The following day, Janette called me. “Ms. Gray, we’re hosting a celebration in two days for some of our top partners. It’s a surprise for Mr. Montenegro. As our newest investor, I’d love for you to attend.”
I hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I prefer to keep a low profile.”
“Nonsense,” she insisted. “You’ll be our guest of honor. Just keep your identity secret until the right moment—I want Gabriel to be impressed.”
My lips curved into a smile she couldn’t see. “If you insist, I’ll be there.”
PERFECT.
The day of the party arrived, and Montenegro’s ballroom was a vision of opulence. Gold accents gleamed under the crystal chandeliers, and the air buzzed with conversation. Wealth and power were tangible here, worn like armor by every guest in the room.
I arrived fashionably late, my black dress flowing like liquid night as I moved through the crowd. Janette greeted me warmly, her excitement palpable.
“You’re stunning, Ms. Gray,” she said, linking her arm with mine. “Come, let me introduce you to some of our partners.”
I allowed her to lead me, keeping my expression composed. Every step brought me closer to Gabriel, who stood near the bar, laughing with a group of men. When his eyes finally met mine, the laughter died.
His gaze hardened as he took me in, recognition flickering in his eyes. But he masked it quickly, his smile forced.
“Mr. Montenegro,” I said, extending a hand. “It’s an honor to meet you… again.”
He hesitated, his grip firm as he shook my hand. “I thought… this was a close party?” He diverted his gaze on Janette, emphasizing his tone. “For investors.”
I let out a soft laugh. “I invested in MCC. And… I wanted to apologize for my behavior that night. I was... overwhelmed.”
“Overwhelmed?” he echoed, his tone unreadable.
“Yes,” I said, my voice laced with faux sincerity. “It’s been a difficult one for me. I hope you’ll accept my apology.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. “Of course. No harm done.”
Pretentious. Indeed.
The party continued, the tension between us simmering beneath the surface. I observed him from a distance, noting how he interacted with others. He was cautious, always calculating, and I knew he’d already begun unraveling the threads of my sudden appearance.
Just as I felt the first stirrings of triumph, the air shifted. A sharp crack echoed through the ballroom—a gunshot.