ALESSANDRO

My business trip to New York was a success. It had always been my family’s dream to break into the American market, and build a casino. That was something I had worked toward for years. Now, it was finally happening. It felt almost surreal, considering how much I had sacrificed to reach this point. But I did it. I just had to ensure nothing disrupted my progress.

A few more meetings and the deal will be finalized. In two months, construction would begin.

Back in my office at the club I owned downtown, the same place I had first met Elena. I leaned back in my chair, absently swirling...