Chapter 5 - The Master’s TrapThe days leading up to the Winter Gala moved with terrifying speed.
I played my role to absolute perfection. I pretended to be scared, distant, and weak in front of Nico. When he pressed me about the trust papers, I cried and told him I was terrified of his father.
Nico fell for it completely. His arrogance blinded him to reality.
"Don't worry, baby," Nico had laughed in my bedroom two nights before the Gala, pouring himself a glass of bourbon. "Just sign where my lawyer tells you to sign at the Gala. Once my father transfers the holding company, I'll take care of everything. You won't have to worry about a thing."
"You promise, Nico?" I asked, looking up at him from the vanity mirror as I brushed my hair. "You'll protect me?"
"On my life, Myra," he lied effortlessly, walking over to kiss the top of my head. "You're my girl."
By 7:00 PM on the night of the Winter Gala, the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was transformed into a winter wonderland of white orchids, crystal chandeliers, and silver ice sculptures.
Over three hundred people filled the room—mafia bosses from all five families, corrupt politicians, high-society socialites, and dozens of undercover federal agents lurking near the exits.
Nico stood near the main bar, wearing a crisp Tom Ford tuxedo, holding a glass of champagne, flanked by Chloe Vance, who wore a striking red dress—the exact same color dress I had worn the night I found them out.
"Where is she?" Chloe whispered nervously, checking her diamond watch. "The board meets in twenty minutes in the private VIP room upstairs. Did she back out?"
"She’s upstairs getting ready," Nico sneered, taking a sip of champagne. "She’s terrified out of her mind. She’ll sign whatever I put in front of her. By midnight, the DA will have her name on the warehouse leases, I’ll have my mother’s thirty million dollars, and we’ll be on a flight to Miami."
Chloe smiled, leaning in to kiss Nico’s cheek. "You're brilliant, baby."
"I know," Nico grinned.
Suddenly, the chatter in the grand ballroom died down into a sudden, heavy hush.
Nico and Chloe whirled around toward the grand marble staircase.
Stepping down the stairs was Leo Casaro. He looked magnificent in an immaculate black tuxedo, radiating an aura of total, crushing power.
And walking arm-in-arm beside him was me.
I wore a breathtaking, custom-made navy silk gown that clung to every curve, cascading down to the floor like liquid night. Around my neck sat a stunning vintage sapphire necklace from the Casaro vault—a piece that had belonged exclusively to Leo’s late mother. My hair was styled in sleek, royal waves, and my eyes burned with an icy, unyielding confidence.
Nico’s champagne glass hovered halfway to his mouth. His eyes nearly bulged out of his head.
"What..." Chloe gasped, her face going pale. "What is she wearing?! That’s the Casaro Family Sapphire!"
"Why is she walking with my father?!" Nico muttered, a cold wave of sudden dread washing over him.
Leo led me down the stairs as the crowd parted like the Red Sea, making way for the King of New York and the woman beside him.
My father, dressed in a sharp dark suit provided by Leo, met us at the foot of the stairs, offering me a proud, tearful smile. I took my father’s hand, giving it a loving squeeze before stepping up to where Nico and Chloe stood.
"Nico," I said smoothly, my voice carrying effortlessly over the surrounding crowd. "Chloe. You both look... desperate tonight."
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Nico’s jaw tightened. "Myra, what the hell is this?! Why are you wearing my grandmother’s necklace?! Why were you coming down with my dad?!"
"Because, Nico," Leo’s deep, booming voice cut through the air, drawing the attention of every family boss in the room. "It is time for the formal signing of the Casaro Family Trust."
