Chapter 80

The day of the celebration was jam-packed with activities. Russo entrusted me with the organization of things since he needed to focus on his company. As I moved from one position to the next, I oversaw the completion of all of Russo's requests. Romero, who never wavered in his allegiance, was a tremendous assistance to me in comprehending the complex interplay between mob politics and societal norms.

As time went on, Romero instructed me to get ready and urged me to depart. He told her, "Alissa, everything's set here," and he meant it.

I am grateful that we were given a break. I took a moment to reflect on my appearance in the serene dressing room mirror. A tumult of conflicting emotions erupted as a result of the weight of my obligations, the directives from the FBI, and the conversation I had to have with Russo.

I paused for a few seconds, tears streaming down my cheeks. The strain of balancing my two lives was beginning to take its toll, and the powerful image I had constructed wa