’d be pleased to see me.” He drawls, slightly slouching in the plush chair, legs spread wide apart while he swirls the wine glass he was holding in a lazy way.

Fitted in a dark dress suit that showed his sculpted physique, his shirt’s top buttons undone, he looked quite at home. She quickly recovered herself, pasting on a fake and forced smile.

“Of course I’m pleased to see you, love. I was just surprised. I thought you were downstairs in the study with your grandfather and Enzo having a drink?”

She needed to get him back down there to join them. And fast before this opportunity was missed. He sits forward, placing his elbows on his knees as he stares into the glass like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

“A drink.” He slowly says making her squirm a bit. Domenico was acting a bit strangely. He never showed any kind of hostility before and now waves of it was coming off on him. He seemed…pissed.

“The strangest thing I came upon in the room.” He lifts the wine glass full of the ruby red liquid. “Nonno and Enzo checked on Maria in the kitchen before she went back outside giving me the chance to remove this…”

He reaches behind him and pulls out the wine bottle she had the barkeep place in the study. She doesn’t move, not saying a word trying to keep her composure. His eyes were hooded and dark as he looks straight at her and deeply drawls,

“Now what would a 1962 Giordano classic be doing in the study ready to be drank when it’s specifically meant only for funerals?” Cocking his head he slowly tips the wine and they both watch him pour it onto the rug not caring that the splashes hit his pant legs.

“Funny thing about this wine. It has a very unique taste and the last time we drank it was at my grandmother’s funeral. And if I remember correctly, it didn’t taste anything like this trash.”

Placing the wine glass back on the nightstand next to him he stares at her with such cold eyes that her throat went completely dry.

“But what’s more to my interest Ivy, is what were you doing with it before you brought it to Maria’s nephew, Jose, before he placed it in the study?”