Chapter 7 - The Gala
The annual Chicago Children's Hospital Charity Gala was the premier social event of the winter season.
Held in the grand ballroom of the Drake Hotel, the event brought together the city's highest society—corrupt politicians, wealthy shipping magnates, high-society heiresses, and underground syndicate bosses operating under the thin guise of respectable businessmen.
Vincent had attended every year for a decade, always sitting alone at his private balcony table, donating half a million dollars, and leaving within an hour.
This year, everything was different.
The grand double doors of the ballroom opened, and the master of ceremonies announced: "Mr. Vincent Carver and Miss Emma Reed."
A collective hush fell over the three hundred guests in the grand ballroom.
Vincent stepped into the crystal chandelier light wearing a custom midnight-blue tuxedo, looking every inch the powerful, dangerous ruler of the city.
Beside him, holding his arm with graceful poise, was Emma.
She was unrecognizable from the terrified maid who had scrubbed floors four weeks ago. She wore an exquisite emerald-green silk gown that draped flawlessly over her frame, highlighting her slender waist and elegant collarbone. Her brown hair was styled in soft, cascading waves, and around her neck hung a simple, brilliant diamond pendant that Vincent had selected personally from his vault.
She moved with a quiet, natural dignity that commanded the room without trying.
"They're staring," Emma whispered softly, leaning slightly toward Vincent as they descended the grand marble staircase.
"Let them stare," Vincent replied smoothly, his hand gently covering hers where it rested on his arm. "They've never seen true beauty before."
Emma’s cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink, a soft smile breaking across her lips.
At the base of the staircase, Marcus stood in a sharp dark suit, earpiece fitted securely, his eyes constantly scanning the crowd. "Everything is clear on the perimeter, boss. Dr. Evans is personally staying with Lily at the estate with four guards."
"Good," Vincent acknowledged.
As they moved through the ballroom, high-society ladies and prominent executives tried to introduce themselves, eager to curry favor with the powerful Don. Emma handled every interaction with effortless charm, speaking knowledgeably about charity work, pediatric care, and city history, completely captivating everyone she spoke with.
Then, Julianna Moretti stepped into their path.
Julianna was twenty-six, striking, and dressed in a flashy silver sequined dress that clung to her curves. She was surrounded by three high-society friends, all holding champagne flutes. Her eyes were fixed on Emma with pure, unadulterated venom.
"Vincent," Julianna greeted, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "I was surprised to see you here tonight. And with... company."
Vincent stopped, keeping Emma firmly by his side. "Julianna."
Julianna’s eyes dragged slowly down Emma’s emerald dress, landing on the diamond pendant, her lip curling into a sneer.
"I must say, Vincent, your taste has certainly become... charitable," Julianna announced loudly enough for the surrounding guests to hear. "I didn't realize the Carver estate was offering work-release programs for former housekeepers."
A few quiet gasps echoed among the nearby socialites.
Emma didn't flinch. She didn't shrink back, nor did she look down. She stood her ground, holding Julianna’s bitter gaze with calm, unshakeable dignity.
"Housekeeping is honest work, Miss Moretti," Emma said, her voice clear, melodious, and carrying across the quiet circle. "It requires dedication, discipline, and respect for other people's property. Qualities that seem to be lacking in certain social circles."
Julianna’s face flushed bright red. "How dare you speak to me—"
"Julianna," Vincent interrupted, his voice dropping into that deep, terrifying baritone that instantly chilled the air around them. "If you say another word to my fiancée, I will have your father's invitation revoked, and you will be escorted out of this hotel in front of every camera in Chicago."
The word fiancée hung in the air like a ringing bell.
Emma’s eyes widened slightly, her breath catching in her throat as she looked up at Vincent. He hadn't discussed marriage with her yet, but the absolute certainty in his voice made her chest swell with overwhelming warmth.
Julianna stood frozen, her jaw slightly open, humiliation burning in her eyes. Without another word, she turned on her heel and pushed her way through the crowd, her entourage scrambling behind her.
Vincent looked down at Emma, his expression softening instantly. "Are you alright?"
Emma smiled, reaching up to adjust his silk bow tie. "I'm wonderful, Vincent. But I believe you just made a rather large announcement."
Vincent leaned down, his lips touching her ear. "I only spoke the truth early, my love."
May you like
Before Emma could respond, Marcus suddenly stepped close to Vincent, his face pale, his hand pressing tightly against his earpiece.
"Boss," Marcus whispered urgently. "We have an emergency. The security system at the estate just went down. We lost contact with the guards at the east cottage."
