Chapter 12. The Elite Dinner
429 Words
The annual De Luca Investors Gala was known as the most luxurious event in Italy.
Only billionaires, politicians, celebrities, and elite business owners received invitations. Reporters crowded outside the seven-star hotel while luxury cars stopped one after another beneath flashing cameras.
Tonight, Sofia felt unstoppable.
Wearing a breathtaking silver designer gown with diamonds sparkling around her neck, she stepped out of Adrian’s black luxury car proudly while holding his arm tightly.
Gasps immediately spread around the entrance.
“That’s Adrian De Luca’s wife…”
“She’s gorgeous.”
“She’s so lucky.”
Sofia smiled proudly at the attention while Adrian remained cold and emotionless beside her.
Inside the ballroom, powerful businessmen instantly greeted Adrian respectfully.
“Mr. De Luca.”
“It’s good seeing you again.”
Even wealthy billionaires lowered their pride around him because everyone knew Adrian ruled far more than business.
Sofia loved every second of the attention she received as Mrs. De Luca.
Women envied her.
Men admired her beauty.
And tonight, she finally felt superior.
Meanwhile…
After finishing endless chores at home, Elena finally left the mansion quietly after Nina and Camilla begged her to come outside.
The three girls later walked through Milan together while chatting and laughing softly.
“You seriously need a vacation,” Camilla complained dramatically.
Elena smiled weakly.
Unlike Nina, Camilla knew Elena had a past connection with Adrian De Luca. Elena secretly told her months ago after seeing Adrian on television for the first time.
But she begged Camilla never to tell anyone.
Especially Bianca.
Because if her stepmother discovered Elena once knew Adrian personally, her life would become even worse.
Nina, however, knew absolutely nothing.
To her, Adrian was simply Italy’s dangerous billionaire everyone feared.
As they continued walking, bright camera flashes suddenly caught Nina’s attention.
“Oh my God,” Nina gasped. “What’s happening there?”
Camilla glanced toward the luxurious hotel entrance.
“The De Luca Investors Gala.”
Even from outside, the event screamed wealth and power.
Luxury cars.
Designer gowns.
Bodyguards everywhere.
Then Elena saw him.
Adrian.
Standing near the entrance in a perfectly tailored black suit while reporters surrounded him nonstop.
Beside him stood Sofia glowing proudly like royalty.
Elena’s chest tightened painfully.
Nina immediately grabbed Camilla’s arm excitedly.
“That’s Adrian De Luca? He’s even more handsome in real life!”
Camilla rolled her eyes slightly.
“Handsome and dangerous.”
Elena remained silent while watching Adrian from afar.
For a brief second…
His eyes suddenly lifted toward the crowd outside.
And somehow—
They landed directly on her.
- Writer
