The Auction

Althaia

The banquet hall was set up to be as extravagant as possible, with towering centerpieces and glittering chandeliers. The room was bustling with the sounds of chatter and laughter as the swarm of people, dressed in their finest clothing, mingled with one another. I was taken aback by how many people were there, and I ended up playing a game with myself by guessing which ones were involved in a criminal organization, and which ones were... normal.

Antonio and Luca disappeared off to somewhere to give us some privacy, and while we fell into a chat with too many people. Damiano was incredibly well-known, and the second we stepped foot inside, people practically rushed to have a word with him.

His presence attracted a crowd of people, all eager to share their business ideas and hoping for a partnership. He pulled me close and wrapped his arm around my waist, and I smiled politely while they talked.

“Is it always like this? Them trying to kiss your ass.” I asked after we had excu