Chapter 6 - High-Society Scorn
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The annual Chicago Syndicate Charity Gala was an event where the elite flaunted their wealth while making backroom deals that decided the fate of the city.
Dominic informed Cassidy that she would be attending.
“I need you to watch Bella in a chaotic environment,” Dominic explained, handing her a long garment bag. “And I need my enemies to see that my family is unified and unbreakable.”
When Cassidy opened the bag, she gasped. Inside was a stunning, floor-length midnight blue silk gown. It was elegant, understated, and cost more than her entire apartment building.
When she stepped out of the fitting room that evening, Dominic was waiting in the foyer. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, looking terrifyingly handsome. He paused, his breath hitching slightly as he took her in.
“You look beautiful,” Dominic said softly.
“I feel like an imposter,” Cassidy admitted, blushing.
“You are exactly where you belong,” he assured her.
The gala was held in a massive, glittering ballroom downtown. The moment they entered, the whispers began. Hundreds of eyes locked onto the notorious mafia boss and the unknown woman holding his daughter’s hand.
Later in the evening, Dominic was pulled into a private meeting with some politicians. Cassidy stood near the buffet with Bella, making sure the little girl wasn't overwhelmed by the noise.
A group of wealthy society women, draped in diamonds and malice, approached them.
“So,” the ringleader, a woman named Eleanor, sneered loudly. “This is the new help. I heard Dominic picked her up from a greasy diner. How quaint.”
Her friends laughed behind their champagne flutes.
“It’s truly tragic,” another woman added maliciously. “First his wife is gunned down in the street, and now he relies on charity cases to raise his traumatized child. The Valenti name is really losing its prestige.”
Bella shrank behind Cassidy, terrified by the cruel tone.
Cassidy felt the familiar, hot anger rise in her chest. She had endured their insults, but bringing up Bella’s trauma was the line.
Cassidy stepped forward, her posture perfect, her voice carrying over the string quartet.
“The Valenti name,” Cassidy said coldly, “is built on strength and loyalty. Things you clearly know nothing about, considering your husband was just indicted for embezzling charity funds last week, Eleanor.”
Eleanor choked on her champagne, her face turning a violent shade of red. The surrounding guests fell dead silent, eagerly absorbing the scandal.
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“How dare you speak to me—”
“I dare because I know exactly who I am,” Cassidy interrupted, her eyes flashing. “And I know you are nothing but cheap gossip wearing expensive jewelry. Now, step away from my girl.”
