The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan was a spectacle of sparkling crystal chandeliers, champagne fountains, and hundreds of high-society guests dressed in designer tuxedos and glittering evening gowns.

Don Carmine Salieri—a ruthless, seventy-year-old man with silver hair and a sharp, fox-like face—stood near the center of the room, holding a glass of vintage wine, surrounded by corrupt city officials and loyal captains.

The grand double doors opened.

A hush fell over the front of the room.

Alessandro Moretti stepped into the ballroom. He wore a flawless black tuxedo, looking regal, powerful, and utterly unfazed by the recent attempts on his life.

Beside him, resting her hand elegantly on his arm, was Elena.

She looked magnificent. She wore a striking dark emerald satin dress that clung to her curves, her brown hair styled in sophisticated waves over one shoulder, her hazel eyes burning with quiet, absolute confidence. Around her neck hung a stunning vintage diamond necklace from the Moretti vault.

Salieri’s glass froze halfway to his lips. His chief of security, a thick-set man named Greco, instantly reached toward his jacket lining.

"Don Salieri," Alessandro spoke smoothly, his voice carrying over the quiet room as they approached the New York boss. "You look surprised to see me."

Salieri forced a tight, cold smile onto his thin lips, gesturing for his security chief to stand down. "Alessandro. Word on the street was that you were... indisposed in Boston."

"Rumors in Boston are often exaggerated," Alessandro replied, his hand resting warmly over Elena's hand on his arm. "Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Elena Carter."

Elena smiled—a brilliant, dazzling smile that captivated every eye in the surrounding circle. "Good evening, Don Salieri. Alessandro speaks of you... frequently."

Salieri stared at Elena, completely caught off guard by her poise, beauty, and absolute lack of fear. He had expected an armed asNextlt; he had not expected Alessandro to bring a stunning queen into his parlor.

"A pleasure, my dear," Salieri said, kissing her hand politely, though his eyes remained suspicious.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," Elena said smoothly, glancing toward the bar. "I find myself suddenly in need of champagne. Alessandro, darling, don't keep Don Salieri waiting."

Elena stepped away from Alessandro, walking toward the grand bar near the manager’s corridor.

As expected, Greco—Salieri’s chief of security—signaled two guards and subtly followed her down the quiet hallway, wanting to ensure she was not carrying a weapon or wire.

Elena walked down the opulent corridor, stopping near the heavy mahogany door marked Private Office. She pulled a small, silver compact mirror from her evening clutch, pretending to check her lipstick.

In the reflection, she saw Greco approaching behind her.

"Can I help you, Signora?" Greco asked, his hand hovering near his belt.

Elena turned around, dropping her compact mirror onto the thick carpet. "Oh! How clumsy of me."

Greco automatically stooped down to pick up the silver compact.

That second of distraction was all Alessandro needed.

He stepped out from the adjacent service alcove like a striking shadow, his large hand clamping over Greco’s mouth while his other fist drove a silenced pistol butt directly into the base of Greco’s skull.

Greco went limp instantly.

Alessandro dragged the heavy security chief into the office, slamming the door shut as Elena stepped inside behind them, locking the deadbolt.

"Four minutes before the guard rotation changes," Elena said, checking her gold watch.

"You are incredible," Alessandro whispered, pulling a small electronic decoder device from his pocket and attaching it to the wall safe behind the oil painting.

The digital screen blinked red, blue, then flashed a brilliant green.

CLICK.

The heavy safe door swung open.

Inside lay three thick, leather-bound ledgers containing forty years of Salieri’s darkest secrets, illegal accounts, and political bribes.

Alessandro grabbed the ledgers, slipping them into a heavy leather briefcase hidden inside the office closet.

"We have it," Alessandro said, looking at Elena.

"Then let's go home," Elena smiled softly.