Chapter 3 - The Award on Stage
The grand ballroom of Moretti Tower was packed with Chicago’s elite, the sound of clinking champagne flutes and classical strings filling the air beneath towering crystal chandeliers.
Dr. Adrian Vaughn, a handsome late-40s man in a sleek silver-embroidered tuxedo, stood near the raised podium, sipping vintage champagne with an arrogant, unbothered smile. Around him, senators, federal judges, and wealthy patrons laughed at his charming jokes, hanging onto every word from the city's legendary "miracle surgeon."
From the VIP balcony above, Dominic stood in the shadows, his tailored tuxedo dark as midnight, his dark eyes fixed entirely on Dr. Vaughn’s neck.
Beside him stood Ava, now wearing a high-collared velvet black gown that completely hid the brutal bruises on her back. Though her hands were still cold with lingering anxiety, standing beside Dominic gave her a sense of protection she had never felt in her entire life.
"He believes he is untouchable because he holds the medical records for every mayor and judge in Illinois," Ava whispered, looking up at Dominic's rigid profile. "That’s why he thought he could lay his hands on me without consequences."
"Arrogance makes powerful men stupid," Dominic replied smoothly, taking a pair of pristine white silk gloves from his pocket. "He thinks my family brought him here to give him a golden trophy."
Down on the stage, the master of ceremonies adjusted the microphone, his voice booming through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in welcoming tonight's guest of honor—Dr. Adrian Vaughn!"
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The room erupted into loud applause as Dr. Vaughn walked up the carpeted steps, bowing gracefully to the crowd.
👉 Read Part 4 to see Dominic crash the award ceremony.
