The Unknown

31

Layton Brooks

I adjusted my dress for what felt like the hundredth time, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. Dominic stood beside me, his eyes scanning me with admiration.

"Relax, Layton. You look stunning." He said, his deep voice soothing my nerves.

"I'm just nervous. This is a big deal. We need to make a good impression on the Moranos Family." I admitted, fidgeting with my earrings. Dominic nodded, his expression serious.

"I know. But we've got this. We've been preparing for days. Just be yourself, and charm them with that beautiful smile of yours." I rolled my eyes, laughing.

"You're biased." Dominic grinned.

"Maybe a little. But seriously, mama, you're going to knock their socks off. And I'll be right there beside you, every step of the way." Just then, Royalty burst into the room.

"Mommy, Daddy, can I have ice cream before you leave? Please?" I smiled, kneeling down to her level.

"Sure, we'll have Uncle Rick give you some." I said as her face brightened.

"Okay! And can I see the pictures you take at the party?" Dominic chuckled.

"Of course. We'll take lots of pictures and show them to you when we get home." I stood up, smiling at Dominic.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm, and I took it.

"Let's do this." We headed downstairs with Royalty, who was still buzzing about ice cream.

"Your uncle is here, baby girl." Dominic said as we reached the bottom of the stairs. Rick was lounging on the couch, looking like a total slacker.

"Wassup. Ready for a night out?" I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.

"Thanks for watching Ro again, Rick. We owe you one." Rick grinned.

"No problem, happy to help. Now go, have fun, and don't worry about this little munchkin. Let's go get that ice cream you want so bad."

"Yay!" Royalty yelled as me and Dominic smiled watching them go to the kitchen. Michael and Kira were waiting for us in the living room, looking like they meant business.

"Alright, let's go over this shit one more time. We know the Moranos Family is hosting a charity event tonight, and we need to get in, gather intel, and get the fuck out." Michael said, his voice low and serious.

"I've got the guest list." Kira said, pulling out her phone.

"I've highlighted the key players we need to focus on." We listened intently as Kira ran down the list of key players in the Moranos Family.

"Victor Moranos is the patriarch. He's a ruthless businessman with connections to some shady underworld figures. He's the one who calls the shots." She said. I nodded, my mind racing with the implications. We needed to be careful around him.

"Then there's his wife, Sophia." Kira continued.

"She's a socialite, but don't let that fool you. She's got a tongue sharper than a razor and isn't afraid to use it."

"Their son, Luca, is a spoiled rich kid with a penchant for violence. He's been known to lash out at anyone who gets in his way." Dominic snorted beside me.

"Sounds like a real charmer." I elbowed him, trying to keep a straight face.

"And finally, there's their daughter, Alessia. She's the wild card. No one really knows what she's capable of, but rumor has it she's been secretly working against her family's interests." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Maybe we could use her to our advantage.