Chapter 4 - The Backstage ExtractionWithin minutes, the magnificent ballroom began to empty out in a flurry of whispered gossip and frantic texting. The elite of the city fled like rats from a sinking ship, unwilling to be caught in the blast radius of a federal judge at war with the city's most powerful underground kingpin.
Caleb and Khloe were trapped on the dais, screaming at each other while two of Judge Davies’s private security guards blocked them from leaving.
Roman didn't rush. He guided me toward the private exit leading to the subterranean valet parking, his hand warm and steady against the small of my back. The paparazzi outside were still flashing cameras, but Roman’s personal detail formed an impenetrable wall, escorting us directly into the back of a bulletproof Maybach.
Once the heavy doors sealed shut and the car glided smoothly into the rainy night, I let out a breath I felt like I’d been holding for six months.
"You didn't tell me about the townhouse," I said, turning to look at Roman in the dim cabin light.
"You didn't ask," he replied, pouring two glasses of amber whiskey from the car's built-in bar and handing one to me. His fingers brushed mine. "Caleb was desperate. Desperate men make stupid mistakes. Signing over the deed to a shell company associated with the Continental was his masterpiece. I didn't plan to use it tonight, but when the bride decided to test her tongue against mine, I felt a tactical shift was necessary."
I took a sip of the whiskey, letting the burn settle my nerves. "You completely destroyed his wedding in less than ten minutes."
"I expedited an inevitable collapse," Roman corrected softly, watching me with those intense, dark eyes. "That marriage was built on quicksand. Judge Davies is going to annul it before the sun comes up to protect his judicial campaign. Caleb will be broke, blacklisted, and prosecuted for financial fraud by morning."
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"And my debt?" I asked, testing him.
Roman leaned back against the plush leather seat, a slow, dangerous smile spreading across his face. "Sadi, the moment you walked through those mahogany doors on my arm, your debt was paid in full. In fact, considering the entertainment value, I think the Continental actually owes you a bonus."
