Chapter 11 - The Gala InvitationThe golden invitation arrived on heavy parchment paper, delivered by a private courier directly to the front gates of the Westchester estate.
Claire picked it up from the marble console table while helping Samuel zip up his blue velvet blazer for a family portrait session. She read the embossed gold lettering, and the color instantly drained from her face.
The International Logistics Association requests the pleasure of your company at the annual charity gala, hosted by Arthur Sterling.
Gabriel walked into the foyer just as Claire lowered the card, her hands trembling slightly. He took it from her fingers, his gray-green eyes scanning the text before a cold, hard smile touched his lips.
“Sterling,” Gabriel murmured.
“He knows, Gabriel,” Claire whispered, looking up at him with undisguised terror. “He’s using this gala to send a message. He’s inviting us—me and the boys—to show you that he can reach us anywhere.”
Gabriel set the card down, stepped close to her, and took her trembling hands in his own.
“He’s not reaching anyone,” Gabriel said, his voice absolute and unshakeable. “He thinks this is a game of chess. He doesn't realize I own the board.”
“You can’t take us there, Gabriel,” Claire pleaded. “It’s too dangerous. It’s a trap.”
“It’s an opportunity,” Gabriel corrected gently. “If we hide from Sterling, he hunts us. If we walk into his room, on my terms, with my rules, we end this war before it even begins. Trust me, Claire. Please.”
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She looked deep into his eyes and saw the terrifying, unbreakable force that had made him the most feared man in New York—and the fierce, protective devotion that would make him burn the world down to keep her safe.
She swallowed hard and nodded. “Okay. We go together.”
