Chapter 4 - The Gala of Vengeance
Hook: "Let them look. Let them whisper. Tonight, they find out who holds the knife."
The underground elite of New York gathered at the annual masquerade gala, an event where the wealthiest and most dangerous figures wore velvet masks to hide their sins. Tonight, however, the real show was about to begin.
Ava stood in front of the full-length mirror in Dante's master suite, staring at her reflection. She wore an emerald-green silk gown that dipped low at the neckline and hugged her hips perfectly, highlighting every single curve. Around her neck was a diamond choker that cost more than a penthouse. A delicate gold filigree mask covered the upper half of her face.
Dante stepped up behind her, wearing a matching black velvet mask. His hands rested firmly on her hips, his thumbs tracing circles through the silk of her dress.
"You look breathtaking, mia bella," he murmured against her neck, his lips brushing her skin, sending shivers through her body. "Tonight, the Waverlys think they are hosting a charity auction. They don't know we are here to strip them of everything."
Ava turned around in his arms, looking into his dark eyes. "Are you sure the digital key my father left is inside my mother's old locket?"
"My tech guys verified it. The locket you wear every day contains a micro-drive with enough encrypted data to destroy the Waverly empire permanently," Dante said, his expression hardening. "Tonight, we drop the hammer."
When they arrived at the grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd parted instantly as Dante entered, but this time, Ava was not walking behind him—she was walking right at his side, her hand resting confidently on his arm.
Celeste Waverly was there, dressed in an extravagant gold gown, surrounded by her family's security. When she saw Ava, her eyes flashed with pure venom. She walked straight toward them, a glass of red wine in her hand.
"Dante," Celeste purred, trying to ignore Ava. "I see you brought your little charity case. I surprise myself that they let her past the velvet rope."
Ava didn't flinch. She stepped forward, looking Celeste directly in the eye. "The only charity case here is your family, Celeste. Enjoy the gold dress while you can. It's the last expensive thing you'll ever wear."
Celeste laughed sharply. "You arrogant little peasant. Security! Remove this—"
"Security won't help you tonight, Celeste," Dante’s voice cut through the air like a blade.
At that exact moment, the massive crystal chandeliers in the ballroom flickered and dimmed. The giant projector screens on the main stage, which were supposed to show the charity auction items, suddenly flashed bright white.
A document appeared on the screen. Then another. Bank statements, wire transfers, and audio recordings of Celeste’s father discussing the contract killing of an accountant named Marlow.
The ballroom erupted into chaotic whispers. Shocked gasps echoed through the crowd as the full extent of the Waverly family's financial crimes and murders were displayed for the entire high society to see.
Celeste’s father, a powerful, graying mogul, rushed to the stage, screaming at his tech team to shut it down. But the doors to the ballroom suddenly burst open, and dozens of federal agents poured into the room, guns drawn.
"Arthur Waverly! Celeste Waverly! You are under arrest for corporate fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder!" the lead agent shouted through a megaphone.
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Celeste backed away, shaking, her eyes wide with horror as the handcuffs clicked around her manicured wrists. As she was dragged past Ava, Ava leaned in, her voice cold and steady.
"Like you said, Celeste... these rooms weren't built for everyone."
