All Chapters of TIED TO THE MAFIA MAN: Chapter 31 - Chapter 39

The gala was now in full swing. The ballroom glowed with the golden light, from the chandeliers and it's fixtures. People moved about, sipping champagne and chatting over the soft hum of a piece being played on the violin. The energetic presentation from earlier had faded into something more calm. Waiters went in and out with trays of tiny appetizers, smiling politely as they moved between clusters of guests.From the outside, the Urban Renaissance Gala looked like a perfect success.Gabriella stood by one of the tall windows, her eyes drifting toward the courtyard beyond. She had just finished giving her speech and she felt like she needed to get out. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate events like this,she understood their value, this was her world after all, but her thoughts kept pulling her somewhere else. Or rather, to someone else.Alejandro stood near the bar, which had turned out to be his favourite spot for the night looking like he belonged on the cover of some high-end mag

Lorenzo met up with Alejandro after the event to give an urgent report that came up regarding their latest acquisition.Alejandro sat at the edge of his couch, with his elbows on his knees, while holding a half-finished drink in one hand. His tie was loosened but still on. The gala suit jacket lay discarded across the back of a chair.He hadn’t said a word since coming in.Lorenzo leaned against the kitchen counter, arms folded, watching him. “You’re quieter than usual.”Alejandro didn’t answer right away. He just swirled the liquid in his glass, then finally muttered, “She looked right through me tonight. Like I was someone she used to know.”Lorenzo raised a brow. “What the hell are you saying man? And don't you think you've had enough drink for one night?” Lorenzo cautioned further.Alejandro gave a slow nod. "Yeah, I know. It's just helping me keep my mind alert tonight."Lorenzo rolled his eyes. "Sure, whatever. Just try and cut it out. Show some pity on your liver. And what was

The meeting wrapped up neatly. Richard Halberg had done most of the talking in a confident, smooth, and a manner that indicated that he was clearly used to steering the room. Alejandro had listened, nodded in all the right places, asked the right questions, and by the end of it, the message was clear. This wasn’t just a lunch, it was an opportunity for his company.As they walked out, Alejandro kept his expression unreadable, offering polite nods as they said their goodbyes. Once outside the building, Lorenzo was already waiting by the car, leaning against the passenger door.“Well?” Lorenzo asked as they entered the vehicle .Alejandro didn’t answer immediately. He took a moment, glancing out the window at the street. “They seem genuinely interested. It’s not just noise. They want in.”Lorenzo smirked. “And you sound like you’re not sure if that’s a good thing.”Alejandro gave a small shrug. “It’s what I planned for, hoped for. It's just... sooner than I expected.”“They’re impressed

Don Ricardo's study was quiet. He sat behind his desk, reading a few pages of typed reports when he heard the knock on his door. “Come in,” he said, without raising his head.Victor stepped inside, leaning slightly on his cane. “You asked for me Don.”Don Ricardo glanced at him and nodded toward the chair across the desk. “Sit.”Victor lowered himself into the chair, shifting a little to get comfortable. Don Ricardo set the papers down and folded his hands. “It’s been a while since we spoke properly,” Ricardo said. “How’s your leg?”Victor shrugged. “I'm getting by Don.”Ricardo gave a quiet hum. “Good. You’re still managing the operations right?”“Yes Don.Things are moving smoothly.”“And the unions?” Don Ricardo asked “Stable for now,” Victor replied. “Some of the guys tried asking for more hours, but we’ve got it handled.”Ricardo nodded slowly. “Alright. And nothing unexpected is going on? No side problems I should hear about?”Victor paused for a brief moment before responding.

Detective James Jin Thompson walked out of the police station with his younger partner who was new in his station, Detective Noah Kim. Noah was a smart and hardworking detective in his early-thirties, who was very passionate about his job. They were on their way to follow up on a small case at a nearby apartment complex. They turned a corner past a cafe when Thompson saw a familiar face: Gabriella Lorca. She was sipping coffee and chatting on her phone, looking relaxed. Seeing her brought back memories of the charity event and the case that he was yet to solve. It was something he had been actively trying to put out of his mind while he worked behind the scenes to give the case a proper closure.Gabriella wore a navy coat that fluttered slightly in the wind. When she looked up and saw them, she stopped and her eyes lit up with recognition. "Detective Thompson," she greeted.Detective Thompson gave a small nod, returning the smile, though there was a touch of the weight of his job behi