THEO'S POV
CHAPTER 47 - THE POWER OF HER MUSIC
"You're smirking."
I didn't realize I was until Andreas pointed it out.
I looked up at him at first, then I continued to flip and play with the card Hector left after our conversation. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I realized that my subconscious smirk was a reflection of my amusement at the old man's clever and manipulative tactics.
I must say, it was impressive of him to bring up about my parents, especially my mother, even with ease. This was something even my own family refused to talk about.
He did that just to get my attention, my curiosity.
He sure knew how to manipulate others and play mind games just to achieve his desired outcomes. He would study their weaknesses and exploit them, and play with people's emotions like a fiddle. He would trick his way into their most inner thoughts and use that knowledge to his advantage, leaving them feeling vulnerable and convince them that fulfilling his wish was the right thing to do.
I knew that because I had mastered the art of persuasion and manipulation extensively, I could easily recognize a skilled manipulator when I encountered one, as their tactics and techniques mirrored my own.
Plus, that's my way of living, the becoming of a mafia boss. I thrive on the power of influence and control I have over people's thoughts and actions. I use my skills to bend people's will to suit my own desires and ensure my own success.
This is who I have become--a master manipulator who takes great pleasure in exerting dominance over others and using their vulnerability to my advantage. My manipulation tactics have become second nature to me. I am skilled at exploiting weaknesses and manipulating emotions to achieve my desired outcomes.
I could effortlessly manipulate others to achieve my own goals.
So was Hector.
And Hector's way was flawless.
It wasn't trying hard, not even a conscious effort. He just seemed to know what to do and when to do it. He acted intuitively, guided by his instincts. His actions were seamless and calculated even with the way he talks.
That time, if he chose the wrong words, the situation could have escalated into a violent confrontation. I would have pulled the trigger and killed him on the spot without hesitation just by bringing up that topic about my parents.
But his calculated and careful choice of words diffused the tension and prevented any harm from occurring.
"You should be like him, Andreas. Not at all pushy, not even insistent. He just knew how to choose his words in a way that piqued curiosity and sparked interest without creating any discomfort or aggression. Go straight to the emotions, throw in some subtle guilt, know their fears. By exploiting these emotional triggers, you could easily persuade others to see things from your perspective and take action without feeling pressured or coerced."
"Don't tell me he got you." Andreas said warily.
"No, he didn't get me. Just my curiosity." I answered him sharply.
"That's pretty much the same thing, boss." He snatched the card I was looking at to catch my attention. "The Royal Preston Conservatory of Music," he read. "That's a prestigious school," Andreas remarked, his eyes sparkled in surprise. "Getting accepted there is a huge accomplishment. The granddaughter must be really talented."
I stood up and walked towards the window overlooking the city--my city, taking in the breathtaking view of the sprawling skyline. As I gazed out, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of person the granddaughter of an ex consigliere and daughter of a traitor grew up to be.
Could she be cunning, like her family members before her, with a natural talent for manipulation and deceit running through her veins? Or could she be innocent, unaware of her family's dark history, and simply navigating the world with genuine intentions--oblivious to the expectations placed upon her, and possessing an untainted heart?
Most definitely the latter.
Hector talked about her like she was a saint, praising her kindness, compassion, and selflessness. Admired her unwavering dedication to helping others and her ability to bring out the best in people.
"He even believed that she is their good karma--has the power to bring positive energy and blessings to those around her. And her music brought this power to life, touching the hearts of her listeners, spreading joy and uplifting everyone who listened to her soulful melodies."
"Don't tell me you believe in that kind of stuff," Andreas said mockingly.
"Do you honestly think someone like me would believe in such nonsensical concepts?" I drawled in a low, sarcastic tone, "I'm a man of reason, grounded in the tangible world. How could mere music have such a profound impact on people's emotions and well-being, huh? I'm far too logical and rational to entertain any whimsical ideas that don't fit within my busy and narrow worldview." I turned to look at Andreas who was still glued to the card he was holding.
"They say that music has the power to touch the deepest parts of our souls, evoking feelings, emotions, and memories that words alone cannot express. But you don't do emotions, so I highly doubt that music would have any effect on you." He said with a grin.
"That's true," I said. I stared back at the window and put my hands in my pocket, deep in thought. "Still, I couldn't resist being curious. Hector is a realist. Even though she is his own blood, his granddaughter, he wouldn't think that highly of her. Even dared to come to me and propose a business deal if it's not worth all the trouble."
"So, you're considering it? Getting married?" I could sense Andreas' worry as he spoke. It was like he was concerned that this possible mission would distract me from my main focus and goals in life.
Like that would happen.
