A Dance with Danger

Chapter One

**Ilaria POV**

A month ago.......

Silverware for the special guest, goldware for the usual guest.” I directed the traffic calmly as I waited for my assistant's return.

Vivian stalked over, her hands clutching creamed napkins. “We’re out of cream! This is not good.” Her face had drained of color.

I rested my hand on her shoulder, soothing her gently. “No need to fret, Viv. I ordered some two hours ago... They should be here any minute.” I glanced at my phone.

Six-thirty. One more hour before the gala. Mr. Kavouris  had requested that I block four tables for him, his family, and family friends.

As a prestigious man who got what he wanted in the blink of an eye, I felt the weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders. As his most trusted planner, I was in charge of everything—the seating arrangements, the food, the drinks, the music, and even the guest list.

With over five hundred expected attendees, this was a celebration of the Lux Halla’s fifty-sixth anniversary, inaugurated by Archibald himself.

Vivian slowly relaxed a bit before diving back into her work. I admired her napkin designs—each one elegantly shaped into swans, resting gracefully on silver plates. Waiters and waitresses lined up glasses and set out finger foods, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation.

I sighed in relief as Sergio pushed in a trolley filled with neatly folded napkins. “Thanks, Serg. You’re a lifesaver.” I smiled, grateful for his timely arrival.

“No problem, A.” Sergio winked before leaving me to finish preparing. Vivian dashed over, excitement lighting her face at the delivery.

I signed my name and handed off the rest to Vivian. “Alright, everyone, we have less than an hour left!” I called out, rallying the team.

Harmony, my assistant, returned with the rest of the gold décor. “Madeline found this old decor in the attic. Who would’ve thought Lux Halla had an attic?” she joked.

I helped Harmony unpack the ornaments as she wrapped her curly ginger hair into a ponytail using a scrunchie from her wrist.

“Madam Dahlia Primrose thought so,” I laughed. Harmony bit her lip gently.
“You’re right, but it was Lady Charlotta who discovered it.”

“She thought someone lived up there,” I said, reaching for another gold ball to hang beneath the black balloons.

“No one believed her,” I added, a smile creeping onto my face as I glanced at her.

I hadn’t realized everyone had stopped working until I stepped down from the ladder. Tiberius , my boss, strode into the room.

“Mr. Kavouris ,” Colton, one of the butlers, bowed respectfully. “Colton, do you mind if Sage takes your place tonight?” Colton was surprised but nodded quickly, thanking him.

I handed over the ornaments and quickly approached Tiberius . “Good evening, Mr. Kavouris ,” I greeted him, smoothing my hands over the fabric of my dress.

He snapped his gaze to me, assessing. “How long have you been at this?” He pointed to the ongoing preparations. “Half an hour at most.”

From what I had heard, Tiberius had divorced his wife, Chloe Beaumont, the previous year. The news had swept through the press like wildfire, leaving many to wonder how both partners felt about the split.

____________

I felt the cool silk glide over my skin, the rich Blue hue contrasting beautifully against my deep brown complexion. I ran a hand down my dress to smooth out any wrinkles that formed.

Harmony pushed open the bedroom door. She wore a crimson dress with a deep V-neck and a high split that accentuated her long legs. Her hair was styled in a sleek bun, with dangling silver earrings catching the light.

“Look at you! So beautiful!” she exclaimed as she entered, followed by Reilly, who wore a similar style but in a champagne color, her deep body waves cascading down her back.

“Thank you! You girls look lovely as ever,” I replied, admiring them both. They spun for me to see their full outfits, and I returned the gesture, twirling to showcase my own dress.

“This party is going to be great, and it was all done by Ilaria.”

Guests filled the room, engaging in conversations about work and life outside of the office. Harmony, Reilly, and I stuck close together as we entered the party, though Harmony was soon pulled away by her husband.

Reilly, ever the curious one, decided to eavesdrop on Sergio’s conversation with Tiberius  enforcer, Magnus. It wouldn’t be long before she was caught.

“Ilaria Grayson?” A voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned, my fluke in my right hand, to see a tall man with peppered hair extending his hand to me. I shook it, then quickly retreated my hand. “This is an amazing party you hosted.”

“Oh, I’m not the—”

Everything was going according to plan, with more meals and drinks served and musicians beginning to perform. But suddenly, a piercing scream sliced through the atmosphere. Adrenaline surged through my veins.

I pushed through the guests who were starting to crowd around someone. My heart sank as I caught sight of the man from earlier, lying on the ground, his face turning pale as he gasped for air. Tiberius knelt by his side, an Epipen in his hand. “An ambulance is on its way,” he said, his voice steady.

The woman beside him sobbed, cradling her husband’s cheek as Tiberius prepared the injection. “He’ll be alright,” he reassured everyone, but I could see the tension in the room.

A few agonizing minutes passed as he struggled for breath, gripping Tiberius  arm. Then, finally, he gasped and steadied himself.

“He’s fine, everyone,” Tiberius announced, and I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The paramedics arrived just in time to escort him to the hospital.

I remained rooted in place, waiting for one of the paramedics to explain what had happened. “Mrs. Ricci, please come with us,” one medic said, gently guiding her away from the scene.

I didn’t turn my head when I felt someone staring at me before a hand gripped my wrist, pulling me behind them.