CHAPTER 2 — THE MAN EVERYONE FEARED STOOD UP
Nobody noticed Dominic move.
One second...
He was standing beside the marble column.
The next...
He was walking across the ballroom.
Slowly.
Calmly.
Every step echoed.
The security team immediately spread out.
Guests instinctively moved aside.
Even Vivian's bodyguards took two steps back.
Vivian frowned.
"Dominic."
She forced a smile.
"I didn't realize this involved you."
He ignored her.
Walked straight past.
Stopped in front of Grace.
She looked up.
Still holding the empty champagne tray.
"I'm sorry about the mess," she said.
"I'll clean it up."
A few guests laughed.
She had no idea who she was talking to.
Dominic looked at the broken glass.
Then at the champagne soaking her uniform.
Finally...
He looked into her eyes.
"My mother."
Grace nodded.
"Is she okay?"
He glanced toward Margaret.
His mother smiled for the first time all evening.
"I'm fine."
"Because of her."
Dominic turned back to Grace.
"What made you step in?"
Grace shrugged.
"She couldn't stand up for herself."
"So I did."
The room fell silent.
Vivian scoffed.
"She's a waitress."
"She was looking for attention."
Grace answered before Dominic could.
"No."
"I was looking at an old woman who was about to be slapped."
Vivian laughed.
"Do you even know who I am?"
Grace shook her head.
"And honestly..."
"I don't think it matters."
A wave of whispers spread through the ballroom.
Dominic's lips curved into the faintest smile.
Vivian noticed.
Her confidence faltered.
"Dominic..."
"You know my family."
"I was just teaching someone respect."
He finally spoke.
"My mother taught me respect."
His voice stayed calm.
"You taught me something else."
The ballroom fell completely silent.
He looked at his head of security.
"Mr. Russo."
A tall man stepped forward.
"Yes, sir."
"Mrs. Whitmore..."
Dominic paused.
"...is no longer welcome at any DeLuca property."
Vivian laughed.
"This isn't your hotel."
"No."
He looked around the ballroom.
"It isn't."
Then he turned toward the hotel's owner.
The elderly man had already stood up.
Sweat covered his forehead.
"Mr. DeLuca..."
"I understand."
He swallowed hard.
"Mrs. Whitmore..."
"I'm afraid your membership has been permanently revoked."
Vivian's smile vanished.
"You can't be serious."
The owner lowered his head.
"I very much am."
For the first time in years...
Someone had told Vivian Whitmore no.
She pointed at Grace.
"This is because of her?"
Dominic answered quietly.
"No."
"It's because of you."
Then he looked at Grace again.
"You're fired."
The ballroom gasped.
Grace blinked.
"I figured."
She nodded once.
"Worth it."
Dominic smiled.
"You're fired..."
"...from this job."
He reached into his jacket.
Pulled out a business card.
"And hired by me."
Before Grace could respond...
A security officer rushed into the ballroom.
"Boss."
"We've got a problem."
He leaned close.
Then whispered three words.
"They found him."
May you like
Dominic's expression changed instantly.
END OF CHAPTER 2.
