CHAPTER 7: THE GALA
The charity gala was held at the same hotel where Grace had worked.
She walked through the doors in a beautiful blue dress, her hair swept up, her necklace glinting in the light.
She felt like a different person.
Dominic was waiting for her by the entrance.
"You look stunning," he said.
"I look terrified."
"You look ready."
He offered her his arm.
"Shall we?"
They walked into the ballroom together.
Every head turned.
The same people who had watched Grace humiliate Vivian were now watching her walk in on the arm of Dominic DeLuca.
The murmurs started immediately.
"Is that the waitress?"
"With Dominic DeLuca?"
"Impossible."
Grace held her head high.
She walked past Vivian Whitmore, who was standing near the stage, her face twisted with rage.
"Grace Miller," Vivian said. "You have some nerve showing up here."
"I was invited."
"By whom?"
Dominic stepped forward. "By me."
Vivian's face went pale.
"Dominic. I didn't realize she was—"
"She's my guest. And she's also the woman who defended my mother from your assault."
Vivian's mouth opened, but no words came out.
"The rules have changed, Vivian. You're not the most powerful person in this room anymore."
Dominic turned to the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said. "I want you all to meet Grace Miller. The woman who stood up to an abuser when no one else would. She is under my protection. Anyone who harms her will answer to me."
The ballroom fell silent.
Then someone started clapping.
Within seconds, the entire room was applauding.
Vivian Whitmore stormed out.
Grace stood there, stunned.
May you like
"What just happened?" she asked.
Dominic smiled. "You just won."
