Luciano stood abruptly.
The movement cut through the noise of the hall like a blade.
Conversations faltered. Laughter thinned. Several heads turned at once.
The enforcer had just reached for Belle again when Luciano stepped forward. His presence shifted the air. He did not raise his voice. He did not look angry. That made it worse.
"Let her go," Luciano said.
The command was quiet.
The enforcer hesitated for less than a second. Then he released her.
Luciano reached for Belle's hand and closed his fingers around it. His grip was firm, decisive. He did not look at the guests as he turned. He did not explain himself.
He pulled Belle away from the center of the hall and toward the exit.
Bare feet moved quickly across marble.
Belle did not resist. She did not speak. Her mind was still catching up to what was happening. All she knew was that Luciano was taking her away, and no one dared stop him.
The doors closed behind them.
