Chapter 4 - The Secret History Of The DeLuca Family Empire
The murmurs rippling through the ballroom grew deafening as Chicago's elite finally recognized the billionaire heir.
Luca stood up slowly, gently taking Wren’s small, shaking hand inside his warm, firm palm.
He walked them toward the raised dais at the front of the ballroom, where the microphone stood waiting under the spotlight.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Luca’s deep voice echoed effortlessly through the high-end sound system across the hall.
"Tonight, I am not here to talk about corporate mergers, charity foundations, or the expansion of our downtown portfolio."
He lifted Wren slightly so she could see the sea of faces staring up at them from the candlelit tables.
"Eight years ago, my family forced a young woman out of this city with threats and intimidation," Luca announced steadily.
"They told her that a DeLuca could never associate with someone outside our social circle, and they hid the truth from me."
Maren stood near the edge of the stage, her hands clasped tightly together as tears welled in her eyes.
May you like
"They told me my child did not survive her first night in a private hospital wing," Luca continued, his jaw tightening.
"They lied so they could protect a dynastic name built on cruelty, arrogance, and absolute deception."
Related Stories
