Chapter 5 - The Gala of Shadows
Three months later.
Maeve Nolan transformed. Gone was the worn apron and faded cardigan. She wore a stunning midnight-blue emerald gown, her dark hair styled in elegant waves, standing beside Dominic Rossi at the grand Metropolitan Alliance Gala.
To the outside world, she was introduced as Miss Nolan, an international trade consultant. In reality, she was Dominic’s secret weapon.
The room was filled with corrupt politicians, syndicate bosses, and international arms dealers speaking a dozen different tongues.
As Dominic mingled, Maeve stood by his side, whispering quick, precise translations directly into his ear.
"The French ambassador is lying about his tariff agreement," Maeve murmured in a low, melodious voice. "The Turkish dealer in the corner just told his bodyguard that the shipment of weapons arriving in New Jersey contains defective firing pins."
Dominic smiled smoothly, nodding to his associate while quietly absorbing every piece of intelligence.
"You are incredible, Maeve," Dominic whispered back, his breath warm against her ear, making her pulse quicken.
Before Maeve could respond, a tall, striking woman with blonde hair approach them. It was Countess Katarina Vance—a powerful European broker who had long sought an alliance—and marriage—with Dominic Rossi.
Katarina smiled coldly at Maeve, then spoke to her associate in a rare, high-society Hungarian dialect: "Who is this cheap little charity case Dominic brought tonight? Make sure her drink is spiked before the auction starts."
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Maeve didn't blush. She smiled back warmly, adjusted her diamonds, and responded in flawless, poetic Hungarian: "The charity case understands every word you say, Countess. And if my drink tastes strange, Mr. Rossi will seize your shipping line by midnight."
Katarina’s face went completely white.
