Chapter 13 - THE RIVAL FROM GENEVA
The retreat of the building inspector was only a temporary skirmish. The true architect of the threat revealed himself forty-eight hours later.
An invitation arrived at the Vale estate—a heavy cream card embossed with gold leaf, inviting Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Vale to a private charity gala at the Metropolitan Club in downtown Chicago. The signature at the bottom read: Sebastian Vance, CEO of Apex Legacy Group.
"Sebastian Vance," Dominic muttered as he stood in his dressing room, tying his silk bow tie. "The son of Arthur Vance. Arthur was my father's chief financial manipulator before my father eliminated him twenty years ago."
Emma walked out of the adjoining closet, wearing a breathtaking floor-length emerald green gown that accentuated her dark hair and warm complexion. She wore no diamond necklaces or flashy jewelry, only her gold wedding band.
Dominic stopped tying his tie, turning to look at her. His gray eyes softened with intense admiration. "You are absolute perfection, Emma."
"And you look like a billionaire who means business," Emma smiled, walking over to finish tying his bow tie with practiced grace. "So, Sebastian Vance wants revenge for his father?"
"He wants more than revenge," Dominic said, looking into her eyes. "He wants to prove that he is smarter than the Vale name. He thinks I'm weak because I turned the family business into a charity."
"Then let's go show Mr. Vance what real power looks like," Emma said, slipping her arm through his.
An hour later, the grand ballroom of the Metropolitan Club was filled with Chicago's wealthiest elites, politicians, and foreign investors. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over the crowd, while a string quartet played softly in the corner.
When Dominic and Emma entered the room, a quiet hush swept through the high-society crowd. Dominic’s transformation from an underground lord to a legitimate titan was the stuff of legends, and Emma’s radiant, grounded presence made them the undisputed power couple of the city.
A tall, polished man with slicked-back silver hair and sharp, rat-like eyes approached them, holding a glass of champagne.
"Dominic Vale," the man purred, bowing his head slightly. "And the famous Emma Carter-Vale. It is an honor to finally meet the woman who tamed the beast of Lake Michigan."
"Sebastian Vance," Dominic replied, his voice calm, polite, and colder than ice. "You're a long way from Switzerland."
"Chicago is a city of opportunity, Dominic," Sebastian smiled, taking a sip of champagne. "It's a pity to see so much prime real estate wasted on... community centers and free clinics. Imagine what Apex could build on that land. Luxury towers, high-end casinos, private clubs."
Emma stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "We don't need to imagine luxury towers, Mr. Vance. The people of Chicago need homes, care, and dignity. Things your money can't buy."
Sebastian's smile tightened slightly, his eyes flashing with condescending arrogance. "Ah, the noble nurse. How charming. But beauty and high ideals don't pay property taxes, Mrs. Vale. Apex has just acquired sixty percent of the municipal debt notes for your foundation's land. By next month, we will foreclose."
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Dominic didn't flinch. He leaned in slightly, his imposing frame casting a shadow over Sebastian.
"Try it, Sebastian," Dominic whispered, his tone so low and lethal that Sebastian's arrogant smile completely vanished. "You think you're playing a game of chess with deeds and debt. But remember whose name is on the gates of this city."
