The Devil's Justice - Book 1 ( ? )

ANASTASIA:

"Alessandro!" My father's voice resonated through the hall, brimming with excitement. Narco and Leo followed him closely. "It's been far too long since we've all met." They greeted each other with a swift, professional hug.

Even though they are old companions, they still maintain a professional uptight smile.

Russo nodded politely in response, maintaining his stoic demeanour. I continued to observe him in silence. "Indeed," he replied evenly. "It's been quite an eventful year. Although, my cousin here has made it all the more interesting."

"Ah, yes, your cousin," my father remarked, a touch of playful mockery in his tone. "The one you've been training to take over the Russo group?" 

Russo put on a tight smirk before he nodded.

"James, Leo, Narco," Russo drawled, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "allow me to introduce my brilliant cousin, Oliver." He continued, "He is completing his graduation from none other than the country's finest university, Preston." His eyes sparkled with pride as he spoke of Oliver's accomplishments.

Armani suits. Louis Vuitton Shoes. Rolex in his hands, he walked in. A silver chain dangling from his neck. A blue wrist chain. It was indeed Oliver Rodgerio. The infamous cousin of Alessandro Russo. The Devil, himself.

Oliver's eyes slid into mine, but he did not show any reaction. Quite the actor.

As Russo delved into the extravagant details about Oliver, boasting of his achievements and successes, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the excessive praise. He was nothing like how Russo portrayed him—just a self-obsessed individual who takes pleasure in others' suffering.

Despite wearing a mask in public, soaking in all the admiration, I'm the only one among these people who knows his true face.

I'm certain Oliver has spoken about me to Russo. After all, I'm his mortal enemy now.

"Oliver," I acknowledged, with a tight smile.

"Anastasia," he responded. A sly grin on his face. There was no hint of guilt or fear. This bastard knew what he was doing.

"You must know each other, then?" My father questioned with amusement.

Without breaking the eye contact and a tight smile, I replied, "How can I not, Dad? He is quite the character in College." My statement not only left him flabbergasted but also captivated the attention of those around us. I can see Oliver gritting his teeth, trying to control his anger.

But I was not going to get scared of him anymore. Now is the time. I must tell Dad.

Russo's attention focused on me as he inquired, "You've met him?"

I looked at Russo with a smile before replying, "Isn't it only normal? Since it turns out we're attending the same college."

Dad chuckled, saying, "That's great. Now I feel relieved that Ana has Ben and Oliver at her campus. I was worried about her!"

Russo smiled at him, but I couldn't muster the same enthusiasm. Something tells me that he was well aware of everything going on in Preston. So, to fuel the fire, I took the charge.

"Oh, Dad, you should be rather worried," I said with a hint of concern in my voice.

This time he frowned. "What do you mean?"

I looked straight ahead at Oliver and saw a glimpse of panic and irritation in his eyes. He knew that all his wrongdoings were about to come to light today, in front of everyone, and I didn't hesitate to expose them. I provided a detailed account of what had happened or what was going on in Preston, explaining how he and his friends were still bullying students and how, when I tried to intervene and help the victim, his group had threatened me too.