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Auntie laughed lightly to break the tension as he seethed.
Everyone’s businesses were tainted with varying levels of corruption–illegal arrangements and backdoor deals, all designed to circumvent regulations and retain more profits. That’s why leadership from the Don and his regional Capos was so crucial. Each of the leaders took a cut from each business, which they used to provide central oversight and security.
Usually to protect the businesses from the feds and rival mobs. But many times, it was to protect the businesses from each other.
Vitello’s was a case in point. When his east coast wineries sank into losses, he’d taken massive subsidies from the Family’s central reserves to keep his companies afloat. But the more he leeched, the less was available to those in need.
Like his employees.
The bastard had done nothing to help place them, despite his other successful businesses. Ana had buttered up Vitello in front of the other guests to pacify him. But the truth was that he’d been utterly callous when it came to his former staff. He’d spurned Gio’s efforts to help them find new jobs and had shared his payroll list only after Gio had threatened to sink his Napa wineries too.
Yet, somehow, everyone admired Vitello.
Old money, with an even older lineage.
As a woman in the Family, adopted into privilege, Ana had worked doubly-triply hard to prove herself. She couldn’t fathom being so negligent. Neither could Gio. He lived and breathed for the Family.
Bzzz.
The vibration startled her before her gaze could stray compulsively back to her husband. Without disrupting the conversation, she opened her clutch.
Emma: The eagle has landed.
Ana: Tony?
Emma: Should I have said monkey?
Ana: *eye roll* Coming over. At the entrance?
Upon confirmation, she excused herself from the guests, who had moved on to other topics, and waded through the crowds toward the large doors. Five guards stood there formidably in their all-black uniforms.
Ana nodded brusquely when they greeted her and parted to let her out.
Would the sight of them ever become normal? Even now, it paralyzed her.
The guards seemed to watch her intently as she carefully pinched the skirt of her silk gown, folding it so it covered the slit. Among them was her new personal bodyguard, Reggie, who started to trail out after her. Ignoring his sharp focus, she walked down the steps and escaped into the crowds.
So many people were milling around outside, several of them waiting for security checks. Their curious eyes turned to her, and she smiled distractedly at them as she descended the stairs in search of her cousin. It was already an hour into the event. Very soon, they would begin seating for dinner.
“Ana!”
She spotted Emma’s blonde head on the ramp off to the right. Next to her was her cousin and another familiar face, parked in a wheelchair.
“Gabi?” Ana blurted in surprise.
The younger woman looked decidedly uncomfortable, her curls covering her eyes, which darted to the immense crowds every few seconds. She relaxed only when Antonio squeezed her shoulder.
Ana glanced curiously at her. “I thought Gio said you weren’t interested in these types of events?”
“Gabi, not interested?” Antonio scoffed. “She lives for a party. Just must’ve missed the memo, so I went to pick her up.” He waggled his brows.
Gabi bowed her head sheepishly.
“Ah.” Ana nodded in realization.
A bit of earlier annoyance with her cousin faded as she watched him joke around with her sister-in-law. His delay must have been due to Gabi and not his otherwise usual disorganization. Regardless, Ana was peeved that he hadn’t at least texted her back. Emma also looked thoroughly unimpressed.
“Listen,” Emma interrupted, “the client is going to be here tonight. He wants–”