"I'm curious." That's all I could say. And whenever I say something, it's always either the real truth or a carefully twisted version of it, depending on how much I want the other person to know.
But when it comes to Andreas, my own consigliere, it's always the real truth.
"I want to see if her talent is worth every damn trouble her grandfather went through to protect her and keep her safe." I didn't wait for Andreas' response, or whatever lecture he was about to give me.
I simply walked out of the study and headed towards the school where I knew I would find her.
Amelia Cordelia Astoria.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and anticipation, eager to witness firsthand the talent her grandfather defended so fiercely.
* * * * * *
"Three days in a row? Wow, for a Mafia boss, you sure have a lot of spare time." My peace was disrupted by the amused and mocking tone of the person I least expected to be here.
I sat up straight and opened my eyes. I turned my attention towards the source of the voice, only to find my right hand, Penelope, towering over me with arms crossed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Well, well, well," she teased, "enjoying a little vacation from the criminal underworld, boss?"
"What do you want?" I retorted, not even bothering to entertain her playful banter.
"Your advisor sent me. He is so sure I'll find you here, and he was so damn right." Penelope sat next to me, crossing her arms and flashing a cheeky grin that signaled she had no intention of leaving me alone anytime soon.
I was at the far end of the theatre music hall, enjoying my supposed relaxation time until she decided to show up and keep me company against my will.
One hour.
One freakin hour in a day where I could enjoy the soothing melodies of the piano and escape from the chaos of the world. But Penelope's unexpected arrival shattered that blissful solitude, leaving me wondering if I would ever truly have a moment to myself.
"Even Mafia bosses need a break from time to time." I scoffed.
"Is that her?" She asked, ignoring my sarcastic remark.
There was pure amusement in her tone. She was leaning forward, her eyes glued to the woman playing the piano. "I agree, even Mafia bosses need a break from time to time. But I never expected to see the notorious Theodore Salvatore be so captivated by someone, let alone a very beautiful woman playing the piano."
I sneered at her, not really impressed with her constant teasing.
"I can't believe you tracked down her timeslot for practices. There is no doubt that Andreas has a right to be alarmed. You are one smitten mafia boss." Penny laughed.
I rolled my eyes at her childish comment. "More like an appreciation for her talent." I corrected her. "Smitten implies deep emotional attachment or infatuation, whereas appreciation only suggests surface-level admiration. And I can't deny the fact that her talent is pretty impressive. I only give credit where credit is due, you know." I pointed out, hoping to put an end to her argument and focus on the fact that Amelia's talent speaks for itself.
But I lost Penny. She wasn't listening to me anymore. She was completely mesmerized by Amelia's performance, her eyes fixed on the stage, lost in a daze of awe and admiration.
I still remember the first day I attended her practice. I was a non-believer in music, skeptical of its power to capture and move people. But, like Penny, I was instantly enthralled when I concentrated on Amelia's performance.
I was captivated by the way her fingers effortlessly danced across the keys, each note resonating with emotion. Her voice had a haunting beauty that broke through the boundaries of skepticism, and I couldn't help but become a fuckin believer. It was as if her music erased any trace of my criminal past and revealed a side I thought I had lost forever.
Amelia made me wonder, did my mother sound like this when she played the violin? Did her violin playing possess the same enchanting quality? I didn't realize until that day that I wanted to catch a glimpse of the musical legacy my mother left behind.
"I must admit," Penny was smiling, her eyes still fixed on Amelia, "it's quite a sight to witness such a formidable figure, the ruthless Scorpion, being charmed by the enchanting melodies of a pianist. Now I understand why you keep on coming back here. It was like her music cast a spell on you--transforming the hardened crime lord into a mesmerized admirer."
"Let's not get carried away with unnecessary labels and just put the spotlight on her talent, okay?"
Penny nodded. I sensed she was staring at me, but I didn't turn to look. Instead, I asked, "what is it now?"
"Such talent should not be put into waste nor kept hidden, Theo." Penelope's voice was filled with conviction as she spoke. "She has a gift that deserves to be shared with the world," Penny continued, her voice hopeful. "Don't let it go to waste."
I kept silent. I didn't answer, but deep down, I already knew what I should do.
So with that, I simply closed my eyes and savor the last ten minutes of Amelia's practice for today.
"Amelia can live the life your mother would have if only she hadn't given up on her dream."
Hector's words echo in my head, and reminded me of the task that I should do.
Amelia will definitely live it for my mother.
-END OF CHAPTER 47-
A/N: Is this going to be a sad love story??? Ohhh, share your thoughts!
THEO'S POVs on the upcoming chapters are all flashbacks until she meets Lia.
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