Chapter 6 - A PUBLIC DECLARATION
The elders at the head table began nodding in agreement, murmuring amongst themselves.
An old, respected Don named Lorenzo stood up, resting his hands on his cane. "The evidence is clear. Bianca Moretti violated the sacred laws of respect toward our elders. Don Rossi was entirely within his rights to terminate the betrothal."
Salvatore grit his teeth, trying desperately to salvage his family's pride. "Fine! The betrothal is null! But what of this girl?!" Salvatore pointed angrily at Skylar. "She is a nobody! A common servant! Will the Rossi family elevate a maid to sit at the high table?!"
Skylar felt dozens of sharp eyes turn toward her. She felt a sudden wave of self-doubt creep back into her mind.
Before she could shrink back, Dominic moved.
He walked around the table, stopping directly beside Skylar's chair. He offered her his hand.
Skylar looked up at him, startled. Slowly, she placed her hand in his. His grip was warm, strong, and completely steady.
Dominic lifted her to her feet, standing beside her in front of the entire assembly.
"Skylar Gallagher was a maid in my house," Dominic declared, his deep voice ringing out with supreme authority. "She worked eighteen hours a day to pay for her sick father's life-saving treatment. While others with titles and wealth showed vile cruelty, she showed absolute loyalty, courage, and nobility."
Dominic turned his head, locking his eyes onto Skylar's, his expression softening into something so profound it took Skylar's breath away.
"Class is not born of money or bloodlines, Salvatore," Dominic said, turning back to the room. "It is born of character. Skylar Gallagher possesses more honor in her little finger than your entire household combined."
Dominic paused, taking a breath before making an announcement that caused the entire ballroom—and Skylar herself—to gasp in utter shock.
"From this night forward," Dominic proclaimed, "Skylar Gallagher is under my personal protection as my honored guest and the prospective lady of the Rossi estate. Anyone who dishonors her, dishonors me."
The room went dead silent for two full seconds.
Then, Carmela Rossi began to clap, her face beaming with pure joy and pride.
Elder Lorenzo joined in, clapping his heavy hands together, followed slowly by the rest of the council members one by one.
Salvatore Moretti threw his napkin down in fury, grabbing the hysterical Bianca by her wrist and fleeing out the side doors of the ballroom in complete disgrace.
Skylar stood beside Dominic, her head spinning, her hand still tucked firmly inside his warm, strong palm.
"Mr. Rossi..." Skylar whispered, her voice trembling. "What did you just say?"
May you like
Dominic looked down at her, a tiny, genuine smile playing at the corner of his lips—the first true smile she had ever seen on his face.
"I said what should have been said a long time ago, Skylar," Dominic replied softly. "Now, let's go home."
