Max pulled the car up to the curb in front of a brightly lit façade, but gestured for her to stay before saying, "Just wait a moment. I've got something for you."

Reaching behind her seat, he took out a small, square object and handed it to her. She opened it slowly; the hinge of the wooden box relenting reluctantly, as if from disuse.

Although she wasn't shocked at getting a present from Max - he seemed to be generous with his wealth - Reine wasn't prepared for what this particular gift contained.

Dozens of ivory colored spheres were double-strung on two fine, golden chains. After carefully examining the silver dollar-sized, dark red stone pendant with the large tear-drop shaped pearl strung below it, did she recognize the gift's significance.

It looked exactly like the necklace in her Venetian portrait.

She ran her index finger over the cold surface of the stone. "It's amazing," she said.

"You were wearing it that night. It was the only thing afterwards I had left of you," Max whispered. "I've been waiting all this time to be able to return it. I want you to stay with me, Reine. I hope you'll reconsider."

He was watching for her reaction, but she wasn't sure how to answer. Instead, she fumbled with the box in an attempt to remove the necklace.

"Here, let me help you put it on." He took the piece and gently draped it across her bosom before fastening the golden clasp at the nape of her neck. "There. Back where it belongs. Take all the time you want. I can wait for your answer. Now we can go."

He turned from her and exited the car with one swift motion. The vigilant parking attendant also opened her door, letting in the cold, winter air.

Once they were both standing on the sidewalk, Reine looked up at the brightly lit marquee above them. "I thought you said we'd be going to dinner, but this looks more like a movie theater," she observed.

"That is actually both correct. You see, this is the old Byrd Movie Palace. It was a theater until the 1950s, but then it fell into a state of disrepair and was vacant for the next fifty years." The topic seemed to make Max more verbose than usual. "Tonight is its grand reopening as the newest - and best - gourmet restaurant in Philadelphia. All of the proceeds from this event are going back into the local historical trust which funds the refurbishment of old buildings that aren't as lucky in getting commercial help for a new life."

Those were some interesting parallels between Max's personal and professional life. Not only did he assist their kind with carrying on their extended lives, but he also made sure buildings were able to do the same. Both were very noble tasks, and as he held the door open for her, Reine was proud to be sharing in this celebration with him.

A cheerful hostess greeted them in the reception area to check their invitations to the private event. Leaving their coats with another attendant, they went into the main lobby.

The gilded ceiling was two stories high, and the walls were lined with alabaster marble topped with hand painted murals depicting posh scenes from the early Twentieth Century. The crimson carpet held low glass tables surrounded by plush chairs. Leather couches also dotted the large rectangular room, which ended with a magnificent bar.

A large, crystal chandelier sparkled above the space, while dozens of wall sconces gave off a soft yellow light, making the atmosphere warm and inviting. A few people in formal attire were still mingling over half consumed drinks. By the sight of the empty glasses on many of the tables, however, it seemed most of the other guests had already moved elsewhere.

Max had the same idea. "Since we're a bit late, I think we better head straight in."

On the way, an approaching waiter offered them champagne in delicate, crystal flutes. Reine declined, but Max took hers as well. Downing it in a swift gulp, he returned the empty glass to the silver tray.

"You're not still feeling sick, are you?" He asked, gently grabbing her by the elbow.

She shook her head. "No, I'm okay. I just don't want it."

He leaned closer and spoke directly into her ear. "That's probably a good idea, especially after the last time."

"You're horrid!" She shook off his hold, appalled at the comparison. There were so many extenuating circumstances in that previous situation. Before she could elaborate, they reached the theater's interior entry. An older couple was busy welcoming guests on their way in to dinner.

"Madam Mayor, you look exceptionally lovely tonight." Max greeted the perfectly coiffed, gray haired woman wearing make-up that expertly masked her wrinkles.

"Thank you, Mr. Baldovini. It's great to have you here." Turning to the man beside her, she added for all of their benefit. "Max Baldovini is one of the most ardent supporters of preservation work in this city. We couldn't have gotten this project in particular off the ground if it wasn't for him."

"Well, then bravo to you, Max." The man tipped his glass in a tone that reeked of old money. "And who is this magnificent creature you have with you tonight?"

Reine should have known the question would come up sometime during the evening. It was foolish for her to not pre-empt it because she wasn't prepared for Max's reply.

"This, sir, is my darling wife, Reine." He beamed, not noticing or perhaps not caring about her wide-eyed shock at the public revelation.

"But Max, weren't you part of our most eligible bachelors' auction a few months ago?" The mayor drew a hand to her chest. "Surely you didn't get married in secret since then."

"No, that is true." He put an arm around Reine. "Unfortunately, we were separated for quite a while, but now that we've reunited, I'm never letting her go again."

