Chapter 5 - A Cinderella Among Predators
The next morning, Claire awoke not to the sound of sirens outside her dingy Lakeview apartment, but to the soft rustle of silk.
A team of elite stylists and personal shoppers stood in the penthouse living room under the direction of Elias Reed. On the rolling racks hung breathtaking gowns made of midnight-blue velvet, emerald satin, and shimmering obsidian silk—all tailored specifically for a woman with curves, grace, and stature.
“Mr. Mercer requests your presence at the annual St. Jude Charity Gala tonight,” Elias said with a respectful bow. “The entire high society of the city will be there—including Mr. Vance Sterling, Warren Pike, and your former employer, Mr. Douglas Crane.”
Two hours later, Claire stepped in front of the mirror.
She wore a custom off-the-shoulder gown of deep sapphire velvet that hugged her curves flawlessly, cascading into a sweeping train. Her chestnut hair was styled into an elegant Hollywood wave, adorned with antique diamond pins. A necklace of sapphires and diamonds rested against her porcelain collarbone.
When Gabriel walked into the room, he stopped dead in his tracks.
For the first time since she met him, the untouchable crime boss lost his composure. His breath caught audibly in his throat.
“Claire,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He stepped toward her, taking her gloved hand and bringing it to his lips. “You are the most breathtaking woman in this city.”
Claire blushed, feeling a surge of confidence she had never experienced in her life. “Let’s go put an end to their game.”
When they arrived at the grand ballroom of the Grand Plaza Hotel, heads turned instantly. Whispers spread like wildfire across the champagne-sipping crowd.
“Is that Gabriel Mercer?”
“Who is that stunning woman on his arm?”
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Standing near the catering station, Douglas Crane was overseeing the VIP buffet. When he caught sight of Claire entering on the arm of the city’s most powerful man, his champagne glass slipped from his fingers and shattered on the marble floor.
Claire caught his terrified gaze, smiled serenely, and walked past him like he was nothing more than dust on the floor.
