Chapter 3 - The Gala of Wolves
Three days later.
The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was a glittering sea of diamonds, velvet suits, and high-society champagne. The annual Manhattan Philanthropic Gala was the biggest event of the social season, and tonight, every elite family in New York was present.
I stood near the grand entrance, wearing a breathtaking deep emerald silk gown that fitted like a second skin, exposing my shoulders and falling into a long, dramatic train. Around my neck sat the heavy diamond necklace Richard had given me years ago, its stones catching the light of the crystal chandeliers.
Beside me stood Richard, looking devastatingly handsome in a black tuxedo. His hand rested firmly at the small of my back, his palm radiating a heat that burned through the thin silk of my dress, tethering me to him amidst the sea of staring eyes.
Whispers rippled through the crowd the moment we entered.
"Is that Daphne Sterling? I thought she was engaged to Tristan Vance?" "Haven't you heard? The Vance family went bankrupt overnight! Langum pulled all his capital!" "Look at where his hand is... my god, the rumors were true. She really is with Richard Langum."
I lowered my head, feeling the heat flush up my neck, but Richard’s hand tightened slightly at my waist, lifting me effortlessly against his side.
"Keep your head up, Daphne," Richard commanded in a low, dangerous murmur near my ear. "You are a Sterling. And tonight, you walk beside me. Never look down for these people."
Before I could reply, the crowd parted, and two figures pushed their way toward us.
It was Tristan and his father, Julian Vance.
Tristan looked terrible. His hair was unkempt, dark circles bruised the skin beneath his eyes, and his tux was wrinkled. The arrogance he had displayed three days ago was completely gone, replaced by a desperate, feral panic.
"Richard!" Julian Vance bellowed, stepping directly into our path, his face red with fury. "You crossed the line! You destroyed my company’s stock value in seventy-two hours! Over what? A foolish quarrel between kids?"
Richard didn't even blink. He didn't slow his pace, forcing Julian to step back or be trampled. "You are blocking my way, Julian."
Tristan stepped forward, his eyes locking onto me with a mixture of rage and pleading desperation. "Daphne! Please! Talk to him! Tell him to stop!"
I froze, gripping Richard’s arm tightly.
Tristan took a step closer, reaching out to grab my hand. "Daphne, baby, I was drunk! I didn't mean any of those things I said on the phone! I love you! You know I love you! Don't let this old man ruin our future!"
Before Tristan’s fingers could even brush my skin, Richard moved.
In a lightning-fast motion, Richard stepped between us, his broad hand shooting out and catching Tristan by the throat. The force of the grip brought Tristan to his tiptoes, his air instantly cut off as he clawed helplessly at Richard’s iron fingers.
The entire ballroom went dead silent. Guests gasped, dropping their champagne flutes.
"If you touch her again," Richard said, his voice dropping into a lethal, low register that sent shivers down everyone's spine, "I will not just ruin your father's company, Tristan. I will ensure you never find employment in this hemisphere again."
"Richard! Stop! You're killing him!" Julian screamed, terrified to touch Richard.
Richard looked at me over his shoulder, his eyes dark and questioning. "Daphne?"
I looked at Tristan. I looked at his desperate, pathetic face—the face of the man who had cheated on me, humiliated me, and used me as a trophy for his family's pride.
The fear inside me vanished, replaced by a cold, sudden clarity.
"Drop him, Richard," I said softly, my voice carrying across the quiet room. "He’s not worth getting your hands dirty."
Richard smirked slightly, a terrifyingly handsome expression, and released his grip. Tristan collapsed onto the marble floor, coughing violently and clutching his bruised throat.
Richard turned back to me, extending his arm. "Shall we dance, my sweet?"
May you like
I looked at his offered arm, then up into his slate-gray eyes. For the first time in my life, I didn't see my father's friend. I saw a man who would tear the world apart to keep me safe.
I slipped my hand into his. "I would love to, Richard."
