Just as I figured out how to slip past Lorenzo, he walked by without so much as glancing in my direction.

I looked at the dress I was wearing and smiled bitterly. He didn't recognize me at all.

Of course, he wouldn't. Why would he ever associate the timid "housekeeper" he kept at home with the radiant woman I was now?

I was about to melt into the crowd when Riccardo's voice came from behind me.

"Ms. Sofia," he called as he approached. "I've always admired your eye for design and your craftsmanship. It's a shame you wouldn't leave Velmont City for Marentia. We could've expanded our business even more."

Riccardo had approached me many times before, hoping to use my skills to strengthen his influence in Aureth.

Back then, I had refused his offer for Lorenzo's sake.

But now? The chain was already broken.

"I've changed my mind, Don Alessi," I said evenly. "I'm ready to go to Marentia. It's time Velmont City fashion reached a wider market."

He blinked in surprise, then nodded as if something finally made sense. "So you've really come around? Before this, it felt like you had obligations keeping you here."

"There were some things at home I needed to take care of," I said, not wanting to explain further. "Everything is settled now."

"Perfetto! Then I—"

A chirpy voice interrupted him. "Don Alessi! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Maria walked over to us. "I didn't think you'd be here with such a beautiful lady."

Riccardo's expression darkened instantly. The effortless authority of a Don settled over his features.

"Ms. Romano," he began. "Watch your mouth. This is Ms. Sofia, a very important friend of mine."

Maria took one look at Riccardo's expression and realized she had gone out of line. She immediately apologized to me. "It was rude of me to say that. Please forgive me, Ms. Sofia."

Then, she turned back toward Riccardo with a sugary smile. "Don Alessi, about what I mentioned last time, Don Nostra has always wanted to meet you and discuss a potential collaboration. Since everyone's here tonight, maybe—"

Lorenzo strode over with a fawning smile I had never seen on him before.

"Don Alessi, it's an honor. I heard you're looking for unique fashion pieces to tap into a new market," he said, nudging Maria forward. "Maria has a sharp eye for style. She has a few ideas she was hoping to get your guidance on."

Maria immediately put on a look of surprise. "It's such an honor to meet you, Don Alessi."

I watched with a blank expression. I'd never seen anyone overestimate themselves that boldly.

Riccardo usually came off as easygoing, but I knew better. Anyone in his position had steel beneath the surface.

Sure enough, he let out a short laugh. His eyes swept over Lorenzo and Maria with open disdain. "Did I ever say I'd guide you? Take your little girlfriend and stop embarrassing yourselves in front of me."

Maria's face flushed bright red. Her eyes filled with tears.

Lorenzo gritted his teeth. "Don Alessi, was that really necessary? Maria graduated top of her class from Velmont Academy of Arts. She genuinely admires you. Talking to her like that is beneath you."

"Why would I want her admiration?" Riccardo retorted. To him, Lorenzo was like a fly, constantly buzzing around him.

Lorenzo bristled, but Maria tugged at his sleeve. Holding back her tears, she nodded slightly.

"It's my fault. I overstepped and said something I shouldn't have. I just admire you so much… If you need someone to blame, let it be me. Please don't let something this small get between you and Don Nostra."

Riccardo could see through her act and spat coldly, "Save the performance. I've already chosen a designer. It's Ms. Sofia."