Chapter 4 - THE ENCOUNTER AT THE CORPORATE GALA
The annual Chicago Architecture and Philanthropy Gala was the hottest ticket of the season.
Every titan of industry, politician, and socialite packed into the grand ballroom of the Palmer House.
Evelyn Shaw stood beside Luca, draped in a stunning silver Valentino gown that caught every glimmer of the crystal chandeliers.
She played the part of the devoted fiancée to perfection, smiling for cameras and accepting whispered compliments.
Luca, however, was scanning the room with predatory focus.
He hadn't come for the charity auction.
He had come because his investigator reported that Nia Carter was attending as a guest of honor representing her own architectural firm, Carter & Associates.
Carter & Associates.
In the five years since their divorce, Nia hadn't just survived.
She had thrived.
She had launched her own firm, won municipal bids against Moretti Global subsidiaries, and carved out a formidable reputation in the Midwest design scene.
Luca felt a surge of fierce, agonizing pride mixed with deep remorse.
Then, the double doors at the end of the ballroom opened.
A hush rippled through the gathered crowd.
Nia entered.
She wore a midnight-blue silk gown that hugged her slender figure with effortless elegance.
Her dark hair was styled in soft, cascading waves over one shoulder.
A diamond necklace rested against her collarbone—not gifted by a billionaire husband, but purchased with her own hard-earned success.
She didn't look like a woman hiding from her past.
She looked like a queen reclaiming her kingdom.
Evelyn’s smile tightened into a thin line as she saw the collective attention shift toward Nia.
“It seems Mrs. Carter has managed to claw her way into high society,” Evelyn murmured disdainfully into Luca’s ear.
“Impressive for someone who used to live in our shadow.”
Luca did not reply to Evelyn.
He gently removed Evelyn’s hand from his arm.
“Excuse me, Evelyn,” he said quietly.
“Where are you going?” she asked sharply.
“To talk to my wife,” Luca replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
“Your ex-wife, Luca!” Evelyn hissed, her voice rising in panic.
“Remember the cameras.”
Luca didn't look back.
He walked purposefully through the parting crowd, his eyes locked onto Nia as she accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
Nia saw him coming.
She didn't flinch.
She didn't turn away.
She simply raised her glass slightly, her amber eyes sparkling with a cool, mocking amusement.
“Luca,” she greeted him before he could speak.
“Lost your shadow?”
“Nia,” he said, his voice raw. “We need to talk.”
“We have nothing to talk about, Mr. Moretti,” she replied smoothly.
“Unless you want to discuss municipal zoning laws, in which case my secretary will schedule an appointment for next Tuesday.”
“I know about the medical records, Nia,” Luca blurted out, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
“I know about the altered lab results.”
“I know Marcus framed you.”
Nia’s champagne glass paused halfway to her lips.
For a fraction of a second, the iron facade cracked.
A tremor of long-suppressed vindication flickered across her face.
Then, her expression hardened once more into ice.
“And you think that changes anything?” Nia whispered back, stepping closer so her perfume—scented with jasmine and rain—filled his senses.
“You let him do it, Luca.”
“You wanted an excuse to doubt me because deep down, you never believed I was enough for your empire.”
“So keep your apologies.”
May you like
“Keep your investigations.”
“And keep away from my children.”
