CHAPTER 169: FIRE BENEATH THE SURFACE
Diana stood still, hand wrapped in James's, her heart thudding like a warning drum in her chest. Her fingers trembled slightly beneath the weight of the new ring, a silent reminder that the man beside her wasn't just watching anymore, he was acting.
And James Deniro Alfred never made a move unless he meant war.
The crowd continued to murmur, their whispers buzzing like angry bees. Belle and Cassandra looked like they'd been hit by a truck. Toby was frozen, trying to process what had just happened. Everything felt surreal, like the moment before a storm breaks.
James turned slightly, still facing the room. "Anyone else got something to say about my wife?" he asked, voice steady, lethal calm.
Silence. Dead silence.
Even the DJ, who had just started switching tracks, paused mid-transition. The lights, the noise, everything dimmed behind the gravity of the moment.
Belle opened her mouth again, but Jared stepped forward this time, flanking James like a shadow.
"I'd think twice," he said flatly, eyeing her like a predator would prey.
Cassandra, already shaken, clutched her clutch tighter.
"You embarrassed yourself enough tonight," Victor added coolly from the side.
Diana finally turned toward James, eyes wide. Her voice was a whisper. "You didn't have to do that."
"I did," he replied, his tone quieter now, just for her. "You're not walking out of here looking like the villain. Not while I'm breathing."
Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them back. Now wasn't the time to fall apart.
Sandra and Valerie appeared by her side, slipping through the crowd as if drawn by instinct. They didn't speak, but their presence said enough, We've got you.
Monica was next. She shot Belle a deadly glare before slipping her arm through Diana's. "If anyone else wants to speak, they'll have to go through all of us first."
Toby stepped forward slowly, finally finding his voice. "James… I didn't know. I swear I didn't. If I had....."
"You didn't care to find out," Jackson cut in sharply.
"I thought I was helping"
"No, you thought you had a chance," Jason snapped, eyes cold.
Toby's gaze dropped, guilt flickering in his expression. "I apologize… Diana. Truly."
James remained silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to Diana. "That's up to her now."
The entire room shifted again, from tension to curiosity. All eyes were back on her.
Diana took a breath, her voice clear but heavy. "I accept your apology, Toby. But understand this, next time, don't build conclusions from rumors. Ask. Or better still, stay in your lane."
A few people clapped quietly. Others nodded in agreement.
Toby nodded stiffly. "Understood."
James leaned in, brushing a kiss across her temple. "Let me take you home."
Diana nodded as James held her hand, ready to depart.
When he walked in.
Not rushed. Not loud. Just… like he belonged. Like everything that was already going wrong was waiting for him to show up and crown it.
He was dressed in black from head to toe, but not the try-hard type, the kind that whispered power. No tie. Shirt half-unbuttoned. A gold chain peeking out from beneath his collar, glinting with every slow step. His suit fit like a second skin, no creases, no mistakes. Just sharp edges and expensive fabric.
He didn't smile. Didn't wave. Didn't even blink fast.
He just stood there for a second. Letting them see him. Letting the silence stretch and snap around him like glass under pressure.
People started shifting. Some cleared their throats. Others looked away. The music was still playing, but it felt far, like background noise in a scene you'd rather not be in.
And then he moved. Calm. Confident. Like he wasn't walking into tension, dressed to kill and wearing a look that said i dare you.
James stirred, his gaze shifting toward the unexpected intruder. The air grew heavier the moment their eyes locked.
The man, dressed sharply, but with a devil-may-care swagger flashed a chilling smile that stopped just short of reaching his eyes. He walked forward slowly, like he owned time itself.
"Well, well, well," he drawled. "If it isn't the legendary James Deniro Alfred... in the flesh. For a second, I thought you were a ghost. Or maybe just a myth told in hushed tones at men's tables." The room tensed again.
The man glanced lazily around the party, nodding slightly at the decor.
"Nice place you got here," he said, tapping his fingers together as he scanned the hall. "The planner must've outdone herself on this one."
James' lips curled into a smile, one just as cold. "Well, behind every myth, there's a sliver of truth. So I wouldn't underestimate legends if I were you." He cocked his head. "I'm sorry... I didn't catch the name."
The man chuckled as he slid both hands into his pockets, head lowered slightly. Then he looked up, eyes dark with mischief.
He turned smoothly to Jared. "And you. Jared Haymitch Alfred. Funny how quickly you dropped your birth name the moment this half-caste rose to power."
Jared's jaw tensed as he stepped forward. "Who the hell do you think you are?" he spat, fury sharp in his voice. "You're not welcome here. So either state your business or get the hell out."
"Oh, you'll know who I am soon enough," the man murmured, voice coated in venomous calm. "And your wife…" He flicked his gaze to Diana, letting it linger far too long. "She's breathtaking. The envy of every man in this room."
Diana rolled her eyes, disgusted. James clenched his fists, but said nothing for now.
He knew this wasn't the moment to lose control. Not yet. Not in front of everyone. Whatever this man wanted, it was calculated.
Leaning toward Diana, James whispered low but firm, "I'm sure there are more surprises planned for the guests tonight. Go. Take them. Keep things moving. This... doesn't concern you right now."
Diana hesitated, her eyes locked with his, but nodded slowly. "Be careful," she whispered back.
"I always am."
James took a slow step forward, his stance shifting, sharp, ready. "You're not exactly the vibe of this party," he said flatly. "So why don't you take your little performance elsewhere before I make you regret walking in?"
The man grinned wider. "Oh, but I've already made it my scene," he said silkily. "You wouldn't know if it wasn't because you don't know shit about me."
Then—almost mockingly—he tilted his head in faux consideration. "But on second thought, i think i will bite and just admit you're right".
He turned slightly, facing the watching guests with a lazy bow and a huge grin.
"My apologies for the interruption, everyone. Please do go back to your drinks and whispers."
Diana didn't waste another second. She grabbed her friends and motioned to Valerie and Sandra. "Move the guests to the lounge extension," she said quickly. "Now."
She ushered her father along too, nodding discreetly to Jackson and Raymond, silently pleading with them to follow. She did not want her brother's or Father to know what was going on with her family. Her heart was racing. Something felt off.
Terribly off.
The hall buzzed again as the tension thinned slightly.
And in the center of it all stood James and this man, two storms about to clash.