Chapter 8 - The Gala of Truth
A month later, the annual City Benevolent Gala was held at the Grand Regency Hotel. It was the premier event for the city’s high society, politicians, and business moguls.
For weeks, the tabloids had been buzzing with rumors about the sudden downfall of the Sterling family and the mysterious new woman living at the Varric Manor. Tonight was the night Matteo Varric chose to address the public.
The double doors of the ballroom swung open, and a hush fell over the crowd of five hundred elite guests.
Matteo Varric walked down the grand staircase clad in a flawless black tuxedo. On his arm was Liana Graves.
She was breathtaking. Dressed in a floor-length royal blue silk gown that perfectly complemented her sapphire eyes, her hair styled in elegant waves, she looked every bit a queen. Gone was the grieving maid in a red apron; in her place stood a proud, fierce mother and partner.
Behind them, escorted by Dr. Hayes and two elite guards, was a custom baby stroller where little Nico sat happily, wearing a tiny bow tie.
The press cameras flashed furiously. Microphones were shoved forward as high-society snobs whispered behind their crystal champagne flutes.
Matteo stepped up to the main podium on the stage, keeping Liana close by his side.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Matteo’s powerful voice echoed through the ballroom, commanding absolute silence. "Over the past month, many of you have heard rumors regarding my family, my business, and the legal actions taken against former members of our city's leadership."
He paused, looking down at Liana with open affection before looking back at the crowd.
"There were those who sought to destroy my family through deceit, corruption, and the ultimate act of cruelty—stealing a child from his mother," Matteo announced firmly. "They failed."
The room gasped softly.
"Tonight, I stand before you not just as the head of Varric Enterprises, but as a father," Matteo continued. "And I introduce to you the woman who saved my son’s life, who exposed the truth, and who holds my heart. Liana Graves is the co-owner of Varric Holdings, the legal mother of my heir, and the future matriarch of this family."
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Applause broke out, starting from the back row where Matteo’s loyal lieutenants stood, quickly spreading across the entire ballroom until it became a deafening roar.
Liana looked out at the crowd, her hand held tightly in Matteo’s. The grief of twenty-two gray days was finally washed away by the bright promise of tomorrow.
