Six days after I started working for the most feared mafia boss in Westchester County, I made one spectacular mistake:

To formalize his absolute control over Westchester’s business landscape, Dominic hosted the annual Autumn Charity Gala at the grand Hudson River Estate—a high-society event attended by politicians, business tycoons, and elite figures from across the state.

It was my first public appearance as Dominic Vale’s partner, not his assistant.

I wore a floor-length emerald green silk gown with a modest neckline and an open back, my hair styled in soft, elegant waves. Around my neck hung a stunning vintage diamond necklace that Dominic had presented to me earlier that evening.

When we stepped out of the limousine at the red carpet entrance, the flashing lights of society photographers exploded around us.

Dominic walked with absolute confidence, his hand firm around my waist, guiding me through the throng of reporters and high-society guests. He wore a midnight-black tuxedo that made him look impossibly handsome and commanding.

"Nervous?" he murmured in my ear as we entered the grand ballroom, where a live orchestra was playing classical waltzes.

"A little," I admitted, clutching my small clutch purse. "I'm used to cleaning grand ballrooms, not standing in the middle of them."

"Look at me," Dominic instructed gently, stopping near the edge of the dance floor.

I looked into his eyes.

"You belong here, Rachel," he said with absolute conviction. "More than any of these hypocrites filling the room. You have more courage and intelligence in your little finger than this entire city."

A warm glow spread through my chest. Before I could reply, a tall, distinguished man with silver hair and a tailored gray suit approached us, holding two champagne flutes.

"Dominic," the man smiled, offering his hand. "An incredible turnout tonight."

"Mayor Harrison," Dominic greeted, shaking his hand with cool professionalism. "Allow me to introduce Rachel Bennett."

Mayor Harrison bowed his head politely, looking at me with genuine interest. "Ah, Miss Bennett. Dominic has spoken very highly of your sharp analytical eye during our recent port infrastructure discussions."

"Thank you, Mr. Mayor," I smiled smoothly. "We're very optimistic about the new trade regulations."

For the next two hours, we navigated the room with effortless grace. I wasn't just a quiet companion; I actively participated in conversations, offering insights that made senior city officials take notice. Dominic watched me with an undeniable look of pride in his dark eyes.

Around 10:00 PM, the orchestra shifted to a slow, romantic melody.

Dominic took the glass of champagne from my hand, set it on a passing waiter’s tray, and led me out toward the center of the marble dance floor.

"Mr. Vale," I teased gently as he pulled me close, his right hand resting on the open dip of my back. "Are we dancing in front of all these people?"

"We are," Dominic said softly, pulling me closer until our bodies moved in perfect synchronization to the music. "Let them look. Let them know who owns my heart."

My breath caught. "Dominic..."

He spun me gracefully across the floor, his eyes locked onto mine, completely ignoring the whispering socialites watching us from the sidelines. For the first time since I stepped foot into his mansion, the dark, dangerous shadow of his title seemed to fade away, leaving only the man who played Chopin in the middle of the night.