Chapter 5 - The Public Debut
Three weeks passed, and the fake engagement became a high-stakes chess game. Matthew had systematically choked off Isabel's cash flow, forcing Mr. Ambrose to retreat into hiding to avoid federal charges. To finalize the destruction of Isabel's social standing, Matthew decided it was time for their first public appearance as a couple at the annual Winter Charity Gala—the pinnacle of high society.
Elena stood before the mirror in the penthouse, staring at her reflection. She wore a stunning midnight-blue gown encrusted with thousands of sapphire crystals that caught the light like a starlit night. The bruises on her face and body had faded completely, replaced by a radiant glow born of safety and proper care.
A knock sounded at the door, and Matthew walked in. He stopped dead in his tracks, his usual stoic expression cracking for a brief second as his eyes swept over her. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, looking impossibly handsome.
"You look... exceptional," he said, walking over to place a heavy diamond necklace around her neck. His hands were warm against her skin, causing a shiver to run down her spine that had nothing to do with fear.
"I'm terrified, Matthew," she admitted, looking at him through the mirror. "Everyone will be looking at us. What if I mess up? What if they see through the lie?"
Matthew turned her around gently, his hands resting on her waist. "There is no lie, Elena. Tonight, you are the future matriarch of the Carranza empire. Walk with your head held high. No one in that room has the power to hurt you as long as you are by my side."
When they arrived at the gala, the flashbulbs were blinding. The whispers started the moment Matthew led Elena into the grand ballroom. She held onto his arm, drawing strength from his unyielding presence.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, and standing there was Mr. Ambrose himself, looking desperate and disheveled, flanked by two bodyguards. He had used his remaining influence to sneak into the event.
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"Carranza," Ambrose sneered, his eyes moving greedily over Elena. "You think you can just steal what was promised to me? I paid for her! Her stepmother signed the deed!"
The ballroom went dead silent. Hundreds of pairs of eyes turned toward them. Elena’s breath hitched, but before she could panic, Matthew stepped forward, his aura shifting into something terrifyingly predatory.
