Chapter 13 - The Reception
|
The reception transitioned seamlessly into a lavish, multi-million dollar party. The champagne flowed freely, and the orchestra played lively jazz as the guests mingled.
Dante and Victoria sat at the head table, the picture of newlywed bliss. They cut the towering, five-tier cake together, smiling for the flashing cameras of the society photographers.
"I am so incredibly happy, darling," Victoria whispered, leaning her head against his shoulder, her hand resting intimately on his thigh.
"The night is far from over, my love," Dante replied smoothly, taking a sip of his water. "The best is yet to come."
At exactly 9:00 PM, Dante caught Matteo’s eye across the ballroom. Matteo gave a single, almost imperceptible nod.
The twenty-minute biometric override window for the master safe in the study had officially opened.
Right on cue, Victoria checked the delicate diamond watch on her wrist. She manufactured a look of slight distress, placing a hand to her temple.
"Dante, sweetheart," Victoria murmured, her voice sounding perfectly strained. "I have a terrible headache from all the flashing cameras. I need to go to the master suite for just a few minutes to take some aspirin and freshen up."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Dante asked, playing the concerned husband flawlessly.
"No, no," she insisted quickly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Entertain our guests. Keep Ivan company. I’ll be down in ten minutes."
Dante watched her hike up the heavy skirts of her white dress and hurry out of the ballroom doors.
As soon as she disappeared into the grand hallway, Dante saw Ivan Sokolov discreetly check his phone and give a sharp nod to his four heavily armed bodyguards standing near the exits. The Bratva assassins began to subtly shift their positions, moving to block the ballroom doors. The slaughter was about to begin.
Dante didn't panic. He calmly stood up from the head table, buttoned his tuxedo jacket, and picked up a heavy crystal champagne flute.
He tapped the glass with a silver fork. The sharp, clear ringing sound instantly commanded the attention of the massive room.
May you like
The orchestra stopped playing. Two hundred faces turned toward the groom.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Dante announced, his voice booming effortlessly across the silent ballroom. "If I could have your attention. I have a very special toast to make."
