Chapter 3 The Event and Aftermath

Giselle adjusted the last box of cake decorations in the van while Letty checked her reflection in the small mirror clipped to the sun visor.

"Are you nervous?" Giselle asked, glancing at her.

Letty shook her head. "No, just excited. This is the biggest event we've worked on so far. Mrs. Thompson said Miguel Colorado's fashion brand launch is the talk of the city."

Giselle smirked as she started the van. "Well, let's go make it even more glamorous."

The drive to the venue was smooth, and as they arrived at the massive event hall, Letty couldn't help but gasp at the grand decor. The chandeliers sparkled under the soft golden lights, and the tables were draped in deep velvet with intricate gold embroidery. Security was tight, with men in black suits standing at every entrance, scanning everyone who walked in.

They unloaded the cake, a towering masterpiece of intricate sugar work and elegant gold detailing, and carefully set it up on the designated table.

"Wow," Letty whispered, stepping back to admire their work. "This place feels straight out of a dream."

Giselle nodded in agreement. "A dream we better not mess up. Let's get everything perfect before the guests arrive."

---

Meanwhile, in the private lounge above the event hall, Miguel sat on a leather couch, sipping whiskey. He was reviewing the final details of the launch when Micah walked in, his expression tight.

"You're not going to like this," Micah said.

Miguel arched a brow. "Then don't say it."

"Your father is coming."

Miguel's fingers froze around his glass. His jaw clenched slightly, but then, just as quickly, he relaxed and took another sip.

Micah studied him carefully. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

Miguel set his glass down with a soft clink. "Nothing to say. Let him come."

"And your mother?"

Miguel nodded. "She's coming too. That's the only reason I'm not throwing him out. For peace to reign."

Micah hesitated. "You really think this is just about peace?"

Miguel smirked, but his eyes were cold. "No. But tonight isn't about him. It's about me."

--

As guests arrived, the ballroom filled with elegantly dressed figures, each wearing masks that added an air of mystery to the night. The music was soft, almost hypnotic, as people moved gracefully around the room, sipping champagne and discussing business, fashion, and power.

Miguel stood near the entrance, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Then, his gaze landed on a woman across the room.

Letty.

Her mask didn't fully hide her features, and something about her felt strikingly familiar. His brows furrowed as he tried to place where he had seen her before.

I need to know who she is.

Before Miguel could approach Letty, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"This is what you call an event?"

Miguel turned slowly, his father standing a few feet away, dressed in an immaculate black suit. His presence was imposing, but Miguel refused to let him have any power over him tonight.

"Cheap," Jose continued, glancing around with disinterest. "A fashion brand launch? You could've done something meaningful with your resources."

Miguel smirked. "And by meaningful, you mean something you approve of?"

Jose took a sip from his glass. "Something worthy of the Colorado name."

Miguel's gaze darkened. "I stopped caring about that name a long time ago."

Jose chuckled, but it lacked humor. "You'll always be a Colorado, whether you like it or not."

Miguel took a step closer. "Then watch as I redefine what it means."

Without waiting for a response, Miguel walked away, heading straight for Letty and Giselle.

---

Miguel Meets Letty

Letty looked up as Miguel approached, his presence commanding even in the dim lighting of the ballroom.

"Beautiful work on the cake," he said smoothly.

Giselle smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Colorado. We work for Mrs. Thompson."

Miguel nodded but turned his attention to Letty. "And your name?"

"Letty," she replied, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu as she looked at him.

Miguel held her gaze. "Have we met before?"

Letty hesitated. There was something oddly familiar about him, but she couldn't place it. "I... I don't think so."

As she shifted to excuse herself, her heel caught on the floor, and she stumbled. Before she could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around her, steadying her firmly.

Her breath hitched as she found herself pressed against Miguel's chest. His grip was secure, his scent intoxicating.

Embarrassed, she quickly pulled away. "I-I need to go to the restroom."

Giselle raised an eyebrow but didn't stop her as Letty hurried away.

Miguel watched her retreating figure, something deep inside him stirring. He wasn't letting this go.

Letty splashed cold water on her face, gripping the sink as she tried to calm her racing heart.

Why did Miguel seem so familiar? And why did she feel so drawn to him?

The sound of the door creaking open made her freeze.

Two men stepped in, their dark eyes locking onto her.

Fear gripped her as she slowly stepped backward.

The taller one smirked. "You shouldn't be here."

Letty's pulse pounded. "I-I was just leaving."

They took another step forward.

Before they could move any further, a sharp groan echoed through the room, followed by the sickening sound of a punch landing against flesh.

Letty gasped as the two men crumpled to the floor, groaning in pain.

Standing between them, his knuckles bloodied, was Miguel.

His gaze locked onto hers. "Are you okay?"

Before Letty could respond, Giselle burst in, panic on her face.

"We need to leave now," she gasped. "Black Vegas infiltrated the event."

Gunfire rang out in the ballroom, making Letty flinch.

Chaos erupted as guests screamed, ducking for cover. Miguel grabbed Letty's arm, shielding her.

Then, a gunshot tore through the air.

Letty gasped as Giselle stumbled, blood blossoming on her dress.

Another shot fired.

Miguel grunted as the bullet hit his shoulder, his guards rushing in to pull him away.

Letty watched in horror as Miguel's grip on her loosened, his expression hardening even as his body weakened.

"Get her out of here," he ordered his guards, his voice strained.

Letty struggled against them, her heart pounding.

"Miguel-!"

His dark eyes met hers one last time before she was pulled away, the chaos of the night swallowing them whole.