Chapter 5 - The Gala at the DrakeThe grand ballroom of the Drake Hotel was a dazzling sea of crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and two hundred of Chicago’s most powerful elite.
Billionaires, politicians, and socialites chatted near the marble pillars, while private security guards stood discreetly along the perimeter walls.
When Adrian and I stepped through the grand double doors, the ambient noise of the room instantly dropped by half.
Dozens of eyes locked onto us. Women in razor-thin designer dresses stared at my curves with sharp, envious scrutiny, while men lowered their voices, whispering nervously as Adrian walked cleanly down the center aisle.
Adrian didn't glance at them. His hand remained firmly anchored around my waist, pulling my body flush against his side, his posture sovereign and unshakeable.
"Ignore the whispers, cara," Adrian murmured near my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin. "They are barking dogs behind glass."
"I'm not bothered by them, Adrian," I whispered back, holding my chin high, my hazel eyes bright and clear. "I spent five years serving drinks to people like this. I know what they look like when they're afraid."
Adrian let out a low, genuine laugh that vibrated against my shoulder, his gray eyes shining with pure, unadulterated pride.
Suddenly, the crowd near the champagne tower parted.
A tall, sharp-featured man in his late fifties with cold, bloodshot eyes stepped into our path, flanked by four aggressive-looking enforcers in dark coats.
Victor Vance—Adrian’s primary rival.
Victor’s eyes scanned my emerald gown, a cruel, mocking sneer twisting his weathered face as he took a slow sip of his bourbon.
"Adrian," Victor sneered, his voice dripping with condescending venom. "I heard a rumor that you brought a new companion to the port gala. I expected an heiress from New York... not a glorified waitress from a dive bar on 4th Street."
The surrounding guests gasped softly, backing away to give the two men space.
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My fingers tightened slightly around Adrian's arm, but before I could speak, Adrian stepped forward, stepping directly into Victor’s personal space.
The air in the ballroom went bone-cold.
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