Chapter 8 - The Rehearsal Dinner
The night before the wedding, the grand ballroom of the city’s most exclusive country club was packed with the elite of Chicago’s underworld, corrupt politicians, and high-society socialites. The champagne flowed like a river, and the string quartet played classical masterpieces.
Matteo stood at the head of the long banquet table, holding a crystal flute. Elena was by his side, practically glowing in a diamond-encrusted evening gown. She played the role of the blushing bride flawlessly, leaning her head against his shoulder and smiling for the flashbulbs.
"To my beautiful bride," Matteo announced, raising his glass. The room fell silent, waiting for the toast of the city’s most feared man. "They say marriage is about trust. It is about knowing the person standing next to you better than you know yourself. Tomorrow, Elena and I will make a commitment that will change the landscape of this city forever."
The crowd erupted into applause. Elena beamed, kissing his cheek. "That was beautiful, Matteo."
"I meant every word," he replied softly.
Across the room, standing by the kitchen doors, Clara watched them. She had insisted on returning to work the dinner, knowing that her absence might tip Elena off that her kidnapping plot had failed catastrophically. Clara wore a simple black uniform, but when Matteo’s eyes found hers across the crowded room, the heat in his gaze was unmistakable.
Elena noticed the look. Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second, her eyes narrowing as she glared at the housekeeper.
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"Why is she still here?" Elena hissed under her breath.
"She is staff, Elena. She goes where she is ordered," Matteo replied smoothly, taking a sip of his champagne. "Enjoy your night, my love. Tomorrow is going to be the most important day of your life."
