Chapter 12 - Blood and Blue Ribbons
The name hung in the air like poison, turning my warm tea bitter on my tongue.
Arthur Vance was not a man who loved his daughter; he was a man who loved political capital and old Manhattan prestige.
When Julian had broken my wrist during our second year of marriage, my father had paid the private hospital to list it as a riding accident.
He had told me that a lady of the Vance bloodline did not air dirty laundry in public courtrooms.
"My father won't use it to avenge Julian," I said, my voice hardening into steel as old survival instincts took over.
"Arthur doesn't care that Julian is dead; he cares that the De Luca family now holds the offshore accounts Julian was laundering for him."
Matteo pulled out the barstool beside me and sat down, leaning his forearms on the marble counter.
"Your father called a private meeting of the Manhattan Union Club for tonight," Matteo told me, his eyes locked on mine.
"He thinks he has leverage over me because of the municipal development bonds Julian doctored."
"He doesn't realize who audited those bonds," I said with a razor-thin smile.
"No, he thinks you're still the meek, terrified socialite who cowers behind high collars and oversized sunglasses," Matteo agreed.
"Julian kept you trapped by isolation, but Arthur keeps people trapped by reputation."
"My father sold me to Julian to secure the construction permits for the Hudson Yards expansion," I said, the memory burning like acid.
"I know," Matteo whispered, reaching out to gently touch the back of my hand.
"And tonight, we are going to show Arthur Vance that the collateral he sold has become the executioner of his dynasty."
"I want to go with you," I said firmly, meeting his dark, unblinking eyes without flinching.
Matteo studied my face, searching for any tremor of fear or hesitation in my expression.
"The men in that room are scavengers in tailored suits, Alexandra," he warned quietly.
"They will try to tear you down with words before they realize you hold their financial windpipes in your hand."
"Julian broke my bones, Matteo," I said, holding his gaze with absolute resolve.
"My father broke my spirit for twenty years."
"Let them try to touch me while you stand beside me."
A slow, dangerous smile curved the corner of Matteo's lips.
"Marco," he called out without turning around, and his trusted lieutenant immediately stepped out from the foyer.
May you like
"Call the boutique on Madison," Matteo ordered smoothly.
"Order a black backless gown for Alexandra, and tell them to bring the diamonds from the safe."
