Chapter 4

Catherine's POV

The family ballroom fills with every power player in the city. This isn't just a birthday party. It's the ceremony where the family's future gets decided.

Vincent stands in the center wearing a custom white suit, soaking up compliments like some prince waiting for his crown.

"Vincent, congrats. After tonight, you'll be running the family with Cat."

"That's generous of you to say." Vincent acts humble, but his eyes say otherwise. "It's Cat's call."

Sophia stands nearby in that white dress, exchanging looks with him. They don't even bother hiding it.

I appear at the top of the staircase on Father's arm.

The room goes silent.

The black velvet dress hugs my body, custom black diamonds catching the light like ice. Dark red lips, cold expression. I look like a black swan who knows exactly what she's worth.

Elijah stands in the shadows at the bottom of the stairs in his black security uniform, alert even now.

The ceremony starts.

Father says a few words, then hands me the microphone.

"Everyone." My voice carries through the speakers. "Today's my twenty-second birthday, and the day I choose my future partner."

Below, Vincent adjusts his tie and straightens up, that confident smile spreading across his face. He even takes half a step forward, ready for me to call his name.

Sophia watches me from the crowd, eyes eager. She's waiting for me to walk straight into her trap.

"Everyone knows Vincent Moretti and I grew up together."

Vincent's smile widens. He waves at people around him like he's already won.

"But," I pause, "growing up together doesn't mean we're meant to be. Especially when that friendship's rotten to the core."

The room erupts.

Vincent's smile freezes. His extended foot hangs awkwardly in midair.

"Cat, what the hell are you doing?" He stares at me in disbelief. "We can't do this here..."

"I'm not doing anything wrong."

I walk down the stairs, heels clicking against the floor.

I head straight for him.

He reaches out instinctively. "Cat, let's talk about this somewhere else..."

I look at him coldly. "Vincent, you think I don't know about the shit you've been doing with Sophia? You think I'm stupid enough to let you two play me?"

Vincent goes white. Sophia shrinks back into the crowd.

"This family doesn't need a traitor."

I say it loud enough for everyone to hear.

Then I turn and walk right past him.

Like he's nothing.

I head for the man who's been standing in the shadowy corner this whole time.

Elijah watches me approach, shock and confusion written all over his face. He starts to back up.

"Don't move." My voice is quiet but firm.

Elijah freezes.

I reach up and pull the earpiece from his ear, drop it on the floor.

Then, with hundreds of eyes watching, I take his calloused hand in mine.

His hand trembles. His palm is slick with cold sweat.

"Miss Russo..." His voice comes out rough, panicked. "You can't do this..."

"I make the rules."

I turn around, raising our joined hands. I turn to face the room—Vincent with his face gone gray, Sophia looking terrified, everyone who came expecting a show.

This moment feels like freedom. All the frustration, pain, and regret from my last life burns away.

I announce loudly:

"I, Catherine Russo, sole heir to this family, choose as my husband—"

I look at Elijah, smiling.

"Elijah Reed."