The charity event was designed to soften reputations.
Glass walls, white florals, discreet security, and enough wealth in the room to buy silence for a lifetime. Elena understood the strategy immediately. Appear benevolent. Appear united. Rewrite the narrative.
She arrived on Alessandro's arm, cameras flashing like a storm breaking. The ring caught the light; her posture did the rest. Calm. Elegant. Unavailable.
"Smile," Alessandro murmured, not looking at her.
"I am," she replied softly. "Just not for them."
His thumb pressed lightly at her wrist—an anchor, not a claim. "Stay close."
"That wasn't in the contract."
"It is now."
They moved through the room together, exchanging pleasantries, accepting congratulations that felt more like interrogations. Elena noticed who watched too closely. Who leaned in too far. Who avoided her eyes altogether.
Isabella appeared halfway through the evening.
She wore silver—intentional. Close enough to white to provoke comment, far enough to deny intent. Her smile was flawless.
"Elena," she said warmly, air-kissing both cheeks. "You look… settled."
Elena returned the gesture with equal grace. "So do you. I hear you're overseeing the foundation's funds."
Isabella's eyes flickered. "Temporarily."
"Of course," Elena said. "Temporary power is still power."
Before Isabella could reply, a man approached—older, sharp-suited, eyes calculating.
"Mrs. Romano," he said. "A pleasure. I'm Victor Hale."
Elena's instincts prickled.
"Likewise," she replied. "Do we know each other?"
"Not yet," he said smoothly. "But I've followed your family's success for years."
From the corner of her eye, Elena saw Alessandro watching—still, attentive, dangerous in his restraint.
Victor smiled. "You've married… decisively."
Elena met his gaze. "So I'm told."
"And are you happy?"
The question landed like a challenge.
Alessandro stepped forward before she could answer. "My wife's happiness isn't a topic for speculation."
Victor raised his hands slightly. "Curiosity only."
"Be careful where curiosity leads," Alessandro replied calmly.
Victor laughed, retreating. "A fair warning."
When he disappeared into the crowd, Elena exhaled slowly.
"Who was that?" she asked.
"Someone who shouldn't know your name," Alessandro said. "And now does."
They were interrupted by a sudden ripple of attention—whispers spreading, phones subtly raised.
Elena felt it before she saw it.
On the far wall, a projection flickered—images cycling too fast to stop immediately. Headlines. Photos. A younger Elena at a university party. A business deal taken out of context. A narrative forming.
A smear.
The room stilled.
Alessandro's hand tightened on hers. "Don't react."
Elena lifted her chin. "I won't hide."
Isabella's voice cut through the murmur. "Oh dear. How unfortunate."
That did it.
Elena stepped forward, releasing Alessandro's hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she said clearly, voice steady. "It seems we're being treated to an unsolicited presentation."
The room quieted.
"Let me be clear," Elena continued. "My past is not a scandal. It's a record. One I'm proud of."
She turned slightly, meeting Isabella's gaze. "And anyone attempting to weaponize it is admitting a lack of substance."
A beat.
Then Alessandro joined her, placing a hand at the small of her back—not possessive. Protective.
"This event is over," he said calmly.
Security moved instantly.
Isabella stared, stunned. "You're shutting it down because of her?"
Alessandro's eyes were cold. "I'm shutting it down because of you."
Silence.
Later, in the car, Elena sat rigidly, adrenaline still humming beneath her skin.
"You didn't have to end it," she said quietly.
"Yes," he replied. "I did."
She looked at him. "You chose me. In public."
"I warned you," he said. "If they come for you—there are consequences."
She swallowed. "This will escalate."
"It already has."
A pause.
"Are you angry?" she asked.
"No," he said. "I'm focused."
She nodded once. "Then we're aligned."
At the estate, as they parted for the night, Alessandro stopped her.
"You handled yourself well," he said.
"So did you."
His gaze lingered—heated, restrained, dangerous in its control.
"This is how it starts," he said quietly. "Lines being crossed."
Elena met his eyes. "Then we redraw them."
He watched her walk away, jaw tight.
Because the truth was simple and terrifying:
The world had just seen Elena Romano stand her ground.
And now, they would test how far Alessandro was willing to go to keep her standing.