Chapter 3 - The Gala of Wolves
A Billionaire Risks His Entire Empire to Protect an Innocent TargetEthan Cole didn't sleep that night. He paced the floor of his master bedroom, the sheer scale of Julian Vance’s depravity unfolding before him. The man hadn't just stolen Ethan’s corporate secrets years ago; he was running a criminal enterprise that cost human lives. And now, the evidence that could destroy Julian forever was sitting in a child’s toy in Ethan’s own sitting room.
By morning, Ethan had made up his mind. He wasn't just going to protect the Eastside district; he was going to destroy Julian Vance completely. But to do that, he needed time to extract the drive safely without alerting Julian’s network of spies.
The battleground shifted the following Tuesday to the annual Nashville Heritage Gala—a high-society charity event where the city’s elite gathered, and where the final city council votes for the Eastside development project would be courted.
Ethan knew Julian would be there, ready to seal the deal. He also knew Julian was actively hunting for Maria and the drive.
“You’re coming with me,” Ethan told Maria that morning in the kitchen.
Maria dropped the coffee pot she was cleaning. “To the gala? Mr. Cole, I am your housekeeper. I don't belong in a ballroom with governors and billionaires. If Julian sees me—”
“If Julian sees you hiding, he knows he has the upper hand,” Ethan interrupted, his voice commanding. “If you are by my side, as my guest, he cannot touch you without exposing himself to the high-profile security and the press I control. I’ve already arranged for a designer to bring dresses to the estate. And Sophia will be watched by my personal, trusted security detail here at the house. No one gets in or out.”
Maria was terrified, but when she looked into Ethan’s eyes, she saw a wall of pure steel. For the first time in four years, she felt like she wasn't running alone. “Okay,” she whispered. “I trust you.”
At eight o'clock that evening, the grand ballroom of the Omni Nashville Hotel was a sea of glittering diamonds, champagne flutes, and sharks in tuxedos.
When Ethan Cole entered, the room went quiet. But the whispers didn't start because of him. They started because of the woman on his arm.
Maria Delgado was breathtaking. The designer had chosen a midnight-blue silk gown that complemented her dark curls, which were elegantly pinned up. She carried herself with a quiet, dignified grace that outshone the artificial glitz of the heiresses around her.
From across the ballroom, Julian Vance froze, his glass of champagne stopping halfway to his mouth. His face turned a dangerous, mottled red. He immediately excused himself from a group of city council members and marched directly toward Ethan and Maria.
“Ethan,” Julian hissed, stepping into their path. “What is the meaning of this? Bringing the help to a charity gala? Is Cole Enterprises so broke you can't afford a real date?”
Ethan didn't back down an inch. He stepped slightly in front of Maria, his physical presence dominating the space. “Maria is my guest, Julian. And unlike the people you usually surround yourself with, her presence actually elevates the room.”
Julian’s eyes darted maliciously to Maria. “You’re playing a very dangerous game, lady. You think this billionaire can save you? You think a fancy dress changes what happened in San Antonio?”
“Leave her alone, Julian,” Ethan warned, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. “The city council members are watching. Do you really want to make a scene before the vote?”
Julian looked over his shoulder, noticing the city mayor and several key developers looking their way. He forced a smile, leaning in close to Ethan. “Enjoy your night, Ethan. But remember... while the cat’s away, the mice will play. You should have checked the credentials of your house security a little more thoroughly.”
Ethan’s heart stopped. The security.
He immediately reached into his tuxedo jacket for his phone, dialing the head of his estate security.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
May you like
No answer.
Panic, cold and sharp, flooded Ethan’s veins. He looked at Maria, whose face had gone pale as she saw the look on his face.
