Chapter 3 - The Gala of Vipers
Three days later, the news of Gabriel Moretti’s sudden engagement sent shockwaves through New York’s high society and the underworld syndicate alike. To solidify the marriage publicly, Gabriel hosted a black-tie engagement gala at the Plaza Hotel.
Emma stepped out of the private elevator wearing an emerald silk gown that matched the central stone of her ring. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and a diamond necklace given to her by Gabriel rested against her collarbone.
Beside her, Gabriel looked striking in a midnight-black tuxedo, his hand resting securely against the small of her back as they navigated the crowded ballroom.
"Keep your chin up," Gabriel whispered near her ear. "Half the people in this room would love to see you falter. Don't give them the satisfaction."
Across the room, whispers broke out among the elite. Among them stood Lorenzo Falcone, the ruthless head of the rival Falcone crime syndicate, standing alongside Victor Rossi and Derek Shaw, who was miraculously dressed in a tux despite his termination.
Lorenzo approached them holding a glass of scotch, his cold gray eyes assessing Emma with blatant disrespect.
"Gabriel," Lorenzo drawled. "Congratulations. I must admit, we were all surprised to hear you chose a domestic servant to replace Elena. I suppose grief makes men pick whatever is convenient."
The air around Gabriel instantly dropped below freezing. "Watch your tongue, Lorenzo."
Derek stepped forward, a smug smirk on his face. "Careful, Gabriel. Your new bride has quite a history. She was practically begging me for money three weeks ago. Now she’s wearing millions in diamonds. Quite the gold digger, wouldn't you say?"
Before Derek could finish his sentence, Gabriel snapped.
In one swift, fluid movement, Gabriel grabbed Derek by the throat, slamming him hard against the marble pillar behind him. Glasses shattered as nearby guests gasped and backed away.
Gabriel’s grip was iron. Derek’s eyes bulged in shock as he clawed at Gabriel’s hand, his breath cut off instantly.
"You speak her name again," Gabriel growled, his voice a low, terrifying rattle, "and I will tear your agency apart brick by brick, and throw you into the Hudson River myself."
Lorenzo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Easy, Gabriel. It’s a party."
Gabriel released Derek, who crumpled to the floor, gasping and coughing violently. Gabriel adjusted his cuffs, entirely unfazed, before turning back to Emma, whose heart was pounding.
May you like
He reached out, tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow. "Shall we dance, my love?"
Emma looked at Derek on the floor, then up at Gabriel’s unyielding, protective face. A wave of profound safety washed over her. She nodded, stepping onto the dance floor with the most dangerous man in New York, knowing he would burn the world down to protect her.
