Chapter 5 - The Gala and the Dress
Two weeks later, the Moretti estate was transformed into a glittering fortress of high society for the annual Autumn Gala—a massive charity event that Matteo hosted every year to maintain his public image among Boston's elite.
The house was packed with politicians, wealthy heiresses, foreign diplomats, and high-ranking syndicate figures. Champagne flowed like water, string quartets played in the ballroom, and dozens of security guards in tuxedos milled through the crowd.
Grace had been working since 5:00 AM. Her feet were throbbing inside her scuffed sneakers, her back was stiff, and her hands were raw from polishing silver platters.
At eight in the evening, as she was carrying a tray of dirty champagne flutes back toward the kitchen service hallway, Bianca Vance stepped out from behind a floral arrangement, blocking her path.
Bianca was wearing a glittering, backless red gown worth more than Grace made in five years. She looked stunning, regal, and entirely malicious.
“Watch where you’re going, servant,” Bianca spat softly, glancing down at Grace’s stained apron. “You’re ruining the atmosphere.”
“Apologies, Miss Vance,” Grace said politely, trying to step around her.
Bianca intentionally shifted her foot, catching the tip of Grace’s sneaker.
Grace stumbled. The heavy tray tilted, and three crystal champagne flutes slid off, shattering loudly onto the marble floor. Sticky, expensive champagne splashed violently across the front of Grace’s denim skirt and apron.
The surrounding guests paused, turning to look at the commotion with amused, condescending smiles.
“Oh dear,” Bianca purred loudly, putting a hand over her mouth in fake sympathy. “Look at the mess you’ve made! You really are completely clumsy, aren't you?”
Grace stood frozen, her cheeks burning with pure embarrassment. She looked down at her soaked uniform, the broken glass at her feet, and the sneering faces of the wealthy onlookers.
“Is everything alright here?”
The crowd parted instantly.
Matteo walked into the hallway. He was dressed in a flawless midnight-black tuxedo, looking like an untouchable king. Behind him walked Titan and Nero, wearing sleek black leather harnesses, matching their master’s presence.
Bianca instantly stepped forward, her voice dripping with fake concern. “Matteo! Your clumsy maid just dropped a tray of glass right near my gown! She almost ruined my dress!”
Matteo didn't look at Bianca. He didn't look at the broken glass.
His eyes locked directly onto Grace’s burning face. He saw her trembling hands, her soaked apron, and the sheer, quiet embarrassment in her hazel eyes.
Matteo walked past Bianca without a word. He stepped right over the broken glass and stopped directly in front of Grace.
“Are you hurt?” he asked softly, his voice cutting through the silent room like a blade.
Grace swallowed hard, keeping her eyes down. “No, sir. I’m fine. I’m sorry about the glass—”
“Look at me, Grace,” Matteo commanded gently.
Grace slowly raised her head.
Before the entire room of shocked socialites, Matteo reached up with his bare hand and gently wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Then, he unbuttoned his custom tuxedo jacket, slid it off his broad shoulders, and gently draped it over Grace’s cold, wet shoulders.
The entire ballroom let out a collective, sharp gasp.
Bianca’s face went completely pale. “Matteo! What are you doing?! She’s the maid!”
Matteo turned slowly to face Bianca and the rest of the room. His amber eyes were flashing with a terrifying, murderous fury that made even his hardened security detail take a step back.
“Grace is not just the maid,” Matteo declared, his voice echoing loudly against the high marble ceilings. “She is under my personal protection. Anyone who disrespected her tonight... disrespects me.”
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He turned back to Grace, his expression softening instantly into something so intensely tender it made her breath catch in her throat.
“Go upstairs to my private suite, Grace,” he whispered softly into her ear, his breath warm against her cheek. “Dolores has a new dress waiting for you. You are joining me for dinner.”
