Finally, it’s the night of the big gala.

As we step out of the limo, the flashes of the cameras go wild.

There’s a ton of press here. We all ordered tuxedos that complement each other.

Marco’s is black with dark green accents.

Mine is charcoal with blue.

Antonio’s wearing dove grey and purple.

Sofia looks magnificent in a glittering silver gown. It drapes against her curves and swishes as she moves. Her dark hair is piled in loops on top of her head, and massive diamond earrings dangle from her ears.

The joy in her face is intoxicating, and we’re all smiling like fools.

With her between us, we walk into the main event, greeting people as we go.

Antonio herds us over to the corner near the podium where we have our private table.

All of society’s elite are here. The place is crowded with silk, shimmering gowns, smart tuxedos, flowers, and wine. Everyone’s smiling and having a great time.

On the walls mixed in with Antonio’s paintings, we have photos of all the people who have benefited so far from our charity program. The entire business has been restructured so that the majority of the profits go straight to the organizations that need them. The people in charge of allocating the funds have kindly helped provide photos and personal stories.

A woman with three children who had nothing to wear to go to school, all grinning with the children fully decked out. An old man who was able to stay in his home with his dog. A sick girl in the hospital who was able to have a birthday party.

It’s just how Papa always dreamed it would be.

We take our seats and start on some champagne. Antonio takes the podium, a big smile lighting his usually quiet and thoughtful face. People take their seats as he calls for attention, and the press fill the space before the podium, flashes flickering bright across Antonio’s face.

“I want to welcome you all here this evening and thank you for joining our cause. Our family has long been a supporter of this great city and its community. Only recently have we been able to go public about our endeavors. Yes, our history isn’t all clean. But we’ve worked very hard to bring our entire business into the charitable world. From dark roots do great and mighty trees spring. With the support of everyone gathered here, we’ve raised millions of dollars and distributed it evenly between the charities who need it most.”

He pauses and the crowd claps. There are some cheers.

Antonio’s face darkens slightly.

“In all of this good that we’ve done, we must now bring bad news to you. Some of you will know about Senator Walden and his plans for a new casino hotel. He didn’t just block our progress with legal channels, but he’s also attempted to bring us down using illegal methods. He campaigns as a man for justice and peace, and yet, he has been lying to the people of this good city for years.

“His money all comes from illegal operations, and his new endeavor was only a cover for the illegal trade and money laundering he’s caught up with. We have considerable evidence to put forth on this matter. These aren’t idle accusations or petty slander.

“We have details on Senator Walden going back a number of years. Our slow progression into becoming a fully legal business got in the way of the senator’s plans—now, they are exposed. Again, let me thank you for being here. Please enjoy the evening.”

Antonio gets down from the podium and comes towards us. There are police and detectives moving through the crowd, and the murmur of voices is very loud. Some of the guests here are no doubt involved with the senator.

There were many who invested in his new hotel and casino.

Antonio sits down and takes a sip of champagne. He gestures at the police and detectives coming toward us.

“It looks like we won’t get a chance to sample some of that wonderful food you organized, Sofia.”

She plays with a tendril of hair, grinning.

“You may be right, Tony. I think we’ll end up spending most of our time having interviews.”

I reach out and cover her hand with my own.

She turns to me with a bright smile, squeezing my hand back.

“We have nothing to hide now. And neither do you.”

Marco stands up, finishing his glass of wine.

“I better get my briefcase. Papa was dealing with the senator from very early on—they made a ton of money together. Poor Papa’s conscience just couldn’t take it anymore. This entire business plan was his idea. I have Papa’s handwritten notes on all their endeavors. It doesn’t look good for senator Waldon—nope, not at all.”

“I’ll probably have to talk about all my assignments. The things I’ve done. The lives I’ve destroyed,” Sofia says quietly, looking upset for the first time all evening.

Antonio reaches for her hand. We both give her a squeeze.

“I know it’s hard,” Antonio speaks softly, rubbing her hand. “But you’ll have to live with your deeds knowing you were led astray. It’s an evil thing he did to you, twisting your life so he was the only one you had. The only crime you committed was misplacing your trust.”

She leans into him, kisses his cheek, and says, “I won’t do that again.”

I move over and wrap an arm around her waist. Detectives and hangers-on in the crowd are starting to gather around us. Marco’s already talking to a detective.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” I lean in to Sofia’s hair, kissing her neck as she leans into Antonio. “We’re together now. That’s the only thing that matters. We’re together, and nothing can split us apart ever again.”

She looks up at me with bright, glittering eyes. She kisses my cheek.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”