Chapter 6 - Lessons in Gold and Steel
Eleanor let out a sharp gasp, her hands flying to her mouth as Dante released his grip. Julian collapsed onto his knees in the snow, coughing violently and clutching his bruised neck.
"Get off my property," Dante commanded calmly, without looking back down at his half-brother. "Leo, escort them to the gates. If they return without an invitation, shoot the tires out."
"Yes, Boss," Leo replied, stepping forward with two armed guards.
Eleanor helped her coughing son to his feet, glaring at Dante with pure, unadulterated venom. "You think you've won, Dante? Vane is rallying the southern families. The board won't accept this girl at the winter gala tonight. They will tear her apart."
"Let them try," Dante said flatly.
As Eleanor and Julian were escorted away, Dante turned back toward Maya. His expression softened slightly, though the lingering anger from the confrontation still vibrated through his tall frame.
Maya stood her ground, though her hands were tightly clenched in her dress fabric. "They hate me."
"They hate that you exist," Dante corrected her, walking over to stand beside her. "Because your presence destroys their ambition to take control of the family syndicate. To them, you are an obstacle."
"They're right about one thing," Maya whispered, looking down at the pristine snow. "I don't belong in this world, Dante. I don't know how to act at a winter gala. I don't know how to deal with billionaires or mob bosses. I'm a diner waitress."
Dante reached out, his gloved fingers taking her chin gently, lifting her face until her blue eyes met his dark ones.
"You survived eight months alone in the cold, protecting three children from starvation," Dante said softly. "None of those pampered aristocrats at the gala could survive a single night in your shoes. You don't need to fit into their world, Maya. You just need to let them know that you are protected by mine."
He turned toward the grand entrance. "Mrs. Gable has brought the city's finest dressmakers to your suite. The winter gala is tonight. It is time to show Chicago who rules the North Shore."
By 7:00 PM, Maya stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror in her suite.
She barely recognized the woman staring back at her. She wore a floor-length dress of midnight-blue silk that clung gracefully to her curves before flowing into a subtle train. A diamond necklace—a Vance family heirloom—rested against her collarbone, sparkling brilliantly under the warm lights. Her blond hair was swept up in an elegant style, leaving her long neck exposed.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Dante stepped in, wearing a sharp black tuxedo that emphasized his broad shoulders and commanding presence. He stopped in his tracks, his dark eyes sweeping over her with an intensity that made Maya’s breath catch in her throat.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
"You look breathtaking," Dante said softly, his voice rougher than usual.
"I feel like an imposter," Maya confessed, adjusting the diamond bracelet on her wrist.
Dante walked over, standing behind her in the mirror. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate platinum ring set with a flawless blue sapphire, slipping it onto her left ring finger.
"This belonged to my mother," Dante whispered, his hands lingering over hers. "She was the only person in this family who possessed real grace. Tonight, you wear it."
May you like
Maya looked at the ring, then met his gaze in the reflection. "Dante... why did you really pick me? There were dozens of wealthy heiresses you could have chosen."
Dante met her eyes in the mirror. "Because none of them had eyes as fierce as yours when you stood in that warehouse."
