Albert Polina was mingling with various guests, a smile plastered on her face that took over her whole face. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration when I thought of her. She really thought this was going to go a certain way. I moved through the crowd avoiding her. I noticed several of Dimitri’s associates—each one carrying their own air of menace. I approached the bar, grabbing a drink to blend in and keep up appearances. The music was loud, the chatter constant, but my focus remained razor-sharp waiting for the right time. I checked the time. It was nearing time. The moment Dimitri arrived, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Dimitri’s imposing figure cut through the crowd, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something—or someone. He was probably looking for me

