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The room buzzed with anticipation.Chandeliers cast a golden glow over the lavish ballroom, the air thick with the scent of champagne and money.
This was the kind of event where reputations were made—or ruined. Tonight, Christian and I were making damn sure it would be Victoria’s turn to fall.
I took a slow, steadying breath, smoothing my hand over the sleek black gown I wore.
On the surface, I looked every bit the composed, successful chef, mingling with some of the city’s most powerful elites. But underneath, tension coiled tight in my stomach.
Beside me, Christian stood tall, exuding effortless confidence in a tailored suit. He reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze before murmuring, “You ready?”
I nodded, forcing a small smile. “More than ready.”
Victoria was here somewhere. The woman who had spent months sabotaging me, who had tried to destroy everything I’d worked for, everything I cared about—including Christian.
Not tonight.
Tonight, we turned the tables.
Christian’s investigator had uncovered everything—Victoria’s bribes, her anonymous tips to health inspectors, and most importantly, her latest scheme.
She was planning to plant fake evidence of unsanitary conditions tied to my restaurant in order to discredit me in front of future investors.
Only, she had no idea we were waiting for her to make a move.
We had tipped off a few trusted reporters, ensuring that when Victoria tried to execute her plan, the media would be watching.
Christian leaned in again, his lips grazing the shell of my ear. “She’s here.”
I stiffened slightly but nodded. “Where?”
He tilted his head toward the catering station at the far end of the room. Victoria stood near the servers, speaking to a man in a dark suit.
A man I recognized—the food inspector who had given me hell during my last surprise visit. Reynolds.
A surge of anger pulsed through me. I turned to Christian. “She’s making her move.”
Christian’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “Then let’s make ours.”
We mingled and spoke to other guests a little longer.
Then after some time, I excused myself from the small circle of guests I’d been speaking with, moving toward the catering station as if I were merely checking on the evening’s menu.
From the corner of my eye, I watched Victoria discreetly hand off a small, unlabeled container to the inspector.
My heart pounded.Got you.
I stepped forward just as the man was about to disappear into the kitchen. “Excuse me.”
Both Victoria and the inspector turned, surprise flashing across their faces.
“Scarlett,” Victoria said smoothly, recovering quickly. “Lovely event. I was just telling Mr. Reynolds here how much I admire your work.”
I smiled, but there was no warmth behind it.
“How kind of you.” Then I glanced at the container in Reynolds’ hands. “What’s that?”
Langston hesitated, but Victoria—always quick on her feet—tilted her head innocently.
“Oh, just a small sample I wanted him to try. I’d hate for an unfortunate oversight to affect the reputation of your lovely restaurant,” Victoria said quickly.