Chapter 11 - The Altar
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The reception was a masterclass in opulent distraction.
The massive white tent glowed with thousands of fairy lights. Waiters—half of whom were armed hitmen—wove through the tables pouring vintage champagne. The orchestra transitioned into lively, celebratory jazz.
Alessandro and Genevieve sat at the head table, the picture of newlywed bliss. They cut the massive, five-tier cake together, smiling for the flashing cameras of the society photographers.
“I am so incredibly happy,” Genevieve whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“The night is still young, my love,” Alessandro replied, tracing circles on her bare arm. “The best is yet to come.”
At exactly 9:00 PM, Alessandro caught Matteo’s eye across the room. Matteo gave a single, almost imperceptible nod. The digital marriage certificate had just been filed with the county clerk.
The twenty-minute biometric override window for the master safe had officially begun.
Right on cue, a waiter bumped into Genevieve’s chair. A glass of dark red wine spilled, splashing violently across the pristine ivory silk of her wedding dress.
“Oh my God!” Genevieve gasped, jumping up from her chair, her face a mask of perfect, devastated shock.
The waiter—one of Silas’s men—began profusely apologizing, trying to dab the dress with a napkin.
“It’s alright, it’s alright,” Genevieve said, forcing a stressed smile for the watching guests. She turned to Alessandro, looking completely distraught. “Darling, I need to go to the master suite. My maid of honor has a stain remover in her emergency kit. I’ll be right back.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Alessandro asked, playing the concerned husband.
“No, no,” she insisted quickly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Entertain our guests. I’ll be down in ten minutes.”
Alessandro watched her hurry out of the tent, her ruined white dress trailing behind her.
As soon as she disappeared into the mansion, Alessandro saw Silas quietly set down his serving tray and slip out the back exit of the tent, following her into the house.
The heist was officially underway.
May you like
Alessandro picked up his champagne glass, tapped it gently with a silver fork to get the crowd’s attention, and stood up to deliver his toast.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Alessandro smiled broadly. “If I could have your attention. I have a very special announcement to make.”
