Chapter 58: Juliana
The restaurant doors swung open, and Matteo stepped inside, his bodyguard following close behind. A haze of cigar smoke trailed after him like a signature, curling and twisting in the air. Dressed in a black silk shirt unbuttoned halfway to reveal a striking gold chain and the edge of a tattoo peeking from his collarbone, he moved with the arrogance of a man who owned the room before even setting foot in it.
In one hand, he held a smoldering cigar, the rich scent of tobacco clashing with the subtle aroma of roasted spices that lingered in the restaurant. His other hand casually adjusted a heavy gold ring on his finger, the afternoon light catching its surface.
His polished leather shoes struck the tiled floor as Matteo’s piercing blue eyes swept across the crowd, daring anyone to hold his gaze. When no one did, a faint smirk tugged at his lips, satisfaction glinting in his expression as he exhaled a slow plume of smoke.
A young staff member, standing just a few feet away, gripped the edge of her notepad tightly before stepping forward. She had been briefed about the arrival of a VIP guest, but now, standing in front of him, the man seemed far more intimidating than she had imagined. Still, her professional smile remained intact as she took a breath.
"Excuse me, sir," she said, her voice steady despite the faint tightness in her throat. "Are you Mr. Matteo Herrera?"
Matteo shifted his gaze to her, dragging his cigar lazily before exhaling a cloud of smoke that curled directly toward her face. He studied her for a beat longer than necessary, his smirk deepening.
"You’re looking at him," he said, his voice low and edged with indifference.
The staff member resisted the urge to cough as the smoke swirled around her. Instead, she gestured with a polite nod and a hand toward the back of the restaurant.
"Please follow me, sir," she said, keeping her tone even and professional.
Matteo took another drag of his cigar, tapping the ash to the floor as he gave her a slow nod. He didn’t speak again, instead following her lead with the same measured strides.
The waiter led them up a staircase, then through a series of corridors. Each room along the way looked like a sealed, shadowed box from the outside, radiating an air of exclusivity. Finally, they stopped at a pair of heavy double doors. The staff member opened them and stepped aside, gesturing for Matteo and his bodyguard to enter.