Chapter 9 - Humiliation at the Syndicate Gala
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Three days later, the annual Commission Gala was held at the Plaza Hotel. It was the most important event of the year, where all five New York crime families gathered to negotiate territories and show off their wealth.
Vance Moretti had managed to bail Bianca out of jail on a two-million-dollar bond. They arrived at the gala early, attempting to save face by surrounded themselves with their remaining loyal enforcers.
Bianca wore a heavy layer of makeup to hide her smug anger, wearing a shimmering gold dress, trying to act as though nothing had happened.
“Dominic Rossi ruined his own family for a maid,” Bianca sneered loudly to a group of mafia wives near the bar. “He’ll show up tonight alone, looking like a fool—”
The double doors of the grand ballroom swung open.
The trumpet fanfare fell silent as the room gasped in collective shock.
Dominic Rossi stepped into the ballroom.
On his arm was not an heiress, nor was he alone.
I stood beside him, wearing a custom, floor-length deep emerald silk gown that hugged my curves perfectly. My hair was styled in dark waves, and the sapphire necklace sparkled brightly under the crystal chandeliers.
The stitches on my cheek were visible, left uncovered on purpose—a mark of absolute honor and sacrifice that everyone in the room recognized instantly.
Dominic held my hand tightly, leaning down to whisper in my ear. “Keep your head high, my queen. You own this room.”
Bianca’s champagne glass shattered on the floor.
Her jaw dropped as she stared at me—the woman she had called a clumsy, fat maid—now looking like the absolute monarch of the Rossi empire.
Vance Moretti stormed over, his face flushed with fury. “Dominic! Is this a joke to you?! You bring a servant to the Commission table?!”
The head of the Commission, Don Carmine, stepped forward, his eyes fixed on my cheek and the sapphire necklace.
“Silence, Vance!” Don Carmine barked, his powerful voice ringing across the ballroom. “This young woman bled protecting the Rossi matriarch. She showed more loyalty than your daughter showed in three years of engagement.”
Don Carmine raised his glass toward me. “To Skyler. A true woman of honor.”
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The entire ballroom raised their glasses, shouting their approval.
Bianca looked around the room, realization dawning on her face: she hadn't just lost Dominic—she had lost her place in high society forever.
