Chapter 4 - Whispers in the Dark
The charity gala was a glittering display of New York’s elite, but to Julian, it was a room full of vipers. He kept Clara tucked securely against his side, introducing her vaguely as his "companion." The way the other men looked at her made Julian’s jaw clench.
“You’re tense,” Clara whispered, accepting a glass of champagne.
“I’m observant,” Julian corrected. He spotted Victor Moretti across the ballroom. The rival boss raised a glass in a mocking toast.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Julian said, his voice hard. “Stay in the VIP lounge. Do not leave.”
Clara nodded, retreating to the velvet couches. But minutes later, she heard footsteps approaching from the balcony. Hiding behind a marble pillar, she peeked out and saw Victor Moretti talking to a city councilman.
“Rossi is soft,” Moretti sneered. “He’s playing house. We hit the convoy on the bridge tonight. When he rushes to save his men, we take the compound. The kids will be excellent leverage.”
Clara’s heart stopped. The compound. The boys.
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She abandoned her hiding spot, hiking up her emerald gown, and sprinted through the crowd. She didn't care who she shoved aside. She found Julian cornering a Moretti lieutenant near the bar.
“Julian!” she gasped, grabbing his arm. It was the first time she had used his first name. “We have to go. Now. They’re going after the boys.”
