Chapter 3 - The Gala of VipersThree days later, Maya found herself thrust into a world she had only ever seen in movies. To keep her safe while his security team neutralized immediate threats, Lorenzo insisted she stay at his estate and accompany him to a high-profile charity gala at the Plaza Hotel. Dressed in a breathtaking emerald gown that Lorenzo’s stylists had provided, Maya looked every bit the high-society companion, though inside, she felt entirely out of place.
As they entered the ballroom, whispers instantly rippled through the crowd. Diplomats, CEOs, and underworld figures alike stared at the formidable Lorenzo Vitale walking hand-in-hand with an unknown woman.
A man with slicked-back gray hair and cold, predatory eyes approached them, raising a glass of champagne. "Lorenzo. I didn't expect you to bring a... new friend into the fold. Especially someone so delicate."
Lorenzo’s hand tightened protectively on the small of Maya’s back. The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. "Keep your distance, Viktor. Or you won't live to see the end of the evening."
May you like
Viktor smiled thinly, his eyes lingering on Maya with a look that made her skin crawl. "A dangerous game you're playing, bringing a civilian into a war zone. Let's see how long she lasts."
As Viktor walked away, Maya realized the terrifying reality of Lorenzo's life. But looking up at Lorenzo’s resolute profile, she didn't feel fear anymore—she felt an unexpected surge of solidarity.
