Chapter 11 - THE BETRAYAL BENEATH THE BALLROOM
The threat returned at a charity gala in Manhattan.
Kalantha attended with Declan.
This time, he asked whether she wanted to accompany him.
She said yes.
The evening was beautiful.
Music.
Champagne.
Chandeliers.
But halfway through dinner, Leo received a message.
His expression changed.
He leaned toward Declan.
“We have a problem.”
Declan looked up.
“What?”
Leo lowered his voice.
“Victor's former associates are here.”
Declan's jaw tightened.
“Where?”
Leo nodded toward the balcony.
Three men stood near the doors.
Watching.
Kalantha noticed.
“What is it?”
Declan turned toward her.
“Someone connected to your father's business may be here.”
She went still.
“Are we in danger?”
“We don't know yet.”
Kalantha took a breath.
“Then tell me what you need me to know.”
Declan nodded.
For once, he didn't hide the situation.
He explained the concern.
The security arrangements.
The safest exits.
And let her decide whether she wanted to leave.
Kalantha looked toward the ballroom.
Then back at him.
“I want to go.”
Declan nodded.
“Okay.”
As they moved toward the exit, one of the men approached.
“Mr. Moretti.”
Declan stopped.
The man smiled.
“We need to talk.”
Declan's expression hardened.
“Not here.”
The man glanced at Kalantha.
“Your guest is important.”
Declan stepped slightly closer to her.
Kalantha looked at him.
Then at the stranger.
She took out her phone.
And quietly called security.
Within moments, the men were intercepted.
The situation was contained without violence.
Outside, Declan looked at Kalantha.
“You handled that well.”
She smiled faintly.
“I learned from experience.”
He nodded.
Then said:
“You shouldn't have needed to.”
Kalantha looked at him.
“Maybe not.”
She took his hand.
“But I'm not helpless.”
May you like
Declan smiled.
“I know.”
