Page 45 of Hitched to My Enemy
Her composure slipped momentarily, genuine emotion flickering across her features before she regained control. "Save the speeches for the opening. We have ten minutes before you need to be at the main entrance."
But she squeezed my hand when no one was looking, and that brief contact carried more meaning than any public declaration could have conveyed.
***
The grand lobby transformed into a spectacle of light and celebration as noon approached. Crystal chandeliers scattered rainbows across marble floors. The ceiling mural of jade koi seemed to swim in the reflected light. A jazz quartet played from the mezzanine, their music floating above expectant murmurs of VIPs, media representatives, and high-rollers clutching exclusive invitations.
From my position near the emerald-glass entrance doors, I surveyed the crowd. Commissioner Montgomery conversed with the governor's chief of staff, her progressive stance on regulatory reform having earned her newfound political capital. Enzo Ricci was notably absent, though several of his associates had appeared, undoubtedly gathering intelligence for their boss. Liv Chen from the Las Vegas Tribune positioned herself strategically near the ceremonial ribbon, camera crew capturing every detail.
And then there was Harlow—standing slightly apart from the commission contingent, professional demeanor intact but her eyes finding mine across the room with a warmth only I could recognize.
At precisely noon, I approached the podium positioned before the main casino entrance. The crowd quieted, cameras focused, and the moment I'd spent three years working toward arrived.
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, members of the press—welcome to the Jade Petal Hotel and Casino." My voice carried through the perfect acoustics of the lobby. "Today marks not just the opening of a new destination on the Las Vegas Strip, but the beginning of a new era in hospitality and gaming excellence."
The speech continued with acknowledgments of investors, designers, and staff who had made the Jade Petal possible. I outlined our commitment to guest experience, security, and regulatory compliance without once glancing at my prepared remarks. These weren't talking points; they were the principles that had guided every decision since rebuilding from the ruins of my previous failure.
"The Jade Petal represents more than luxury and entertainment," I concluded. "It embodies a vision of what's possible when innovation and integrity work in partnership. We are proud to set a new standard for the industry, and we invite you to experience it firsthand."
Applause rippled through the crowd as I cut the ceremonial ribbon. The massive jade doors to the casino floor swung open, revealing the gaming paradise beyond—elegant tables staffed by impeccably trained dealers, state-of-the-art slots arranged in inviting configurations, the high-limit area visible through etched-glass partitions suggesting exclusivity without ostentation.
For the next two hours, I circulated among guests, shaking hands, accepting congratulations, answering questions with practiced ease. Throughout it all, I maintained appropriate distance from Harlow, though I was acutely aware of her location at every moment—as she toured commission representatives through security facilities, as she spoke with journalists about the collaborative oversight model, as she paused beside the fountain in the center of the casino floor, momentarily alone.
I seized the opportunity, approaching her with a champagne flute. "Investigator Clarke. Your assessment of the implementation?"
Her lips curved in the slight smile she reserved for public interactions. "Exemplary execution, Mr. Hardwick. The systems are performing precisely as designed."
"High praise, coming from you." I handed her the champagne, careful to avoid our fingers touching. "Would you join me on the mezzanine balcony? There's a compliance matter I'd like to discuss."
Her eyebrow arched slightly, recognizing the pretext. "Of course."
Moments later, we stood on the private balcony overlooking the casino floor. Below us, the Jade Petal pulsed with energy—players at the tables, staff moving with choreographed precision, the subtle symphony of excitement rising from the crowd.
"It's magnificent," Harlow said quietly, professional mask slipping away now that we were alone. "Everything you envisioned and more."
I moved beside her at the railing, close enough to feel her warmth without actually touching. "Three years ago, you shut me down. Now we've built something better together."
"We have." She turned to face me fully. "And not just the casino."
The sunlight filtering through emerald glass bathed her in a gentle green glow, highlighting the amber flecks in her hazel eyes. In that moment, I couldn't imagine a more perfect sight.
"Are you ready to tell the world we're actually married?" I asked.
Her smile—the real one, the one I'd earned through months of proving myself worthy of her trust—brightened her entire face. "More than ready."
***
The Dragon's Crown VIP lounge had been transformed for the private reception following the public opening. Vegas elite mingled with investors, commissioners, and select media representatives, celebrating the successful launch while staff circulated with champagne and delicacies.
I caught Harlow's eye across the room and received her subtle nod. With practiced ease, I moved to the center of the space and tapped a knife against my crystal flute, drawing attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention for a moment." Conversations quieted as all eyes turned toward me. "I'd like to propose a toast—not just to the Jade Petal's successful opening, but to something even more meaningful."
I extended my hand toward Harlow, who moved to join me with graceful confidence. As she took her place beside me, curious murmurs spread through the assembled guests.
"Many of you know Investigator Clarke from the Nevada Gaming Commission, whose collaborative oversight model has been instrumental in creating the regulatory framework that makes the Jade Petal unique." I smiled down at her, no longer hiding the affection in my expression. "What you may not know is that she is also my wife."
The reaction was immediate—expressions of shock, confused whispers, several audible gasps. Liv Chen's photographer's camera clicked rapidly, capturing the moment for tomorrow's headlines.
