Chapter 3 - The Black Rose Emblem|
Niko slipped the small gold key into his vest pocket, his gaze never leaving Victoria Whitmore's pale face.
“This gala is over,” Niko announced. His voice wasn't loud, but two dozen security guards in dark suits immediately began guiding the whispering guests toward the grand exits.
Richard Whitmore rushed up the stage steps, his face red with anger. “Moretti, this is a family matter! My stepdaughter stole a multi-million-dollar necklace and vandalized my daughter’s showcase!”
Niko turned slowly to face Richard. “This hotel belongs to me, Whitmore. Which means everything that happens on this stage is my business.”
“The key belongs to the Whitmore estate!” Victoria demanded, her voice cracking as she approached the stage, dropping her calm facade. “Eleanor’s personal belongings were absorbed into our family trust after her death!”
Ava stepped forward, wrapped in Niko’s oversized coat. “My mother’s work was never yours, Victoria. You took her house, you took her designs, but you didn't know she hid this key inside the dress she made for me.”
Bianca pointed an accusing finger at Ava. “You put that key there yourself! You’re trying to ruin my big night!”
Niko stepped between Bianca and Ava, his tall frame blocking the younger woman completely.
“Marco,” Niko said quietly.
A large, scar-faced man stepped out from the shadows beside the stage. “Yes, Boss?”
“Take Miss Monroe to the private penthouse,” Niko ordered. “Ensure no one from the Whitmore family comes within fifty feet of her.”
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“You can’t detain my daughter!” Richard shouted.
Niko leaned in close to Richard, his dark eyes cold as winter ice. “I’m not detaining her, Richard. I’m protecting her from the people who just tried to frame her in front of three hundred witnesses.”
