After dinner, Laurent informed Howard that the Pibb family had already secretly liaised with the Sheffield and Daddaro families, solidifying their alliance and making it impossible to secure votes from them.
Howard swallowed hard, saying, "We already have two votes in hand, one from the Leon family and one from the Kelan family. If we can secure the support of just one more family, we'll be successful. Laurent, help me think of a way."
Laurent pondered for a moment and then said, "The Pibb family is the most resistant, but I don't see as much hostility from the Sheffield and Daddaro families. The day after tomorrow is the birthday of Catherine, the eldest daughter of the Sheffield family patriarch Gallieni. Venice's elite and political leaders will all be in attendance. If you can present a gift that captivates Catherine, you could leave a lasting impression on the patriarch of the Sheffield family."
