Chapter 5 - The Master’s TrapThe six days leading up to the Winter Solstice Gala vanished in a blur of calculated, high-stakes tension.
I played my role with flawless precision. Whenever I was around Nico, I acted terrified, withdrawn, and timid. When he pressed me about the corporate ownership papers, I wept quietly, telling him I was too frightened of his father's wrath to refuse.
Nico fell for the act entirely. His immense vanity proved to be his ultimate weakness.
"Don't worry about a thing, baby," Nico had laughed two nights before the Gala, lounging on the leather sofa in his wing with a glass of high-end bourbon. "Just sign wherever my personal attorney tells you to sign at the party. Once my father officially transfers the holding company, I'll take care of the rest. You won't have to deal with my dad ever again."
"Do you promise, Nico?" I asked, looking at him through the vanity mirror as I brushed my hair. "You'll keep me safe?"
"On my life, Myra," he lied without a single twitch in his face, walking over to press a kiss to the top of my head. "You're my girl."
By seven o'clock on the evening of the Gala, the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel had been transformed into an breathtaking palace of white ice and crystal. Over four hundred elite guests filled the room—underworld bosses from all five families, high-ranking municipal judges, wealthy socialites, and dozens of plainclothes federal agents floating near the grand entrances.
Nico stood near the main marble bar wearing a tailored designer tuxedo, swirling a glass of vintage champagne, flanked by Chloe Vance. Chloe wore a dazzling, low-cut crimson silk gown—the exact same shade of red as the dress I had worn the night I uncovered their bet.
"Where is she?" Chloe whispered anxiously, checking her diamond wristwatch for the third time. "The family council meets in fifteen minutes in the second-floor VIP suite. Did she change her mind and run?"
"She’s upstairs in the dressing suit finishing her makeup," Nico sneered, taking a slow sip of champagne. "She’s trembling in her shoes. She’ll sign whatever document I slide in front of her. By midnight, the federal authorities will have her signature on the warehouse leases, I’ll have my thirty million in liquid inheritance, and we’ll be on a private jet to Miami."
Chloe laughed, leaning in to press a lipstick mark onto Nico’s cheek. "You are an absolute genius, baby."
"I know," Nico smirked.
Suddenly, the loud chatter across the grand ballroom died down into a sudden, absolute hush.
Nico and Chloe turned around toward the sweeping double staircase.
Descending the marble steps was Leo Casaro. He looked formidable in a custom black tuxedo, radiating an undeniable aura of absolute authority.
And holding his offered arm was me.
I wore a custom, breathtaking navy blue silk gown that clung flawlessly to my form before trailing onto the marble steps like liquid twilight. Around my neck rested a stunning vintage sapphire necklace from the private Casaro family vault—a historic piece that had belonged exclusively to Leo’s late wife. My hair was styled in sleek, dark waves, and my eyes held a cold, unyielding fire.
Nico’s champagne glass froze halfway to his lips. His eyes widened in sheer, unadulterated shock.
"What..." Chloe gasped, her breath catching in her throat. "What is she wearing?! That’s the Casaro Heirloom Sapphire!"
"Why is she walking down with my father?!" Nico muttered, a sudden, cold spike of panic piercing his chest.
Leo escorted me down the staircase as the crowd parted like water, granting immediate passage to the sovereign of the city and the woman beside him.
My father, wearing a sharp, dark suit provided by Leo, met us at the base of the stairs with a proud, tearful smile. I took my father’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, before stepping up to where Nico and Chloe stood frozen.
"Nico," I said smoothly, my voice carrying clearly through the surrounding silence. "Chloe. You both look so... anxious tonight."
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Nico’s jaw worked silently before he found his voice. "Myra, what is the meaning of this?! Why are you wearing my mother’s sapphire?! Why were you coming down with my father?!"
"Because, Nico," Leo’s deep, commanding voice resounded over the room, capturing the attention of every family syndicate leader present. "It is time for the formal execution of the Casaro Family Trust."
