“Drink?” Ryder offers, appearing at my side with two champagne flutes.
I accept gratefully, taking a generous sip as Councilman Jenkins approaches us. His face, usually so friendly at my father’s events, is pinched with disapproval.
“Miss Pike,” he says, pointedly ignoring Dom. “Your father was quite shocked to see your name on the guest list. This is hardly appropriate after your... situation.”
The old Cora would have mumbled an apology. The old Cora would have wilted under his judgment.
I take another sip of champagne, letting the bubbles strengthen my resolve.
“Councilman,” I reply, my voice steady. “I’m exactly where I belong—supporting a worthy charity while in the company of people I care about.” I place my hand firmly on Dom’s chest, a clear statement. “I’m sure my father understands the importance of standing by one’s convictions.”
The councilman’s eyes widen slightly. “Your father has spent years building his reputation?—”
“On lies,” I finish for him. “And I’m no longer participating in them. Please give him my regards.”
As the councilman hurries away, Dom pulls me close, his lips brushing my ear. “Fuck, baby girl, that was sexy seeing you standup for yourself.” His hand slides possessively to my lower back, thumb tracing circles against the fabric of my dress.
“Was it?” I’m still trembling, adrenaline coursing through me.
“Very.” He presses a kiss to my temple, exactly the way a devoted boyfriend would. Not the calculated revenge-seeker who once hunted me through Purgatory’s maze, but a man proud of the woman on his arm.
Across the room, my father continues his deliberate performance of not seeing me. He laughs too loudly at something the mayor of Westbridge says, his back carefully turned in our direction. For the first time, his rejection doesn’t feel like a knife twisting in my chest. I turn away, mirroring his indifference.
“Dance with me,” Dom says, taking my champagne flute and setting it aside.
The orchestra plays a slow, elegant piece as he guides me to the dance floor. His hand settles at my waist, warm and secure. Ryder and Liam have found their way to the dance floor, too, moving together with surprising grace.
“Look at them,” I murmur, watching Liam whisper something that makes Ryder throw his head back with genuine laughter.
"Look at you," Dom counters, spinning me gently. "You're glowing tonight."
For once, I feel it. Not the rigid, practiced poise my father demanded, but something warmer, more authentic. I catch glimpses of myself in the mirrored columns around the ballroom—cheeks flushed, eyes bright, moving with genuine joy.
I realize with startling clarity that I've stopped seeing myself through my father's critical eyes. No longer measuring my worth against his impossible standards or shrinking myself to avoid his disapproval. Instead, I see the woman Dom calls "baby girl" withreverence, the one Ryder watches with tender devotion, the one Liam challenges and respects in equal measure.
"Thank you," I whisper against Dom's chest as we sway together.
"For what?"
"For helping me find myself again." I tilt my head back to meet his gaze. "For showing me what it means to be valued instead of controlled."
His arms tighten around me, pulling me closer as the music swells. "You did that yourself, Cora. We just gave you the space to bloom."
Over his shoulder, I catch sight of my father again. He's watching us now, his face a mask of barely contained rage as he sees me dancing, smiling, radiating happiness in the arms of one of the men he despises most.
And for the first time in my life, his disapproval doesn't touch me.
"He's staring," I murmur to Dom.
"Let him." Dom's hand slides possessively to my lower back. "Let him see exactly how little power he has over you now."
The song ends, and Dom leads me back to where Ryder and Liam wait with fresh champagne. As I accept the glass, I realize something profound has shifted tonight. I'm not hiding anymore. Not apologizing for my choices or my happiness.
"To new beginnings," Liam toasts, his eyes warm as they meet mine.
"To freedom," Ryder adds.
"To us," Dom finishes.
