Chapter 167

• VALENTINA
• The hotel ballroom glittered under crystal chandeliers that threw warm light across white linen tables. Champagne flutes caught the glow. Laughter and low voices filled the air. I moved through the crowd in my black gown, the fabric hugging my waist and hips, chosen because I needed to feel in control tonight. I smiled at investors, nodded at compliments, sipped champagne. The bubbles tasted sharp on my tongue.
• Then I saw him.