Chapter 8 - The Viper at the GalaThe Metropolitan Club was a bastion of old-world wealth, glittering chandeliers, and suffocating hypocrisy. Flashbulbs popped like lightning storms as elite photographers captured the arrivals of billionaires, politicians, and industry titans.
When the sleek black Maybach pulled up to the red carpet, the murmurs in the crowd instantly swelled.
The door opened. Alejandro Rivas stepped out first, adjusting the cuffs of his tuxedo with effortless elegance. Then, he turned and offered his hand.
Mariana placed her trembling hand in his. As she stepped out into the blinding glare of the camera lights, a collective gasp rippled through the gathered reporters.
Who was this breathtaking, unfamiliar woman on the arm of the city’s most elusive tycoon?
Alejandro kept his arm firmly around her waist, pulling her close with a possessive, convincing grip. His face was a mask of calm, effortless charm. "Smile, Mariana," he murmured near her ear, his breath warm against her neck. "Act like you own the room."
They walked up the grand marble steps, cameras flashing furiously, audio recorders thrusting forward.
“Mr. Rivas! Is this wedding bells?” “Who is the lady, Mr. Rivas?” “Is this a corporate merger or a romance?”
Alejandro offered a brief, enigmatic smile to the press before guiding Mariana through the towering double doors and into the grand ballroom.
Inside, the room fell into a sudden, hushed stillness. Dozens of high-society figures—men in bespoke tuxedos and women dripping in diamonds—turned their attention toward the entrance. Whispers immediately began to ripple through the clusters of guests.
"Isn't that...?" "No way, look at her shoes, she's a nobody—" "Did Alejandro Rivas lose his mind?"
Standing near the champagne tower was Victoria Vance, the ruthless daughter of a rival real estate dynasty, and Alejandro’s former, uninvited "companion." Her face twisted into a mask of pure venom as she watched Alejandro and Mariana approach.
"Well, well, well," Victoria purred, stepping directly into their path, blocking their way. Her eyes swept over Mariana with dripping condescension. "Alejandro, darling, I heard a rumor that you picked up a stray off the streets. I didn't realize you had started running a pet rescue service for commoners."
Mariana felt her face flush hot, the old insecurities threatening to tear down her fragile composure. She opened her mouth to step back, but Alejandro’s arm tightened around her waist like a steel band.
"Victoria," Alejandro replied, his voice dropping into a tone of absolute, freezing disdain. "Watch your tongue. You are speaking to the future Mrs. Rivas."
Victoria’s breath caught, her face turning pale with shock and rage. "You're marrying a—a domestic?!"
"I am marrying the woman of my choice," Alejandro cut her off, his eyes flashing like glaciers. "And if you ever speak to her with that tone again, your father’s next municipal zoning permit will be denied permanently. Do we understand each other?"
Victoria stared at him, trembling with humiliation, before turning on her heel and storming off into the crowd.
May you like
Mariana looked up at Alejandro in sheer disbelief. "You... you didn't have to threaten her like that."
"In this world, Mariana, you either eat or you are eaten," Alejandro whispered, leading her deeper into the ballroom. "And nobody eats at my table."
