Chapter 12 - The Serpent Strikes
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The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was a sea of crystal chandeliers, expensive champagne, and dangerous people smiling politely.
Silas stood near the center of the room, holding court with a group of powerful politicians and rival syndicate bosses. He looked like the undisputed king of New York.
Until the heavy double doors opened, and Damon walked in.
The entire ballroom went silent. The music slowly faded. The sea of guests parted like Moses at the Red Sea, making a clear path for Damon and Naomi.
Silas’s smug smile vanished instantly. His eyes darted to Naomi, recognition flashing across his face like a physical blow. The nurse who had disappeared with the heir. She was here, on his brother’s arm.
Silas knew immediately that the game was over.
“Damon,” Silas said, recovering quickly and forcing a wide, fake smile. “What a wonderful surprise. We didn't expect you.”
“I’m sure you didn't, Silas,” Damon replied, his voice carrying effortlessly over the quiet room. “But I felt it was time to rejoin society. And to introduce my... partner, Naomi.”
Silas’s jaw tightened. He looked at Naomi with pure, unadulterated venom. “Naomi. How lovely. I wasn't aware you were seeing anyone, brother.”
“There are a lot of things you aren't aware of, Silas,” Damon said smoothly. “For example, the recent audit I conducted on the European shipping routes.”
A few of the syndicate bosses standing nearby shifted uncomfortably. Audits in their world usually meant bloodshed.
“This is a charity gala, Damon,” Silas hissed, stepping closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Don't make a scene.”
“I’m not making a scene,” Damon said, picking up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “I’m making an announcement.”
Damon turned his back to Silas and walked toward the small stage at the front of the ballroom. The crowd watched in breathless anticipation.
Damon tapped the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Damon’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Thank you for gathering tonight. Three years ago, I lost my wife, Elena, to what I believed was a tragic medical failure.”
May you like
The room held its collective breath.
“However,” Damon continued, his eyes locking dead onto his brother. “I recently discovered that her death was not an accident. It was a targeted assassination, orchestrated by someone in this very room.”
