"Go ahead, Mr. Gambino. Tell the guests what's happening."
"Thank you, Father Donnelly. I hate to bring this news, so I'm going to keep it simple. It seems my bride has run away with another man. I won't sugarcoat it because the gossip will surely follow in the coming days. I don't know where she is. She just left me this letter and notice that Roman D'Amico is somehow involved. I will sort this out. In the meantime, please join my father and mother in the banquette hall. Enjoy the food and drink and have a good time. If you don't mind, I need some time to myself to process, so I won't be going with you. Have a wonderful evening."
Standing, his father directed people to the doors. Giving his son and soft smile, he knew it wasn't as bad of news as he let on. He was free of Claudia, but now he needed to get down to business to know what was happening behind this sudden change in her plans.
