63
~ Alex's POV
I moved through the grand hall with Bella by my side, my presence alone enough to make people step aside. The chandelier's glow reflected off the polished marble floors, casting long shadows as powerful men and women whispered in hushed tones at my arrival. Eyes followed me, some filled with admiration, others with thinly veiled fear.
Good.
Fear was necessary in my world. It kept people in line. It ensured loyalty.
A valet reached for Bella's coat, and she hesitated for a fraction of a second before handing it over. I placed a firm hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward. She was nervous, but she held her head high. That, I could respect.
We entered the heart of the event, where diplomats, politicians, and under-the-table dealers mingled with glasses of aged whiskey and champagne in hand. It didn't take long before the men I needed to speak to found me. They always did. I had to talked about business, so I asked Bella to excused me.
