Three nights later, the Moretti Foundation hosted its annual Diamond Charity Ball.
Emily was required to attend as Alexander's wife.
The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and diamonds.
Royal guests.
CEOs.
Politicians.
Luxury press.
Emily wore silver silk.
Alexander wore black tuxedo perfection.
But Camille was there too.
And she made certain everyone noticed.
Throughout the evening, she remained near Alexander—
Laughing softly.
Touching his arm.
Speaking to old family allies.
Emily understood exactly what she was doing.
Claiming territory.
At midnight came the charity auction.
Unexpectedly, the host announced:
"Our final item tonight is a private weekend at Lake Como, donated personally by Mr. Alexander Moretti."
Bidding began.
Twenty thousand.
Thirty.
Fifty.
Then Camille raised her paddle.
"One hundred thousand."
The room murmured.
Then another voice spoke from behind:
"One hundred fifty thousand."
Emily turned.
Isabella Moretti.
Camille's smile faded.
The bidding war escalated.
Finally—
Camille lost.
And Isabella calmly said:
"Some things should remain in the family."
Later, in the powder room, Camille cornered Emily alone.
Her smile vanished instantly.
"You think marriage makes you powerful?"
Emily met her gaze steadily.
"No. Competence does."
Camille stepped closer.
"You're temporary."
Emily answered quietly:
"Then why are you threatened?"
Camille's expression hardened.
And Emily knew she had struck the truth.