Chapter 33
The Plaza Hotel ballroom was a masterpiece of architectural brilliance, filled with the city's political elite. The room hummed with the sophisticated chatter of wealthy donors, their sharp American accents blending into a veil of arrogant security. Senator Hayes stood near the center, a man with fair, rosy cheeks and a false, practiced smile. He believed he was entirely untouchable. He was profoundly mistaken. The heavy double doors of the ballroom swung open, and the atmosphere plummeted to absolute freezing. Vincent Caruso stepped into the bright, cinematic light. He did not bring an army; he brought only Silas and two massive bodyguards in professional dark suits. Vincent moved through the crowd with the terrifying, fluid grace of an apex predator. The wealthy politicians instinctively parted for him, completely paralyzed by the sheer, deeply masculine aura of absolute danger he projected. He walked directly up to Senator Hayes. The older politician's smile vanished entirely, his rosy complexion draining to a sickly white. "Caruso," Hayes gasped, taking a nervous step backward. "You cannot be here. This is a highly secure private event." Vincent did not raise his voice. "I am here. Senator."
