That evening Alexander informed Emily they were attending a gala dinner.
"What gala?"
"Our marriage announcement."
Emily nearly dropped her fork.
"You're announcing it publicly?"
Alexander nodded once.
"The board already suspects. Silence creates weakness."
Emily stared at him.
"Your mother said the board would move against you."
"They already are."
At 8:00 p.m., Emily descended the mansion staircase wearing a black silk gown prepared for her.
Alexander was waiting below.
When he saw her—
He said nothing.
But his eyes stayed on her several seconds too long.
The gala was held at the Moretti Grand Ballroom.
Crystal chandeliers.
Champagne towers.
Luxury press photographers.
The moment they entered together—
Flashbulbs exploded.
Questions shouted everywhere.
"Mr. Moretti! Is this your new wife?"
"When did the marriage happen?"
"Who is she?"
Alexander placed one hand firmly at Emily's waist.
Protective.
Possessive.
Then he led her onto the stage.
The microphone amplified his calm voice:
"This is Emily Moretti, my wife."
Gasps rippled across the ballroom.
Emily saw Isabella standing near the back, expression unreadable.
Then applause began.
But not everyone was clapping.
At one corner of the ballroom, three board directors whispered among themselves—
Watching Emily like a threat.
And she suddenly understood:
This marriage was now war.