"Well, you do that. And enjoy your evening," said the mayor, adeptly ending their brief, but socially necessary chit-chat.

As they stepped away, another couple was already waiting to take their place at head of the receiving line. Reine held onto Max's arm as they left the corridor lounge and entered through another set of double doors. As soon as they were out of earshot, she turned to him.

"You live a pretty public life for someone who advocates keeping a low profile."

He took a sip of his second glass of champagne before answering. "That's not true. I advocate being cautious. But there's a big difference, especially if you have the proper resources available. Which I do."

"What do you mean?"

"Those people are superficial. All they care about is money, power, and fame. And once you aren't helping them get more of either, you stop being important. If I wanted to, I could become invisible in this city in a matter of months, and not one of them would miss me or even remember me in a year's time." Finishing his second drink mid-stride, he deftly placed the empty flute on the edge of a nearby table.

Trying to keep up with Max's long, rapid steps, Reine observed the lavish grandeur of the space. The newly created dining area was located in the former movie hall. Its ceiling rose to at least twice the height as outside, which made it even more fitting for a much bigger crystal chandelier. The wall which previously housed the enormous movie screen was retrofitted to create a stage. Velvet drapery framed the place where a big band was playing. Even though the classical opera houses of Europe inspired the architecture's style, it was though they had stepped back in time to the era when places like the Cotton Club were chic.

Wrinkling her nose, she was somewhat chagrinned to see they were heading toward a table front and center. Max was seemingly one of the guests of honor, and his numerous resources probably paid for the distinction. The rest of their group had already taken their places at the table, leaving just three chairs unfilled.

Dodger greeted them first. "Nice of you to finally join us. Have a bit of car trouble?"

Max ignored him completely, and instead turned his attention toward the one person at the table Reine didn't recognize. Walking over to the young woman, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as she stood up to meet him. "You made it after all."

"Plans change." She smiled before sneezing. "Oh, excuse me! I hope I'm not coming down with something."

"Salute. In any case, I'm very happy you're here," he said before turning to Reine. "Darling, I'd like for you to meet my assistant, Anna. Anna, this is Reine."

He didn't introduce her as his wife this time. Was that for her benefit or for young, blonde, and beautiful assistant's?

"It's very nice to meet you, Reine. I've heard a lot about you." Anna extended her hand, and Reine shook it courteously.

"Nice to meet you, too. But Max doesn't really talk about his work, so I've yet to hear about you."

Anna laughed. "You're probably better off not knowing most of the crazy things we have to deal with."

"Did I miss anything?" asked a new voice from behind Reine. Turning around, she saw an equally attractive man heading straight to Anna's side.

"You almost missed the start of dinner, Todd. Where have you been? Oh, never mind, it doesn't matter. I think you already met everyone here except for Reine Baldovini, Max's lovely wife."

Reine's face flushed as the woman unknowingly confirmed she was in fact aware of their relationship. They proceeded to exchange the usual introductions, but Reine continued to wonder what else Anna, and possibly Todd, knew.

As if reading her mind or perhaps just the puzzled look on her face, Max discreetly whispered in Reine's ear while pulling out her chair, "No Confraternity talk tonight."

From across the table, Mikey's gaze shot up to meet hers as he picked up the barely audible words. Although he'd seemed preoccupied, he must have been following the entire conversation. Now grinning from ear to ear, Reine could only guess he was happy they were in a crowd where this familiar subject finally couldn't be mentioned.

Max sat down on her right, and Todd took the third empty spot. Morgan was busy texting as Kenzi looked over her shoulder, while Dodger started chatting with Anna, who had also returned to her place.

An army of wait staff began to scurry about the room delivering appetizers. They soon ate their way through the first course in what would be a two hour culinary feast. Along the way, Reine learned Todd was a professional hockey player on the local championship team, and that he and Anna had recently become engaged.

Over the rest of dinner, the men and women in the group took turns talking about sports and wedding preparations, respectively. Even in such a short time, Reine was becoming completely endeared to this new couple. It wasn't until the remnants of the dessert had been cleared that they ran out of things to say.

It was Kenzi who - metaphorically - broke the silence.

"You're right. She wasn't wearing it when we left the house," Morgan answered her signs out loud.

Everyone at the table looked at the jewels hanging around her neck, and she touched the jasper pendant self-consciously.

"It was a gift from Max." She smiled at him proudly.

"It's absolutely stunning," Anna noted. "Vintage is so in right now."

A loud clink rang out as Max downed his second espresso and forcefully returned his cup to its saucer. After the double Scotch he had before the main course, he'd stopped drinking alcohol and had substituted caffeine instead.

Getting up from his chair, he extended his hand toward Reine. "Well, ladies, if you don't mind, I think it's time for some dancing."