Chapter 8 - THE SENATOR’S REACTION
Senator Vance’s mouth opened and closed.
"Your... your what?" the senator choked out, his eyes darting from Nicholas’s cold, unblinking face to my simple woolen sweater.
"My future wife," Nicholas repeated, every syllable dropping like an ice cube into a glass of whiskey. "Is there a problem with your hearing, Senator?"
"N-no," the senator stammered, dabbing frantically at his dry lips with a linen napkin. "It's just... so sudden. I wasn't aware Mr. Grimaldi was courting anyone."
"There are many things you are unaware of, Senator," Nicholas said quietly. "For instance, the federal tax audit currently being prepared regarding your campaign contributions in the North End district."
The senator’s color drained until his skin matched his silver hair.
"I think," the senator whispered, backing away slowly into the crowd, "I need some fresh air."
The surrounding guests parted like the Red Sea, staring at us with a mixture of terror and utter fascination.
Whispers rippled through the room.
The mafia boss... marrying a maid?
Did Richard Caldwell really disappear tonight?
I looked up at Nicholas, my heart hammering against my ribs. "You didn't tell me we were getting married."
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"I just decided," Nicholas murmured, looking down at me with a slow, devastating smile. "And in this house, when I decide something, it happens."
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