Chapter 3: The Billionaire’s Gambit and the Ballroom Stunner
I didn't blink or look away. I met his intense gaze head-on, letting a confident, subtle smirk touch my lips. "Good evening, Mr. Rossi. And you look like a man who appreciates a front-row seat to an interesting spectacle," I replied, my voice steady despite the adrenaline hammering against my ribs. Nico raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my lack of intimidation. "Is that right? And what kind of spectacle are we talking about?" I turned my head slightly, gesturing with a nod toward the VIP table where Liam and Amber were currently holding court, entirely oblivious to our conversation. "Over there. My ex-fiancé, Liam, and my charming sister, Amber, who decided to share a bed behind my back less than forty-eight hours ago. They are currently basking in the delusion that they broke me."
Nico followed my gaze across the ballroom. His eyes landed on his son, Liam, who was laughing nervously at something Amber whispered in his ear. A cold, razor-sharp expression hardened across Nico’s features—not out of familial affection, but with the distinct chill of a disappointed patriarch who held his bloodline to an uncompromising standard of honor. Liam had always been the entitled, lazy disappointment of the Rossi family, living off his father’s immense wealth while contributing nothing of substance. Nico looked back down at me, his hazel eyes gleaming with a sudden, dangerous spark of shared intellect and mutual understanding. "Ah," Nico murmured softly, a dark smile playing on his lips. "So you brought the ultimate weapon to the battlefield. And you decided my disgraced son’s own father was the finest artillery available."
"Only if you're willing to play your part, Mr. Rossi," I challenged smoothly, tilting my chin up. "I need a escort for the evening. Someone who makes my ex realize the catastrophic magnitude of his stupidity. In exchange... I can promise you thirty minutes of sparkling conversation where no one asks you for a business merger or a campaign donation." Nico let out a short, rich laugh that resonated with deep amusement. He extended his arm gracefully toward me, offering his elbow with old-world charm. "Ms. Harper, an offer like that from a stunning woman is impossible to refuse. Shall we give this ballroom something worth talking about for the next decade?" I placed my hand firmly on his arm, feeling the solid muscle beneath his sleeve, and allowed him to lead me directly out onto the gleaming marble floor, heading straight toward the VIP tables where Liam and Amber were sitting.
