Chapter 8 - The Viper's Nest
The flashbulbs were blinding. As the black SUV pulled up to the red carpet at the Plaza Hotel, the paparazzi surged forward like a pack of starving wolves.
"Keep your eyes on the doors, not the cameras," Alessandro murmured against my ear, his breath sending a shiver down my spine. "Don't rush. We own the clock."
When the door opened, Alessandro stepped out first, buttoning his jacket. Then, he turned and offered me his hand. The moment my stiletto hit the pavement, the crowd erupted. Questions were shouted at deafening volumes, but Alessandro’s grip was a steady anchor. We walked the carpet in synchronized perfection. I kept my chin high, channeling every ounce of fake confidence I could muster.
Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. The elite of New York parted for us, their whispers sharp and frantic. I could feel the judgmental stares analyzing my dress, my hair, the ring on my finger.
Then, the crowd parted for a different reason.
Richard Cole stepped into our path. He was a silver-haired man with cold, reptilian eyes. Beside him stood Vanessa, wearing a revenge dress of crimson silk, glaring at me with a hatred so pure it practically vibrated.
"Alessandro," Richard purred, though his jaw was tight. "A bold move, showing your face here tonight. And bringing the help."
Alessandro didn't flinch. He smiled—a predatory baring of teeth. "Richard. I see you’re holding up well for a man whose stock plummeted thirty percent this morning. And Vanessa. Still padding your wardrobe, or is the silicone back in the box?"
Several nearby guests gasped. Vanessa flushed a violent, mottled red.
"You arrogant bastard," Richard hissed, stepping closer. "You think you can humiliate my family and walk away? I will crush your syndicate. And as for this little gold-digger you pulled out of the gutters..."
Richard locked eyes with me. "I know who you are, Maya Evans. I know exactly who your husband was. Be very careful. Construction accidents are terribly common."
The threat was naked. Brutal.
Before Alessandro could react, I felt a sudden, icy calm wash over me. I wasn't the grieving, terrified widow anymore. I was a mother protecting her child.
I took a half-step forward, closing the distance between myself and the billionaire.
"My husband was a good man, Mr. Cole," I said, my voice carrying clearly over the ambient noise. "He built things. He didn't have to steal from the city to feel powerful. If anything happens to me or my daughter, the files Daniel left behind—the ones currently sitting in a secure offshore server—go straight to the federal prosecutor. So yes. Let's both be very careful."
Richard Cole’s smug expression shattered. He looked like he’d just been struck by lightning.
Alessandro’s grip on my waist tightened possessively. He looked down at me, absolute awe dancing in his dark eyes.
"Enjoy the gala, Richard," Alessandro said smoothly. He steered me away, leaving the Cole family standing in stunned, panicked silence.
As soon as we were out of earshot, Alessandro pulled me into a secluded alcove. "Is there a server?" he demanded quietly.
May you like
"No," I whispered, my heart hammering against my ribs. "I bluffed."
A slow, wicked smile spread across the Mafia King’s face. "Remind me never to play poker with you, Maya."
