Chapter 7 - The Capo’s Date
Two weeks later.
The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago was host to the annual Winter Charity Gala—the most exclusive event of the year, attended by Chicago’s elite, high-society families, politicians, and underground magnates.
Tonight, the grand ballroom was packed with hundreds of guests in tuxedos and floor-length gowns, sipping vintage champagne under massive crystal chandeliers.
A sudden hush washed over the crowd near the grand entrance.
Julian Moretti stepped into the ballroom. He wore a flawless black tuxedo with a velvet lapel, looking every inch the undisputed king of Chicago.
But it was the woman on his arm that caused every jaw in the room to drop.
Sarah Bennett looked otherworldly.
She wore a custom emerald-green silk gown that draped perfectly over her curves, exposing her soft shoulders and back. Her dark hair was styled in an elegant updo, secured with diamond pins, and around her neck sat a breathtaking vintage emerald necklace from the Moretti family vault.
Beside them, four-year-old Lily walked happily, wearing a matching miniature green dress, holding Marco’s giant hand like a little princess escorted by her knight.
Whispers erupted across the ballroom like wildfire.
“Who is she?” “Is that the nurse from Cicero?” “Where did Julian find her?” “She looks like royalty...”
Julian leaned down to Sarah, his hand resting securely on the small of her bare back, his warmth radiating through her silk dress. “You are the most beautiful woman in this room, Sarah.”
Sarah flushed, a shy smile touching her lips. “I’m still waiting to wake up from this dream, Julian.”
“This is not a dream,” Julian said softly. “This is your life now.”
Before Sarah could respond, a tall, striking blonde woman in a plunging red sequin dress stepped into their path, blocking their way with a sharp, arrogant sneer.
It was Sophia Falcone—the daughter of Vincent Falcone, head of the rival syndicate.
“Julian,” Sophia purred, her eyes scanning Sarah from head to toe with icy disdain. “I saw the news about your little nursery drama. I see you’ve brought your new housemaid to the gala. Did you run out of actual high-society dates?”
Several wealthy onlookers leaned in, eager to watch the drama unfold.
Sarah felt a pang of old insecurity prick her chest, but before she could speak, Julian stepped forward, his body shielding Sarah completely.
“Sophia,” Julian said, his voice dropping into a razor-sharp tone that echoed clearly across the silent circle of guests. “You are standing in the presence of the future Lady of the Moretti family.”
Sophia gasped, taking a step back. “What? You’re marrying a single mother from the slums?!”
Julian stepped closer to Sophia, his dark eyes freezing her where she stood.
“Sarah Bennett has more honor, grace, and strength in her little finger than your entire bloodline possesses,” Julian declared loudly, his voice carrying across the grand ballroom. “If you speak to her with disrespect again, Sophia, I will buy your father’s casino stock by midnight and turn your family home into a public parking lot.”
Gasps rang out through the crowd.
Sophia’s face turned bright red with humiliation. She turned on her high heels and stormed off through the crowd, her hand shaking violently.
Julian turned back to Sarah, taking her hand in his, bowing his head slightly as he kissed her knuckles in front of every elite family in Chicago.
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“Shall we dance, my queen?” Julian asked softly.
Sarah smiled, tears of joy sparkling in her eyes as she took his arm. “I would love to, my king.”
