The underground meeting had been in the works for days now—whispers and rumors rippling through the Mafia world like wildfire. Leonardo Gold knew the stakes. The other bosses wanted reassurance. They wanted to see Elena, the woman he’d chosen—a woman the world said didn’t belong.
The Gold estate was transformed. The grand hall now shimmered under low, moody chandeliers. Long tables with deep burgundy runners lined the room. Silverware and crystal glasses sparkled. Everything had to be perfect. Controlled. Imposing.
Elena stood in front of the mirror, her deep green gown flowing like ivy around her frame. Lidia had helped her dress earlier, her fingers soft but her words clipped. The older woman had offered no compliments—just a tight smile and a nod of approval. Elena had taken note of i
