Chapter 5 - The Gala Target
Elena stared at the name written in her dead husband's handwriting.
Daniel had been hired to assassinate Adrian Moretti.
Did Adrian know?
Was that why he was keeping them locked in this suite?
For three days, Elena did not see the mafia boss at all.
Meals were brought to the room by silent guards, and Mia played happily with the mountain of expensive toys.
On the fourth evening, the heavy suite doors finally opened.
Carlo stepped inside holding a long, black garment bag.
"Mr. Moretti is hosting a charity gala downstairs tonight," Carlo announced.
"He expects you to attend."
Elena looked at the garment bag.
"I am a maid, Carlo, I don't belong at a gala."
"You aren't a maid anymore," Carlo said firmly, laying the bag on the bed.
Inside was a breathtaking, floor-length emerald silk gown.
An hour later, Elena walked down the sweeping marble staircase of the estate.
The grand ballroom was filled with hundreds of wealthy, powerful people.
Adrian stood at the bottom of the stairs wearing a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
When he saw Elena, his conversation with a city politician came to an abrupt halt.
He walked toward her, offering his hand.
"You look beautiful," Adrian murmured, his eyes sweeping over the silk gown.
Elena took his hand, feeling the heat of his skin through his expensive suit.
"Why am I here, Adrian?" she whispered as he led her onto the crowded ballroom floor.
"Because the Russians sent a representative tonight," Adrian replied softly, pulling her close for a waltz.
"And I want them to see exactly who is under my protection."
Elena felt a cold sweat break out on her neck.
She scanned the crowd of smiling, dancing aristocrats, looking for danger.
"Which one is the Russian?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Adrian spun her gracefully, keeping his expression perfectly blank.
"The man in the gray suit standing by the champagne tower."
Elena looked over Adrian's shoulder.
The man by the tower was tall, with striking blue eyes and blonde hair.
He raised his glass directly at Elena and offered a chilling, familiar smile.
Elena stumbled, stepping hard on Adrian's polished shoe.
Adrian caught her waist, holding her steady.
"What is it?" Adrian demanded, feeling her sudden panic.
Elena couldn't breathe.
May you like
The man standing by the champagne tower wasn't a stranger.
It was Daniel's brother, Julian, a man who supposedly died in a boating accident five years ago.
