ISAAC MORANO

**8**

Chapter Eight- Surprising Talent

It was a beautiful Saturday, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Today was Katie's sixteenth birthday, a milestone she had eagerly anticipated. The day before, Emma had called Catherine with the news that Katie had personally extended a special invitation to her. Catherine couldn't help but smile at the thought of the bright, enthusiastic teenager who had grown up so quickly.

The party was set at an upscale restaurant, a top-tier venue that perfectly matched the elegance of the occasion. Knowing she would want to look her best, Catherine chose her golden gown, which flowed like liquid gold around her, and paired it with her red-bottom heels—an outfit that radiated sophistication and charm. After wrapping Katie's gifts with care, she hopped into her jeep and made her way to the restaurant.

When she arrived, the buzz of conversation quieted, and all eyes turned toward her. The restaurant was filled with people who couldn't help but admire the beautiful woman who had just entered. Catherine, however, didn't notice the stares; her focus was immediately on Katie, who had spotted her from across the room.

Katie's face lit up with joy as she dashed toward Catherine, throwing her arms around her in an excited embrace. "Aunt Cathy! You're here!" she exclaimed, her youthful energy infectious.

Emma and Joseph, Katie's parents, soon followed. They smiled warmly as they approached to greet her.

"You look stunning, Cathy," Emma complimented, her eyes twinkling with gratitude.

Joseph wrapped Catherine in a brief hug, his voice sincere as he said, "Cathy, I owe you everything."

Catherine chuckled softly, patting Joseph on the back. "I'll definitely hold you to that," she teased, though her smile reflected the deep connection she felt with them.

Before Catherine could catch her breath, Katie grabbed her hand, her excitement bubbling over. "Aunt Cathy, I know you're a music prodigy. Could you be the entertainment for the night? Please?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Catherine couldn't refuse the request, not when Katie was so thrilled. "Of course, Katie. Anything for you," she replied warmly.

Katie beamed and led her to the grand piano that sat in the middle of the room, ready and waiting for her to take her seat. The guests, who had already settled into their seats, turned their attention toward Catherine, anticipating the music that was about to fill the room.

Joseph, standing close by, leaned in once more. "Seriously, Cathy, thank you," he said, his voice laced with gratitude.

Catherine smiled at him, still unaware of the deeper connection Joseph had to Isaac, a powerful figure seated in a private section of the restaurant. Isaac watched Catherine with admiration from his vantage point, though she remained blissfully ignorant of the darker world that surrounded her tonight. The men in the crowd—many of whom were members of Isaac's mafia—were here for Katie's birthday, but their presence added an unspoken tension to the event, one that Catherine had no idea about.

To Catherine, this was just a gathering to celebrate Katie, a young girl she adored. She was unaware of the power dynamics, the hidden alliances, and the dangerous lives that some of the guests led.

Taking her seat at the piano, Catherine closed her eyes for a moment. The world around her faded as she focused on the familiar sensation of the keys beneath her fingers. With a deep breath, she began to play a gentle warm-up, allowing the melody to weave its way through the room.

The soft, inviting notes floated through the air, casting a spell over the crowd as they listened in awe. Though they had come for the party, they quickly found themselves captivated by the music, the elegance of Catherine's playing drawing them in.