Chapter 4 - The Society Gala Crash, The Ex-Husband's Smug Smirk, and The Sound of Seven Armed Guards
The Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel was bathed in crystal chandeliers, champagne fountains, and the arrogant laughter of Manhattan’s elite.
Sebastian Crane stood near the grand archway, sipping vintage champagne and basking in the congratulations of his business partners.
Beside him stood Julianne Vance, a rail-thin heiress whose father controlled half the logistics contracts in Midtown.
“Did you hear about Norah?” Julianne purred, resting her hand on Sebastian’s lapel. “Claire said she saw her at a boutique on Fifth Avenue, pretending to be some wealthy nanny. It’s pathetic how low she’s fallen without you.”
Sebastian smiled with smug satisfaction.
“I told her she wouldn't survive three weeks on her own. She’ll come crawling back to my office before the month is out, begging for her old allowance.”
Suddenly, the massive double doors of the ballroom swung wide open.
The chatter in the hall died instantly.
A squad of four security guards in immaculate Italian suits entered first, clearing a wide path with effortless authority.
Behind them walked Norah.
Every eye in the room locked onto her.
She wore a bespoke emerald-green velvet gown that hugged every luscious, natural curve of her body with breathtaking elegance. Her chestnut hair tumbled in soft, glossy waves over her bare shoulders. Around her neck sat an emerald and diamond necklace worth more than the entire Crane Enterprises headquarters.
She looked radiant. Powerful. Untouchable.
And beside her, holding her hand with possessive, terrifying grace, was Luca Castellano.
His imposing height, silver-dark hair, and chilling presence made the entire room hold its breath.
Sebastian’s champagne glass slipped from his fingers, shattering across the polished marble floor.
“Norah?” Sebastian choked out, his voice cracking.
Luca guided Norah directly past the whispering crowd, stopping five feet from where Sebastian stood frozen.
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Luca looked at Sebastian the way an emperor looks at an insect on his boot.
“Crane,” Luca’s deep voice resonated through the silent room. “I believe you were discussing my wife.”
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