Chapter 7 - The Winter Gala
The Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel was a sea of velvet, diamonds, and champagne. Chicago’s elite—politicians, judges, corporate titans, and underground bosses—gathered beneath massive crystal chandeliers, whispering amidst the strains of a live string quartet.
When the heavy oak doors swung open and the announcer called out Dante Vance’s name, the entire room fell into a sudden, breathless hush.
Dante walked down the grand marble staircase, his arm securely linked with Maya’s.
Maya held her head high, her posture regal, her hand resting gracefully on Dante’s forearm. She felt the eyes of two hundred powerful people drilling into her, felt the sharp, bitter glares from Eleanor and Julian Vance sitting at a VIP table near the stage, but she didn't waver. She thought of Lily, Leo, and Toby safe at the estate, and her heart turned to iron.
Arthur Vane stood near the bar, holding a glass of scotch, his eyes narrowing into slits of pure fury as he watched Maya glide across the room in midnight blue.
"She looks like a queen," a wealthy senator whispered nearby. "I heard she’s from an old European bloodline Vance kept hidden."
"Nonsense," a woman replied in hushed tones. "She's an orphan. But look at the way he looks at her..."
Dante guided Maya through the crowd, introducing her to key board members and city officials with an effortless authority that commanded absolute respect. Whenever someone tried to ask a probing question about her background, Dante deftly steered the conversation away, his hand resting warm and protective against the small of Maya’s back.
"You're doing exceptionally well," Dante murmured into her ear as they paused near the terrace doors.
"I'm terrified," Maya whispered back, a tiny, genuine smile touching her lips. "But I think your stepmother looks like she swallowed a lemon."
Dante let out a low, genuine laugh—a sound so rare and rich that several nearby guests turned in surprise. "That alone made buying your father's debt worth every penny."
Before Maya could reply, Arthur Vane stepped into their path, blocking the way to the main dining area. He was flanked by two corrupt city councilmen.
"Vance," Vane sneered, his eyes flicking maliciously to Maya’s sapphire ring. "A lovely evening. Though I didn't realize the Vance Syndicate had begun taking in charity cases from the railyard."
The surrounding guests gasped softly, hushed whispers instantly breaking out across the room.
Dante didn't flinch. He took a slow step forward, shielding Maya slightly with his body. "Arthur. I see you haven't left my district yet. I believe I gave you until midnight."
"I stay where I want, Vance," Vane sneered, raising his voice so the nearby board members could hear. "And I think the board deserves to know that your lovely bride’s father was a thieving accountant who burned his own house down to escape his debts to my family!"
The ballroom went dead silent. Eleanor Vance smiled cruelly from her table.
Maya felt a surge of hot anger rush through her veins. She didn't hide behind Dante. She stepped forward, standing directly beside her fiancé, her eyes flashing like steel.
"My father was an honest man, Mr. Vane," Maya said, her voice clear, calm, and carrying across the silent ballroom. "He was targeted by extortionists like you who tried to steal his land records. And as for my father's debt—it was paid in full three days ago by the man standing beside me. Which means you have no business here, and no standing in this city."
She looked at the surrounding board members, her presence so commanding and fierce that no one dared speak.
May you like
Dante looked at Maya, his heart surging with a sudden, overwhelming pride. He turned back to Vane, his dark eyes turning lethal.
"You heard my wife," Dante said coldly. "Security. Escort Mr. Vane out of the building. If he resists, break his legs."
