Velvet Shadows

XVIII

The night was buzzing with an air of celebration at the brokers' open on Millionaires Row. Dante stood at the entrance, his hand loosely draped over Nora's waist. They were barely speaking, but Nora's fingers clung to his arm like a vice.

Dante's eyes scanned the room continuously, searching for Angel, his gaze flickering to his watch every few minutes.

"Dante, are you looking for someone?" Nora asked, her voice cold.

"Not at all," Dante replied, his tone equally detached.

Nora was dressed impeccably in a midnight blue gown that hugged her figure, her brown hair cascading in waves over her shoulders. Her makeup was flawless, a light beige gloss accentuating her lips, which currently wore a tight smile.

Dante, on the other hand, had chosen a tailored black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a dark tie.

Despite his composed appearance, there was an unmistakable unease in his demeanor. As people approached him, offering handshakes and small talk, Dante responded politely but absently. Some of his colleagues avoided him, casting furtive glances that betrayed their discomfort.

"Hello," Bri's voice cut through the ambient noise, pulling him from his thoughts.

She stood beside Nora, her striking white dress resembling a wedding gown and accentuating her figure, her demeanor confident and flirtatious. Dante's expression hardened at the sight.

"Bri, darling!" Nora exclaimed, her voice a mixture of genuine pleasure and a touch of desperation. They kissed each other on both cheeks, their smiles wide and somewhat forced.

"You look stunning, as always, Nora," Bri said, her tone dripping with exaggerated sweetness. "How have you been?"

Nora preened under the compliment, her grip on Dante loosening slightly. "Oh, you know, busy with work and planning Emma's birthday party. You should come! Right, Dante?" She nudged him gently, her eyes sparkling with expectation.

Dante forced a smile, his stomach twisting. "Of course, Bri. You're more than welcome."

Bri's eyes shone with a sly light as she reached out, her hand lingering on Dante's arm. "I'd love to," she cooed, leaning in to kiss him on both cheeks. "Always the perfect gentleman, aren't you?"

Dante stiffened at her touch, the memory of their last encounter vivid in his mind. He glanced at Nora, who watched them with a mixture of interest and obliviousness.

As Nora tried to engage him in small talk about the party, she mentioned casually, "We're also considering a trip to Brazil, right, Dante?"

Dante stood back, listening to Nora's plans, feeling a deep reluctance. Both Nora and Bri looked at him expectantly.

"We're still discussing the possibility," he said calmly, though inside he had already decided against it.

He wouldn't go, even if it killed Nora.

Bri watched their exchange with a knowing smirk, enjoying the subtle power play.

Before the conversation could heat up further, Maria's voice rang out over the microphone, commanding everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?" She paused, allowing the room to quiet down. "I am thrilled to announce that our company is officially number one in the state for gross sales volume and number three globally for highest property sales over ten million dollars!"

Applause erupted, and Dante clapped along, though his thoughts were elsewhere. Nora's eyes were on him, silently urging him to react appropriately.

Maria continued, "And this achievement would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of one man in particular. Dante, please join me up here."