Chapter 6 - THE GALA OF WHITE LILIES
The charity gala took place the following evening.
Amelia had nearly canceled her floral contract.
But the event was important to her business.
And she refused to let Julian destroy another part of her life.
She arrived early to supervise the arrangements.
White lilies filled the ballroom.
Crystal chandeliers glittered above round tables.
Guests in designer gowns and tailored suits moved through the room.
Alessandro approached while she adjusted a centerpiece.
“You came.”
Amelia looked up.
“I have a contract.”
He smiled faintly.
“Of course.”
She returned to the flowers.
He hesitated.
“Are you safe?”
She looked at him.
“I'm not sure.”
His expression hardened.
“Julian?”
She nodded.
Alessandro lowered his voice.
“I've asked my attorney to preserve records related to the warehouse.”
Amelia studied him.
“Why are you helping me?”
He looked toward the ballroom.
“Because your sister may have disappeared because of something connected to my business.”
She waited.
“And because I should have noticed sooner.”
Before Amelia could answer, a voice sounded behind them.
“Amelia.”
Julian.
She turned.
He stood beside a woman in a red dress.
His smile was cold.
“We need to talk.”
Alessandro stepped forward.
Julian's expression changed.
“Mr. Deuca.”
Alessandro looked at him.
“Mr. Price.”
Silence.
Then Alessandro said:
“Miss Bennett is working.”
Julian smiled.
“She's my fiancée.”
Amelia took a breath.
“No.”
Both men looked at her.
She removed her engagement ring.
Placed it on the nearest table.
May you like
And said:
“Not anymore.”
