Chapter 3 - THE GATES OF THE PLAZA GRANDThe Plaza Grand ballroom in downtown Columbus was a cathedral of crystal chandeliers, carved limestone, and suffocating hypocrisy.
Valet attendants in matching charcoal uniforms scurried across the cobblestone driveway as luxury sedans discharged guests draped in diamonds and designer silk. Flashbulbs popped from local society photographers hired to capture every moment of the social event of the year.
When Adeline’s black town car glided to a halt, the chatter among the waiting guests noticeably quieted.
Adeline Cross did not attend weddings. Everyone in Ohio high society knew that. Her presence alone was an anomaly; her presence with an escort was a seismic event.
The chauffeur opened the door, and Adeline stepped out first, stunning the crowd in an emerald silk-velvet gown that hugged her frame like liquid emerald.
Then, she turned and offered her hand.
Nathan Cole stepped out into the glare of the flashbulbs.
A collective intake of breath swept through the courtyard. It wasn't because Nathan was a famous actor or a tech billionaire. It was because no one recognized him. He stood tall, his posture unyielding, his face carved from quiet confidence. He didn't blink at the cameras. He didn't smile an artificial politician's smile. He simply stood beside Adeline like a fortress wall.
“Look at them,” Nathan whispered under his breath, leaning down just enough so only Adeline could hear. “They’re trying to calculate your net worth based on the thread count of your dress.”
Adeline suppressed a sharp smile. “Keep that up, and I’ll double your fee.”
As they walked up the grand stone steps, the heavy oak doors of the ballroom parted, revealing an interior designed to overwhelm the senses. Thousands of white roses imported from Ecuador hung from the ceiling. A string quartet played a melancholy Vivaldi piece in the corner.
And standing near the receiving line, radiant in a custom tuxedo that cost more than Nathan’s first car, was Julian Whitmore.
Beside him stood Vivian Ashford, her diamond-encrusted veil catching the chandelier light like falling stars.
Julian’s eyes scanned the arriving crowd, confident, glowing with the triumph of a man who had won every game he ever played.
May you like
Until his eyes locked onto Adeline.
And then, they dropped to the man standing beside her.
