Chapter 5 - The Gala of DeceptionsSaturday night marked the annual Chicago Metropolitan Charity Gala at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. It was the premier social event of the year, where politicians, billionaires, and underworld figures rubbed elbows under the guise of philanthropy.
Natalie had no intention of attending until a black town car delivered a custom, midnight-blue silk gown to her apartment with a simple note: Wear this. Be ready at 8.
When she arrived on Dominic’s arm, flashbulbs blinded them from every direction. The paparazzi swarmed like piranhas, screaming names, flashing cameras, and recording every micro-expression.
Dominic kept a firm, protective hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the chaos with absolute authority.
"You didn't ask if I wanted to come," Natalie whispered through a forced, elegant smile for the cameras.
"You look stunning," Dominic murmured back, his eyes dark with possessive pride. "And tonight, everyone in this city needs to know whose side you're on."
Inside the ballroom, the elite of Chicago stared. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire. Dominic Vale had never brought an independent architect to a high-society gala. It was a statement—loud, public, and unmistakable.
As Dominic excused himself briefly to speak with a city alderman, a chilling voice spoke from behind Natalie.
"Careful, darling. The bigger they make you look, the harder they let you fall."
Natalie turned to find Viktor Vance—a notorious rival shipping tycoon with rumored cartel ties—smiling unpleasantly down at her, swirling amber whiskey in a crystal glass.
"I manage my own weight, Mr. Vance," Natalie replied coolly, refusing to break eye contact.
May you like
"Do you?" Viktor chuckled darkly. "Ask Dominic about the architect who worked on his last warehouse expansion two years ago. Brilliant woman. Young, ambitious... just like you." Viktor leaned in closer. "She walked out of his office one night, and nobody has seen her since."
Natalie’s blood ran ice-cold, though her face remained an unreadable mask.
