Chapter 15 - THE SYNDICATE GALA|
Two months later.
The Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel was packed with New York’s elite—politicians, billionaires, and the high bosses of the five eastern families.
Tonight was the annual North East Security Gala, and for the first time, Adrian Vale was attending not as a lone, feared mob boss, but with his official fiancée.
When the heavy doors swung open, the murmurs in the room died down instantly.
Adrian walked in wearing a midnight-blue tuxedo, looking powerful and lethal. Beside him, I wore a stunning sapphire-blue silk gown that matched my engagement ring, my dark hair styled in an elegant updo, my posture regal and confident.
"Look at them stare," I whispered to Adrian with a faint smile as we descended the grand staircase.
"Let them stare," Adrian replied, his hand firm and protective against the small of my back. "They're looking at the woman who brought the Vale family into a new era."
Claire met us at the bottom of the stairs, handing me a glass of vintage champagne. "You look incredible, Elena. The Moretti remnants are trembling in the corner."
"Good," I said, taking a sip. "They should know who runs the city now."
As the evening progressed, mob bosses who had once treated me like an insignificant civilian approached our table, bowing their heads in deep respect to both Adrian and me.
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For the first time in ten months, I felt completely secure. We were a team. An unbreakable unit.
Until 10:30 PM, when the ballroom lights flickered violently.
