Chapter 3 - The Shadow Guest
The memory of that betrayal faded as I stared at Diego's terrified face in the present moment.
The towering man who had just entered the ballroom was Alexander Vance.
Alexander was known in the criminal underworld as the absolute authority, a billionaire who controlled the city from the shadows.
He was also the man whose criminal syndicate had secretly funded Diego's seemingly perfect real estate empire.
The entire banquet hall was frozen in absolute shock as Alexander's polished shoes echoed across the marble floor.
Valeria, completely unaware of Alexander's true identity, stepped forward with a confident, condescending smile.
"Excuse me, but this is a private family event," Valeria announced loudly, placing her hand on her hip.
"If you are looking for the catering kitchen, it is down the hall."
Alexander did not even glance at my foolish sister.
His cold, calculating gray eyes were fixed entirely on Diego, who was currently trembling like a frightened child.
Alexander slowly walked past Valeria, completely ignoring her existence, and stopped right behind my chair.
He gently placed his large, warm hand on my shoulder, a gesture of absolute respect and protection.
"I apologize for my late arrival, Boss," Alexander said in a deep, commanding voice.
The entire room erupted into a symphony of chaotic, confused whispers.
Valeria's confident smile instantly collapsed into an expression of absolute bewilderment.
"Boss?" Valeria echoed, looking frantically between me and the terrifying billionaire.
"Lucía is just a pathetic junior accountant, you must be confusing her with someone else."
Diego suddenly grabbed Valeria's arm, his fingers digging into her skin with sheer panic.
"Shut your mouth, Valeria," Diego hissed desperately, his eyes wide with unadulterated fear.
"You have absolutely no idea who you are talking to."
I slowly stood up from my chair, smoothing down the blue fabric of my simple dress.
"He is not confused, Valeria," I stated calmly, turning to face the man who had shattered my heart a decade ago.
"I have not been an accountant for nine years."
I picked up my glass of sparkling water and took a slow, deliberate sip.
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"I am the majority shareholder of Obsidian Holdings, which means I effectively own every single asset your husband claims to possess."
Before Valeria could process the devastating blow, the main ballroom lights suddenly flickered and completely died.
