Chapter 17 - The Ambush at the Plaza
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Screams erupted across the ballroom. The wealthy elite scrambled like frightened animals, diving under tables and overturning champagne towers.
“DeLuca!” Ethan screamed, waving the gun wildly. “You ruined my family! You ruined my life!”
Victor didn't dive for cover. In one fluid motion, he stood up, shoving me violently behind him, shielding my body with his own.
Marco and the other DeLuca guards drew their weapons instantly, but they couldn't fire. The room was too crowded; the risk of hitting a senator or a CEO was too high.
Ethan’s eyes locked onto me, hiding behind Victor’s broad shoulders.
“This is all because of that pathetic waitress!” Ethan sobbed, stepping forward.
“Put the gun down, Ethan,” Victor said, his voice terrifyingly calm, echoing over the screaming crowd. “You are drunk. You don't want to die tonight.”
“I have nothing left!” Ethan roared.
He leveled the gun directly at Victor’s chest.
Everything happened in a fraction of a second.
I didn't think. I reacted with pure, unadulterated instinct. I reached into the hidden slit of my silk gown, strapped to my thigh, and pulled out the silver .38 caliber pistol Victor had given me.
As Ethan pulled the trigger, I stepped out from behind Victor, raised my gun, and fired.
Two deafening shots rang out in the ballroom.
The chandelier above us shattered, dropping crystal glass over the crowd.
Ethan’s shot went wide, hitting the marble pillar next to Victor’s head.
My shot hit Ethan perfectly in the shoulder.
The force of the bullet spun the billionaire’s son backward. He collapsed onto the red carpet, screaming in agony, dropping his weapon.
Marco and the guards swarmed him instantly, pinning him to the floor.
The ballroom descended into absolute, stunned silence.
Victor slowly turned around. He looked at the smoking silver pistol in my trembling hand. He looked at my fierce, terrified expression.
I slowly lowered the gun, my heart hammering against my ribs so hard it physically hurt.
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“I told you,” I whispered, tears pricking my eyes. “I won't let you throw your life away for a petty grudge.”
Victor didn't say a word. He closed the distance between us, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed me fiercely in front of the entire terrified room.
