Chapter 10 - The Gala Invitation
Morning sunlight cut through the lingering dampness, casting long golden slats across the polished marble of the main foyer. The household was already humming with frantic energy. Vivian Vance stood by the sweeping staircase, her champagne satin gown shimmering under the crystal chandeliers, holding a stack of heavy embossed envelopes like a queen distributing decrees.
As I walked by with a silver tray of fresh linens, Vivian stepped directly into my path, a sharp, venomous smile plastered across her face.
"Oh, Mrs. Bennett," she trilled, loud enough for the passing footmen to hear. "How fortunate you are to be dusting today. You might actually learn how civilized people live before the charity gala next Saturday." She waved a thick gold-embossed card in the air. "Naturally, the staff will be expected to work double shifts to accommodate our elite guests. I trust a former socialite won't find menial labor too exhausting?"
Before I could formulate a cold, measured reply, heavy footsteps echoed down the staircase. Alessandro descended, his black suit immaculate, his expression carved from granite. He walked straight past Vivian, his eyes locking onto me before shifting coldly to his cousin.
"Put the invitations down, Vivian," Alessandro said, his voice ringing through the cavernous foyer with icy authority.
Vivian blinked, her smug expression faltering. "Alessandro, darling, I was just briefing the staff on—"
"Mrs. Bennett will not be working the gala," Alessandro interrupted, stopping beside me and resting a hand firmly, proprietarily, at the small of my back. The heat of his palm burned right through the black and white uniform fabric. "She will be attending as my personal guest of honor."
The silence in the foyer was absolute. Vivian’s jaw dropped, the gold-embossed cards trembling slightly in her manicured fingers. "Your... guest? Alessandro, have you lost your mind? She is a maid!"
"She is Catherine," Alessandro said, his dark eyes narrowing into dangerous slits as he looked down at Vivian with absolute disdain. "And anyone who disrespects her in this house will find themselves locked out of the gates permanently. Do I make myself clear?"
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Vivian stood paralyzed in stunned shock, her face pale beneath her heavy makeup. Alessandro didn't wait for her answer. He turned his gaze to me, the hard edge vanishing from his eyes, replaced by a quiet, fierce warmth. He took the silver tray from my hands, setting it down on a nearby console table, and offered me his arm.
"Come, Catherine," he said softly, loud enough for the entire hall to hear. "Let's review the guest list together."
