Chapter 16 - The Charity Gala
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Victor didn't pull the trigger.
Instead, he forced Richard Caldwell to sign over his entire real estate portfolio to a dummy corporation owned by the DeLuca syndicate, effectively stripping the billionaire of everything he owned to pay for his life.
Two weeks later, the Caldwell empire was officially bankrupt.
To cement his absolute victory and show the city who truly held the power, Victor required us to attend the annual Manhattan Charity Gala. It was the most exclusive event of the year, a place where the elite gathered to pretend they weren't ruthless predators.
“Are you sure you want to go?” Victor asked as I stood in front of the vanity mirror in my suite.
I looked at my reflection. I wore a stunning, floor-length gown of liquid black silk, complete with a diamond necklace that cost more than the restaurant I used to work at.
“I’m sure,” I said, turning to face him. “I’m not hiding anymore.”
Victor walked over, looking incredibly handsome in his bespoke tuxedo. He kissed my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. “You look like a queen.”
When we arrived at the Plaza Hotel, the flash of paparazzi cameras was blinding. Victor kept his hand firmly on the small of my back as we walked up the red carpet.
The moment we stepped into the grand ballroom, the room went entirely silent.
Every billionaire, politician, and socialite stared at us. They all knew the rumors. They knew Victor DeLuca had crushed Richard Caldwell, and they all knew he had done it for the waitress walking beside him.
I held my head high. I recognized women from the restaurant—the same women who had watched Ethan shove me to the floor and done nothing. They lowered their eyes as I walked past them.
We took our seats at the head table. The mayor himself came over to shake Victor’s hand, completely ignoring the fact that he was shaking hands with a mob boss.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the entrance.
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The heavy doors swung open. Standing there, looking disheveled, drunk, and completely unhinged, was Ethan Caldwell. His arms were wrapped in heavy casts, and his eyes were manic.
He had a gun in his hand.
