Chapter 13 - Celeste Rinaldi Removes Her Gloves
Celeste Rinaldi did not scream.
Dominic respected that.
After Sofia spoke, the gala dissolved into whispers, flashing phones, and strategic exits. Rinaldi attempted to leave through the east hall, only to find Enzo standing there with two uniformed officers who had arrived “as guests” fifteen minutes earlier.
No arrests were made that night.
Dominic preferred clean procedures when the room had cameras.
But Rinaldi’s empire began bleeding before midnight.
The surprise came from Celeste.
She approached Dominic in the blue salon while her husband argued quietly with his attorney near the terrace doors.
She removed her satin gloves finger by finger.
“My husband is a fool,” she said.
Dominic glanced at her.
“That seems like a marital matter.”
“He stored stolen jewelry in your stable.”
“That seems like a criminal matter.”
“The emerald necklace I wore tonight,” Celeste said, touching her throat, “was purchased with money he told me came from a hotel sale.”
Dominic waited.
“It came from selling things he moved through your property, didn’t it?”
“Possibly.”
Her eyes hardened.
“I want proof.”
Dominic studied her. Celeste was not fragile. Women married to men like Rinaldi either became ornaments or architects. Celeste had the posture of the second.
“Why?”
“Because I signed loan documents for him.”
Dominic understood.
“You’re exposed.”
“I’m furious.”
“Those are different.”
“They can work together.”
For the first time all week, Dominic nearly laughed.
Celeste stepped closer.
“My father left me three buildings in Queens. Vincent used them as collateral. If he goes down, he’ll drag me with him unless I move first.”
“You want my help.”
“No,” Celeste said. “I want a copy of what proves he betrayed me. I’ll handle the rest.”
Dominic considered.
Across the room, Sofia sat with Mia and Priya. Several guests had approached them with apologies that sounded sincere enough to be uncomfortable. Mrs. Alvarez hovered like a guard dog in pearls someone had lent her.
Dominic looked back at Celeste.
“You’ll testify?”
“If my lawyer advises it.”
“Will you protect the women he threatened?”
Celeste’s gaze followed his.
Something passed across her face.
Not softness exactly.
Recognition.
“My mother cleaned offices in Flushing,” she said. “Vincent tells people she was a receptionist.”
Dominic nodded once.
The world was full of people polishing their mothers out of their stories.
“I’ll have Enzo give your attorney what is appropriate.”
Celeste slid one glove back on.
“Not Enzo. You.”
“No.”
She smiled faintly.
“Good. You’re learning boundaries.”
Dominic watched her walk away.
Rinaldi intercepted her near the hall.
They spoke in low voices. Then Celeste slapped him.
Not hard enough to bruise. Loud enough for the reporters still pretending not to listen.
The room froze.
Celeste removed the emerald necklace from her throat and dropped it into his champagne glass.
“You explain that to the cameras,” she said.
Then she left without him.
Mia tugged Dominic’s sleeve.
“Is the sparkly lady mad?”
“Yes.”
“At the bad man?”
“Yes.”
Mia nodded.
“Good.”
Sofia covered her mouth.
Dominic looked down at the child.
“You approve?”
“She used her hand,” Mia said. “But Mama says we use words.”
“Your mother is right.”
Mia thought about it.
“Her hand was loud words.”
Priya burst into laughter.
Even Dominic’s mouth curved.
The moment did not last.
A reporter approached.
“Mr. Castellano, can you confirm whether Vincent Rinaldi is under investigation?”
Dominic looked at Sofia.
She looked tired. Overwhelmed. But not hidden.
He turned back to the reporter.
“I can confirm that people who stole from workers in my house mistook silence for permission.”
“And Mr. Rinaldi?”
Dominic’s gaze shifted to where Rinaldi stood alone for the first time all night.
“He can speak for himself.”
By morning, every important person in New York had seen the clip.
Not of Dominic threatening anyone.
Not of Rinaldi denying anything.
Of a four-year-old girl in a white cardigan asking her mother whether bad men had to give back what they took.
America loved innocence.
May you like
It loved scandal more.
Dominic intended to use both.
