Chapter 7 - The Gala
Three weeks later, the annual New York Metropolitan Business Gala was held at a grand historic estate in Long Island.
It was the premier event for the city’s high society, attended by politicians, high-profile CEOs, and elite family dynasties. It was an event where power was displayed, alliances were formed, and reputation was everything.
For ten years, Dominic Vale had attended this event alone, sitting at his corner table like a dark king, intimidating everyone who dared approach him.
Tonight was different.
When Dominic’s sleek black Maybach pulled up to the red carpet entrance, a crowd of photographers and journalists pressed against the velvet ropes.
The valet opened the door, and Dominic stepped out. He looked imposing, dangerous, and impossibly handsome in a bespoke black tuxedo with a dark silk bow tie.
He didn't step onto the carpet immediately. Instead, he turned, extending a hand back into the vehicle.
A foot draped in an elegant emerald-green silk heel stepped out, followed by a woman who instantly captured every camera lens on the drive.
Ruby was breathtaking.
She wore a custom emerald-green satin evening gown designed specifically for her voluptuous curves. The gown cinched tightly at her waist, flowing down over her full hips into a soft floor-length train, while the off-the-shoulder neckline highlighted her smooth, glowing collarbones and soft skin. Her dark hair was styled in glamorous, retro Hollywood waves, and her lips were painted a striking crimson red.
She took Dominic’s hand, stepping out onto the carpet with natural, effortless elegance. She held her head high, completely unbothered by the flashing cameras, her warm dimpled smile lighting up the night.
Dominic wrapped a possessive arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side as they walked past the photographers into the grand ballroom.
"You're staring," Ruby whispered to him, her hazel eyes dancing with amusement as they stepped onto the polished marble floor of the ballroom.
"I have every right to stare," Dominic murmured near her ear, his deep voice sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "You look like a queen, Ruby."
"I feel like a queen," she admitted, smoothing the front of her rich satin dress. "Though these heels are definitely going to test my endurance by nine o'clock."
"If your feet hurt, tell me," Dominic said, his tone instantly serious. "I will carry you out to the car myself."
Ruby laughed, pressing her shoulder against his arm. "Deal."
As they moved into the crowd, whispers rippled through the room like wildfire. High-society women in sample-size designer dresses whispered behind their champagne glasses, staring at Ruby’s full, curvaceous frame and her confident posture. Business rivals exchanged astonished glances, stunned to see the feared, solitary mafia boss standing with a woman who held his arm so comfortably, laughing openly at his dry remarks.
Among the crowd was Arthur Vance, a wealthy real estate developer and long-time business rival of Dominic’s.
Arthur stepped into their path, a champagne flute in hand, a smirking, condescending smile on his face.
"Dominic," Arthur said, his tone dripping with fake warmth. "I didn't think you'd make it tonight. And who is your lovely companion?"
"Ruby Bennett," Dominic introduced coldly, his arm tightening around Ruby’s waist.
Arthur’s eyes swept over Ruby, taking in her generous curves with an arrogant, critical gaze. "Ah. Miss Bennett. A stunning dress. Quite... generous in its proportions. Tell me, which old family dynasty do you belong to? The Newport Bennetts, perhaps?"
Ruby smiled warmly, refusing to take the bait. "Oh, no, Mr. Vance. I belong to the Brooklyn Bennetts. My father ran a bakery, and my mother was a nurse."
Arthur’s smirk widened slightly. "A bakery. How quaint. So, what line of work are you in, Miss Bennett? Philanthropy? Art curation?"
Before Ruby could answer, Dominic stepped forward half an inch, his eyes turning to black ice, his tall frame completely towering over Arthur. The air around them instantly temperature-dropped.
"Miss Bennett is the Executive Director of my private foundation," Dominic said, his voice dropping into a low, terrifying pitch that made Arthur’s smirk instantly vanish. "And she possesses more grace, intelligence, and talent in her little finger than your entire family has produced in three generations."
Arthur swallowed hard, taking an involuntary step back under Dominic’s lethal glare. "I... I meant no offense, Dominic—"
"You should be careful with your words tonight, Arthur," Dominic warned softly, leaning in close. "Or I might decide to review your real estate leases in Newark tomorrow morning."
Arthur’s face turned pale. He mumbled a hasty excuse and quickly retreated into the crowd.
May you like
Ruby looked up at Dominic, a soft, affectionate smile warming her lips. She reached up, gently touching his cheek. "You didn't have to defend me, Dominic. I can take care of myself."
"I know you can," Dominic whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead in front of the entire ballroom. "But protecting what is mine is my privilege."
