The fleet of black Maybachs pulled up to the entrance of the St. Regis Hotel. Camera flashes erupted like a strobe light show.
Angelo stepped out first. His long legs hit the pavement, his presence instantly dominating the space. He turned and offered his hand.
Elba placed her hand in his. She stepped out in her midnight-blue gown.
Gasps rippled through the crowd of reporters and guests. Whispers hissed through the air. Isn't that the fake daughter they kicked out? Why is Angelo bringing her?
The camera flashes blinded Elba. She instinctively shrank back, trying to hide behind Angelo's broad shoulders.
Angelo reached back and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her firmly to his side. He leaned down, his lips brushing her hair. "Head up. Shoulders back. No one in the Potter family looks down."
Elba took a deep breath. She forced her spine straight, lifted her chin, and hooked her arm through his. They walked into the grand ballroom together.
The room was dripping in crystal and gold. But in the far corner lounge, the atmosphere was toxic.
Kacey Chandler stood surrounded by a group of women in revealing dresses.
The lead socialite tilted her glass, intentionally spilling red wine all over Kacey's skirt. She covered her mouth in mock horror. "Oh my! I am so sorry. But I guess this out-of-season dress can just be washed, right?"
Kacey's eyes filled with tears. She gripped the ruined fabric, her shoulders shaking, too scared to fight back.
Elba saw it from across the room. Her stomach twisted with anger.
These snobs! Elba cursed internally. They just know the Chandler family has cash flow problems right now. Kicking her while she's down!
Angelo heard her. His eyes narrowed. He abruptly changed his path, steering Elba away from the VIP section and straight toward the corner.
The socialites were laughing loudly. They didn't notice the grim reaper approaching.
Angelo stopped right behind them. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "It seems the Chandler family's wine isn't to your liking?"
The women spun around. When they saw Angelo Potter's face, all the color drained from their cheeks. Their arrogant smiles vanished instantly.
Angelo reached out and took a full glass of red wine from a passing waiter's tray. He shoved it into the lead socialite's hand.
"Drink it," Angelo ordered softly. "Or tomorrow morning, your father will bring his bankruptcy petition to my office."
The woman trembled violently. She raised the glass and chugged the wine, spilling it down her chin. She didn't dare wipe it away.
Angelo didn't look at her again. He turned to Kacey, his tone softening. "Kacey, Walter is looking for you. Go change your dress."
Kacey looked at him with pure gratitude. She gathered her ruined skirt and hurried away.
The surrounding guests watched in stunned silence. The message was clear: the Chandlers were under Potter protection.
Elba watched, her heart racing with adrenaline.
My brother is so badass! she cheered in her mind. Ten out of ten for that power move! If only he wouldn't use that power to destroy me later.
Angelo heard the last part. He let out a quiet sigh. He raised his hand, wanting to pat her head to reassure her.
Suddenly, the ballroom lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the main stage. Walter tapped the microphone to give his speech.
Angelo turned his head toward the stage out of habit.
Elba seized the moment. She slipped her arm out of his and slid backward into the dark crowd, moving like a ghost.
Time to run, she thought, slipping away. I'm going to find a quiet corner, eat some cake, and see what that abusive fiancé looks like.
The speech ended. The lights flared back on.
Angelo turned around. The space next to him was empty. Elba was gone.
His face darkened instantly. The temperature around him seemed to plummet.
He snapped his fingers. Three massive bodyguards materialized beside him.
"Lock down every exit," Angelo growled through clenched teeth. "Find her. Now."
