The Untouchable Damien Royce

Chapter 6

The Gala Reveal

The Grand Ballroom of the Five-Star Hotel was dripping in gold. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the air was filled with the scent of expensive lilies and even more expensive perfume.

Nicholas Pierce stood near the champagne fountain, adjusting his tie. He looked every bit the prince of the city. Beside him, Chloe looked radiant in a long emerald gown that shone brightly under the lights. She kept placing a hand on her stomach, a small, proud smile on her face.

"Everyone is here, Nicholas," Chloe whispered, leaning into him. "Look at them. They’re all waiting to see us sign with TechnoScience. This merger is going to put the Sterling name back on top."

Nicholas smirked, taking a sip of his drink.

"It’s not just a merger, babe. It’s a takeover. Once John signs those papers, the Pierce Group becomes the gatekeeper for every tech patent in the state. We’ll be untouchable."

He looked around the room, his chest swelling with pride.

"Three years ago, people were whispering about your 'convict' husband. Now? They’re lining up just to shake my hand. You made the right choice, Chloe."

Chloe’s smile faltered for a split second at the mention of Damien, but she quickly covered it. "Damien was a mistake. A terrible one. Today is about light. Where is John? He said he’d be here by eight."

"There he is," Nicholas said, nodding toward a middle-aged man in a grey suit surrounded by a crowd of reporters. "John Miller. The face of TechnoScience. Let’s go make our entrance."

They began to walk toward the center of the room, heads turning as they passed; Nicholas felt like a king. He loved the way people whispered his name. He loved and enjoyed the power.

But suddenly, the whispers changed.

They weren't about Nicholas and Chloe anymore. The music didn't stop, but it seemed to fade as the massive doors at the back of the ballroom swung open.

A man and a woman stepped into the light.

The room went bone-dry silent.

Damien was wearing a black suit that fit his massive frame perfectly. It wasn't just expensive; it looked like it was perfect in every way. His beard was trimmed, his hair was styled, and his eyes—once dull and tired—were now sharp enough to cut through iron.

On his arm was Amelia. She looked like a goddess in a blue dress that flowed behind her like water. Her head was held high, her gaze steady.

Nicholas froze. His glass nearly slipped from his hand.

"No way," he hissed. "Is that...?"

Chloe’s face went white.

"Damien?"

The crowd parted like the Red Sea as Damien walked toward the center of the room. He didn't look left or right. He walked like a king, not staring at the crowd, his eyes only set on Nicholas and Chloe.

Nicholas recovered quickly; his nostrils flared, as his eyes reddened, his face twisting.

Stepping forward, he blocked Damien’s path.

"What the hell is this?" Nicholas barked, his voice echoing in the hall. "Who gave a dog a suit and let him into a Gala? Security! Why is this trash still standing in my ballroom?"

A few people in the crowd snickered. Eleanor, standing nearby, fanned herself with a smirk. "He probably stole that suit from a theater department. How pathetic. Did you think a tie would make us forget you’re an ex-con, Damien?"

Damien didn't blink. He didn't even look at Eleanor. He just looked at Nicholas.

"It’s a public event, Nicholas," Damien said. His voice was smooth and deep, vibrating through the room. "I’m just here to see the show."

"There is no show for you!" Chloe snapped, stepping forward. She looked at Amelia with narrowed eyes, her eyes holding a tinge of confusion and jealousy. "And you... whoever you are. Do you know who you’re standing with? This man is a thief. He just got out of prison two days ago. He’s a nobody who will drag you into the gutter with him."

Amelia didn't flinch.

She leaned closer to Damien; her voice was clear so the whole room could hear. "I know exactly who I'm standing with. I'm just surprised you don't."

Nicholas laughed, a loud, mocking sound.

"He’s a loser! John!" Nicholas turned to the man from TechnoScience, who was watching the scene with narrowed eyes.

"John, I’m sorry for this interruption. This is just a bitter ex-employee who can't handle seeing us succeed. Let’s sign the papers and get this trash out of here."

John Miller stepped forward, looking at Damien with a frown. "Sir, if you aren't on the guest list, I suggest you—"

Damien stepped closer to John. He didn't raise his voice. He just leaned in and said a single word.

"Onyx."

John Miller froze.

The color drained from his face so fast it looked like he was about to faint. He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening in pure terror.

"I... I..." John stammered.

"John, what are you doing?" Nicholas demanded, grabbing John’s arm. "Sign the contract! Ignore this fool!"

John ripped his arm away from Nicholas as if the man’s touch was poisonous. He backed away, his hands shaking. "I can’t sign it. I... I don't have the authority."

The crowd gasped. Nicholas’s eyes went wide. "What do you mean? You’re the CEO of TechnoScience!"

John shook his head, looking at the floor, sweating profusely. "I'm not the CEO. I'm just a middleman. A face for the public. The real owner... the one who controls everything and everyone... he just arrived."

The room erupted. People began to shout, demanding to know who the real boss was.

"Who is he?" Eleanor screamed. "If this 'nobody' isn't the owner, then who is?"

Damien stood in the center of the chaos, the only calm person in the room. He felt the weight of everyone's gaze, but he didn't care about the crowd. He only cared about Chloe.

He walked up to Chloe, stopping just inches away. He could smell the same perfume she used to wear when they were happy. It smelled totally different now.

"Damien," Chloe whispered, her voice trembling. "Who are you? What did you do?"

Damien smiled. It wasn't a kind smile. It was the smile of a predator that had finally cornered its prey.

"I told you at the house, Chloe," Damien said softly. "I’m not here to be 'someone' in your world. I’m not here to win your heart back or ask for an apology."

He leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I’m just here to destroy you. And tonight? Tonight, is just the first brick."