Chapter 12 - The Charity Gala
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The night before the wedding, tradition demanded a grand public appearance. We were the guests of honor at a massive charity gala hosted at the city’s premier art museum.
It was a glittering, suffocating affair filled with politicians, judges, and high-society elite who pretended they didn't know how my family acquired its immense wealth.
Vivien wore a stunning, backless crimson gown that drew the eyes of every man in the room. She clung to my arm, the absolute picture of the devoted, ecstatic bride-to-be. She laughed brightly at jokes, posed gracefully for the society photographers, and played her part with an Oscar-worthy performance.
I played the perfect, oblivious fool. I fetched her champagne, smiled warmly at her whispered nothing's, and kissed her cheek for the cameras.
But my eyes were constantly moving.
Across the crowded room, near the towering marble statues, I spotted him. Carlo Moretti. He was wearing a sharp tuxedo, blending in seamlessly with the wealthy crowd.
I watched the reflection in the massive glass windows. Vivien subtly adjusted the heavy diamond necklace I had bought her—a pre-arranged signal. Carlo caught the movement, offering a micro-nod in response before turning away to speak to a senator.
They were finalizing the timeline for the assassination.
"You look tense, darling," Vivien murmured, tracing her manicured finger down my lapel. "Are you getting cold feet?"
"Just the opposite," I replied smoothly, looking deeply into her deceptive eyes. "I am eagerly anticipating tomorrow night. I want everything to be exactly as we planned."
She beamed, leaning up to kiss me. "It will be perfect, Lorenzo. I promise you, tomorrow will be a night you will never forget."
"I am counting on it," I whispered against her lips.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled away slightly, checking the secure message from my tech team.
The virus has successfully deployed. The Moretti syndicate's offshore accounts are currently being drained and permanently encrypted. They are bankrupt.
May you like
I looked back at Vivien, who was happily sipping her champagne, completely unaware that she had just authorized the digital destruction of her lover's entire criminal empire.
"Come, my love," I said, offering my arm. "Let's go home. We have a very big day tomorrow."
