Chapter 11 - A NEW PARTNERSHIP
Two years later.
The Obsidian restaurant was rebuilt, grander and more opulent than ever. The same ice-like chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The same politicians made secret deals in the corners.
But things had changed.
Table Four was no longer in the center of the room. It had been moved to a private alcove, elevated, overlooking the entire dining floor.
Evelyn sat at the head of the table. She wore a stunning midnight-blue silk dress, a delicate diamond necklace resting against her collarbone. She wasn't holding a tray. She was holding a glass of a thousand-dollar vintage Cabernet.
Lorenzo sat beside her. He looked older, sharper, but his hand rested comfortably over hers on the white tablecloth. They were the undisputed king and queen of Chicago. Not bound by a fragile, treacherous alliance, but by fire, blood, and absolute trust.
Gilbert, the floor manager, approached the table, his hands trembling slightly as they always did now when he spoke to her.
"Ms. Carter, Mr. Moretti," Gilbert bowed his head. "Is everything to your liking?"
Evelyn scanned the room. She noticed the slight nervousness of a politician near the bar, the forced laughter of a rival businessman by the window. She saw everything. She always did.
"It's perfect, Gilbert," Evelyn smiled, her voice smooth and commanding. She picked up a pristine white cocktail napkin from the table, folded it perfectly, and slipped it into Lorenzo’s pocket.
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Lorenzo smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "You always did know how to read a room, Evie."
"Someone has to watch your back, Lorenzo," she whispered, her eyes flashing with a dangerous, beautiful light. "After all, I'm the one who sets the table now."
