The music inside the ballroom continued softly, elegant and calm.
But the atmosphere had changed.
After Victor Hale's greeting, the tension between the two sides had become almost visible.
Elena stood beside Alessandro near one of the tall marble pillars, quietly observing the room.
She took another small sip of champagne.
"So…"
She glanced sideways at him.
"That was your mortal enemy."
Alessandro's gaze remained fixed across the ballroom.
"Yes."
Elena tilted her head slightly.
"He's surprisingly polite."
"That's part of the problem."
She chuckled softly.
"I thought villains were supposed to monologue and threaten people."
"Victor doesn't threaten."
Alessandro's voice was calm.
"He demonstrates."
That didn't sound reassuring.
Elena followed his gaze across the room again.
Victor stood near the stage now, speaking with several powerful guests.
He looked perfectly comfortable.
Like he owned the room.
"Elena."
She looked back at Alessandro.
"Yes?"
"Don't wander too far tonight."
"Why?"
"Because Victor rarely invites enemies without a purpose."
Elena raised an eyebrow.
"You keep saying that."
"And I mean it."
Before she could reply, Adrian appeared beside them.
He carried two glasses of water.
"Still alive, I see."
Elena accepted the water.
"Barely."
Adrian glanced across the ballroom.
"You've already met him."
"Yes."
"And?"
Elena thought for a moment.
"He's charming."
Adrian smirked slightly.
"That's exactly how he wins."
Alessandro spoke quietly.
"What's the situation?"
Adrian lowered his voice.
"I've been monitoring the guests."
"And?"
"There are several politicians here."
"That's normal for a gala."
Adrian nodded.
"But there are also three corporate leaders who recently cut contracts with Romano Shipping."
Alessandro's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So he's gathering allies."
"Yes."
Elena sighed.
"This really is a battlefield."
Adrian nodded.
"Just with better lighting."
Before the conversation could continue, the music suddenly stopped.
The ballroom quieted.
All eyes turned toward the stage.
Victor Hale stepped onto the platform with calm confidence.
The spotlight followed him.
He smiled at the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen…"
His voice carried easily across the ballroom.
"Thank you all for attending tonight's Hale Foundation Gala."
Polite applause followed.
Victor continued.
"This evening is dedicated to supporting international humanitarian efforts."
Elena leaned toward Adrian.
"Does he always sound this sincere?"
Adrian whispered back.
"Unfortunately, yes."
Victor continued speaking.
But Elena noticed something strange.
His eyes occasionally drifted toward her.
Like he was measuring her reaction.
Finally Victor reached the end of his speech.
"And before we continue with the evening…"
He paused.
"I'd like to acknowledge a very special guest."
Elena felt a strange feeling in her stomach.
Victor looked directly at her.
"The Romano family has always been… influential."
Several people in the crowd shifted slightly.
Victor continued.
"And tonight we have the pleasure of welcoming Alessandro Romano…"
His gaze shifted again.
"…and his new wife."
The spotlight moved.
Straight toward Elena.
The entire ballroom turned to look at her.
Elena blinked once.
Then sighed quietly.
"Oh, come on."
Adrian whispered.
"He's putting you on display."
"I noticed."
Victor smiled from the stage.
"Mrs. Romano…"
He gestured politely.
"Would you join me for a moment?"
Elena slowly turned toward Alessandro.
His expression was cold.
"Don't."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Why not?"
"Because this is exactly what he wants."
Elena thought about it for two seconds.
Then handed her glass to Adrian.
"Perfect."
Adrian blinked.
"You're actually going?"
Elena smiled slightly.
"If he wants a show…"
She stepped forward.
"I'll give him one."
Alessandro watched her walk toward the stage.
His jaw tightened slightly.
Across the room, Victor's smile grew just a little.
Elena climbed the steps and stood beside him under the bright lights.
The crowd watched with fascination.
Victor spoke smoothly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Elena Romano."
He looked at her.
"Tell us…"
His voice was playful.
"What has it been like marrying one of the most powerful men in the country?"
The question clearly amused the audience.
Elena looked out at the crowd.
Hundreds of eyes stared back.
For a moment, the room waited.
Then she smiled calmly.
"Well…"
She glanced briefly at Alessandro.
"Stressful."
Laughter spread across the ballroom.
Victor chuckled.
"Honest."
Elena shrugged lightly.
"You asked."
Victor leaned slightly closer.
"Are you enjoying your new world?"
She met his gaze calmly.
"It's certainly… interesting."
Victor studied her carefully.
"You seem very comfortable."
"Should I be nervous?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
Victor's eyes gleamed slightly.
"On how long you plan to stay."
The room grew quiet again.
Elena smiled faintly.
"I married Alessandro Romano."
She paused.
"I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon."
Victor's smile widened.
"Good."
He turned back toward the crowd.
"Then I hope you enjoy the evening, Mrs. Romano."
Elena stepped down from the stage and walked back toward Alessandro.
Adrian whispered as she passed.
"That was bold."
She shrugged.
"Someone had to entertain the guests."
When she reached Alessandro, he looked at her quietly.
"You ignored my warning."
She crossed her arms.
"You married me."
That wasn't exactly an answer.
But Alessandro didn't argue.
Across the room, Victor watched them both carefully.
His assistant stepped beside him.
"Well?"
Victor's eyes remained fixed on Elena.
"Interesting."
"In what way?"
Victor smiled slowly.
"She's not a weakness."
He paused.
"She's a wildcard."
And in games like this…
Wildcards could change everything.