I walked in on my boyfriend in bed with my own sister, and they laughed like I was the one who didn't belong there

The ballroom seemed to hold its collective breath as Nico Rossi crossed the floor.

Every step he took was measured, exuding an aura of absolute authority.

I forced myself to stand my ground, keeping my chin high even as my pulse raced.

When he finally stopped in front of me, he was close enough that I could smell his cologne—cedarwood and expensive scotch.

"Luna," he said, his voice a deep, resonant baritone that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Mr. Rossi," I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady.

His dark eyes swept over me, taking in the red dress, my posture, and the defiance in my gaze.

"You look breathtaking tonight," he noted casually. "Though I admit, I am surprised to see you. My son informed me earlier today that the two of you had... a sudden falling out."

My stomach tightened. "Is that what he called it?"

Nico's lips twitched upward into a knowing, dangerous smile.

"He was vague. Stammering. It was quite pathetic, really. But considering the blonde woman currently clutching his arm with desperate enthusiasm is your sister... I connected the dots."

He knew.

Of course he knew. A man like Nico Rossi didn't build an empire by being unobservant.

"Then you know why I'm here," I said softly, looking him directly in the eye.

"Revenge is a messy business, Luna."

"I don't care about the mess. I care about the message."

Nico studied my face for a long moment. I expected him to turn me away, to protect his son from a public scandal.

Instead, he offered me his arm.

"My son has always been a fool," Nico said quietly. "He lacks vision. He lacks discipline. And apparently, he lacks taste. Shall we give them something to talk about?"

I didn't hesitate.

I slipped my hand through his arm, feeling the solid muscle beneath his suit jacket.

"Let's," I whispered.

Together, we turned and walked toward the center of the room.

The whispers started immediately. Hushed, scandalous murmurs rippled through the crowd as we passed.

I kept my eyes fixed on the Rossi family table.

Liam was the first to notice.

He had been taking a sip of champagne, and he actually choked, sputtering as he stared at us in sheer terror.

Amber followed his gaze. Her smug smile vanished instantly, replaced by a mask of pale shock.

Valentina Rossi’s jaw practically hit the linen tablecloth.

Nico led me directly to their table, his hand resting reassuringly over mine.

"Good evening, everyone," Nico announced, his voice carrying easily over the music.

"Dad," Liam croaked, his face turning an unhealthy shade of gray. "What... what is this? What is she doing here?"

"Luna is my guest for the evening," Nico stated, his tone brooking no argument.

"Your guest?" Valentina hissed, her eyes darting between me and her ex-husband. "Nico, she is Liam's ex-girlfriend! And she is standing right in front of his new... companion."

"I am well aware of who everyone is, Valentina," Nico replied smoothly.

He turned his gaze to Amber, who visibly shrank back.

"Though I must say, Liam, trading a diamond for a piece of polished glass is a remarkably poor investment. Even for you."

Amber let out a sharp gasp, her face flushing crimson.

Liam stepped forward, trying to salvage his pride. "Dad, you can't do this. You're humiliating me."

"You humiliated yourself, Liam," Nico replied, his voice dropping to a low, lethal register.

"You brought a scandal into my house. Now, sit down and behave, or I will have security escort you and your mistake out the back door."

Liam froze, entirely emasculated in front of the entire elite of New York.

He slowly sank back into his chair, pulling a furious Amber down with him.

Nico turned to me, offering a genuine, devastatingly handsome smile.

"Would you care to dance, Luna?"

"I would love to," I replied, loud enough for my sister to hear.