Chapter 7 - the galan gala
By Saturday evening, the Moretti estate was transformed for the annual Syndicate Founders Gala—a high-stakes event where the ruling families of the state gathered under a temporary truce to negotiate territory.
In the grand ballroom, chandeliers sparkled like diamonds over hundreds of high-society guests dressed in floor-length gowns and expensive tuxedos. Opera music drifted through the air, while tuxedo-clad servers carried trays of vintage champagne.
Standing near the top of the grand double staircase, Luca looked magnificent. His broad frame was encased in a flawless bespoke black tuxedo, his dark hair neatly styled, his intimidating aura commanding the attention of every person in the room.
Beside him stood Sophia. She looked breathtaking in a custom pale-yellow silk ballgown adorned with delicate ruffled lace along the shoulders, her dark hair styled in soft waves with a glittering diamond ribbon.
As they descended the stairs arm-in-arm, whispers echoed through the crowd. The fearsome Mafia boss and his petite, radiant bride were an astonishing sight.
"Hold onto my arm," Luca murmured low to her, his hand resting reassuringly over hers. "Keep close to Marco and Elena if I have to step away."
"I'm right where I want to be," Sophia replied softly, looking up at him with bright, fearless devotion.
Across the crowded ballroom, standing near the balcony doors, stood Victor Bellandi—the elderly, silver-haired head of the Bellandi family. Beside him stood a familiar, nervous figure in a rumpled suit: Arthur Bennett, Sophia's father.
Sophia froze as her eyes locked onto her father.
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Arthur looked pale and terrified, trapped between two dangerous empires. When he saw Sophia standing beside Luca, wearing diamonds and holding the arm of the most powerful man in the state, his mouth fell open in shock.
Luca’s grip on Sophia’s hand tightened subtly. "Stay here with Elena, sweetheart. It's time to settle the debt."
