Chapter 1 - The Illusion of Virtue|
The champagne glass resting in Elena Marlowe’s hand sparkled under the towering crystal chandeliers of the Vanderbilt Grand.
To anyone watching, it was just another sparkling beverage circulating through Manhattan’s most exclusive charity gala. To the person who paid for it, it was a weapon.
Elena stood near the edge of the sprawling ballroom, smoothing the front of her dark emerald silk gown. At thirty-eight, she had built a reputation as one of the city’s sharpest architectural preservation consultants. She was independent, wildly successful, and completely uninterested in playing the role of a trophy partner.
She was also sixteen weeks pregnant.
The pregnancy was a closely guarded secret. Only three people in the world knew: Elena, her obstetrician, and her partner, Raphael Moretti.
Across the room, Raphael stood framed by a wall of white orchids, holding court among real estate moguls and city commissioners. At forty-four, the founder of Moretti Infrastructure Group commanded a logistics and technology empire valued at nearly nine billion dollars. Business journals loved to paint him as a ruthless tyrant, subtly hinting at dark mob ties whenever his competitors mysteriously folded.
In truth, Raphael wasn't a gangster. He didn't order beatings or bury bodies under high-rises. But he had spent twenty-five years mastering a ruthless industry where desperation wore tailored suits.
Even while speaking with a city planning commissioner, Raphael’s dark eyes swept the ballroom every few minutes, tracking Elena’s every move.
When his gaze caught hers, his jaw tightened imperceptibly.
You okay? the look asked.
Elena gave him a tiny, reassuring nod.
May you like
Fine, she signaled back.
Raphael’s eyes narrowed. He knew her too well. To Raphael, whenever Elena said she was "fine," it usually meant she was hiding something just to prevent him from taking over her life.
