Chapter 6 - The Charity Gala
By mid-December, the winter snow had blanketed Boston in white.
To celebrate the restructuring of the Baron Foundation into a legitimate charitable fund for local small businesses and victims of domestic abuse, Elias hosted a grand black-tie gala at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
The ballroom was magnificent, lit by towering ice sculptures and crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of Boston’s elite—politicians, business tycoons, and civic leaders—filled the room in elegant tuxedos and evening gowns.
In a private suite on the top floor of the hotel, Addie stood before a floor-to-ceiling mirror.
She wore a breathtaking floor-length emerald green silk gown with a subtle sweetheart neckline that gracefully covered her healed collarbone. Her dark curly hair was styled in an elegant updo, secured with silver pins, and a delicate diamond pendant—a gift from Elias—hung around her neck.
Charlotte stood behind her, adjusting the silk train of the gown, tears of happiness shining in her eyes.
"You look like a queen, Addie," Charlotte whispered softly. "Not a single person in that room would ever guess you used to carry food trays at Valente."
Addie looked at her reflection, hardly recognizing the strong, radiant woman looking back at her.
"I’m still the same person, Char," Addie said gently. "I just don't have to hide anymore."
A knock sounded at the door.
Elias stepped into the suite. He wore an immaculate black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a black bow tie, his dark hair neatly styled.
He stopped in his tracks the moment his eyes fell on Addie.
For a long moment, the man who commanded empires was rendered completely speechless.
"Is... is it too much?" Addie asked nervously, touching her dress.
May you like
Elias walked slowly toward her, his eyes locked onto hers with unfiltered devotion. He reached out, taking her gloved hands into his and kissing them gently.
"You are the most beautiful woman in this city, Adeline," he said softly. "Tonight, you are not stepping into my world as a guest. You are stepping into it as my equal."
