I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist, his grip like a vise. “What did you say? My money’s dirty?” 

His fingers dug into my skin, and I winced in pain. “Adriana, don’t push your luck!” 

Vivian fanned the flames. “Joey, she’s just putting on an act! She’s obviously here with her tail between her legs, but she has to put on this holier-than-thou act!” 

Joey stared into my eyes, and a self-satisfied smirk slowly spread across his face. “I get it.” 

He released my wrist and took a step back. “You’re still mad at me, aren’t you?” 

“It’s been three years, Adriana. You’re still throwing a tantrum over that? It was nothing.” 

Angelo tugged on Vivian’s skirt. “Mama Vivian, why is she mad at Daddy?” 

Vivian crouched down, stroking Angelo’s head gently. “Because she’s jealous, sweetie. Jealous that Daddy has a better woman now.” 

“Jealous that you have a prettier new mommy.” 

Understanding dawned on Angelo’s face. He pointed at me. “Oh, so she’s jealous! No wonder she’s acting so pathetic!” 

Joey’s ego swelled. He straightened his suit collar, adopting a magnanimous air. “Fine. Seeing as you’re Angelo’s birth mother, I’ll give you a chance.” 

“In three days, the family is hosting a grand reception to welcome the Don. I can get you in as Angelo’s nanny, so you can see how the other half lives.” 

“Joey is a goddamn saint!” 

“Adriana, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The entire New York high society will be there!” 

“You’ll never see a party of that caliber in your life!”