Chapter 7 - Confronting the Ghost of Julian Whitmore
The Moretti attack had been a desperate, final attempt to reclaim their power. Within twenty-four hours, Roman’s men had neutralized the threat, leaving the DeLuca family more secure than ever before.
But Roman was not satisfied.
He knew who had provided the Morettis with the security codes to the outer gates.
It was Julian Whitmore.
Desperate to avoid the financial ruin that Claire's knowledge could bring, Julian had allied with Roman’s enemies, hoping to eliminate both Claire and the DeLuca triplets in one clean stroke.
The Charity GalaThe grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was filled with New York’s elite.
Julian Whitmore and Vanessa stood near the champagne tower, greeting senators and investors with tight, artificial smiles. The news of the Moretti attack on Blackwood Point had reached the papers, and Julian was confident that Claire was either dead or hiding in fear.
"To new beginnings," Vanessa said, clinking her glass against his.
The double doors of the ballroom opened.
The chatter in the room died instantly.
Claire Bennett—now Claire DeLuca—entered the room.
She was magnificent. She wore a deep emerald silk gown that fit her body like a second skin, her curves celebrated by the expert tailoring. Around her neck sat a collar of diamonds and emeralds that cost more than the entire Whitmore estate. Her hair was pinned up, her skin glowing under the crystal chandeliers.
Beside her walked Roman DeLuca.
He looked lethal, his dark eyes scanning the room like a hawk, his hand resting possessively on Claire's hip.
Claire walked straight toward her ex-husband, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
"Julian," she said, her voice carrying through the quiet ballroom. "You look tired. Perhaps you aren't sleeping well?"
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"Claire," Julian stammered, his eyes darting to Roman, who stood like a shadow behind her. "You... you're alive."
"I am very much alive," Claire smiled, taking a glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray. "And I’ve brought some friends with me. They’re very interested in your offshore accounts, Julian. Especially the ones you used to fund the Moretti family’s operations."
