Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Vincent’s rich laugh broke through the tension. His weathered face creased with amusement as he dabbed his napkin. against his lips.
“My dear boy,” he addressed Primo, “you’ve certainly made this dinner more
entertaining than I expected. But let me be clear – I’ve seen enough rushed marriages in our circles to last several lifetimes.”
I watched Primo’s expression tighten as Vincent continued.
“The expansion you propose? I’ll consider it after and only after I see wedding rings and signed papers. Not a moment before.”
“With all due respect, Vincent,” Primo leaned forward, his voice taking on that persuasive tone I knew too well. “Asteria and I are practically married already. Our families have been intertwined for years. Think of the possibilities – expanding the
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Big Five into the Big Six. A grand alliance sealed with a grand wedding.” His eyes gleamed with ambition. “Why wait? Agreeing now would only accelerate our progress, strengthen all our positions.”
I felt bile rise in my throat at his words. Practically married already? The audacity of his claim made my blood boil. I caught Adrian’s subtle head shake, warning me to keep my composure.
Vincent swirled his wine, clearly unimpressed by Primo’s pitch. His eyes, sharp despite his age, studied each face at the table with careful consideration. I recognized the calculating look of a man who’d survived decades in our world by never rushing into decisions.
“Vincent is right.” My voice cut through the tension. “Marriage isn’t a business transaction to be rushed. It’s about trust, respect, and genuine connection.” I turned to Primo. “Things that can’t be forced or fabricated for the sake of expanding
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empires.”
My father’s silence spoke volumes – he trusted me to handle this. I straightened my spine and met Vincent’s gaze.
Primo’s knuckles whitened around his wine glass. A muscle twitched in his jaw as he fought to maintain his composure. The look in his eyes – that dangerous flash I knew too well – told me he hadn’t expected me to challenge him so openly.
“Our families‘ relationship spans generations,” I continued. “That legacy deserves more than being reduced to a hasty merger disguised as marriage.”
Across the table, Adrian’s lips curved into a subtle smile. His gray eyes held a glimmer of pride that made my heart skip.
Primo shifted in his seat, his expression softening into that practiced charm I’d seen him use countless times.
“Perhaps I misspoke. This isn’t just about business – it’s about family, about us.” He
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spread his hands. “The Mitchell and Chromos families have always been destined to unite. The merger is secondary to what we could build together, Asteria. You know how much I care for you, for your family.”
I forced a smile, reaching across the table to grip his hand. His fingers twitched under my firm grasp.
“Oh, I absolutely agree, darling.” My tone dripped honey–coated sarcasm. “And since you care so deeply, you’ll understand why we should do this properly. The merger, the expansion, the Big Six- all of it will be so much sweeter after we’re married.” I squeezed harder. “You can wait if you truly love me, can’t you?”
His jaw clenched. I watched him calculate his options, trapped by his own words and Vincent’s conditions.
“Of course,” he managed through gritted teeth. “For you, I’d wait.”
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I released his hand and sat back, maintaining my smile. “Then it’s settled. Vincent gets his proper timeline, and we all get what we want… eventually.”
Vincent raised his glass. “To patience and proper planning.”
I caught Adrian’s subtle nod of approval as he lifted his own glass. Primo had no choice but to join the toast, though his knuckles were white around the stem.
—
The staff cleared the last of the dishes as Vincent made his exit. His driver waited by the ornate front doors of our mansion. I caught Yesha slinking back to Primo’s side, though she maintained enough distance to appear proper. The daggers she shot with her eyes could have pierced steel.
“A toast to successful negotiations!” Dad raised his glass, beaming. “Vincent’s support means everything, and with the wedding in just a few weeks…” He clapped
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Primo on the shoulder. “Son, you’ll officially be family soon.”
Adrian cracked his neck, looking far too pleased with himself. The sound made Primo’s eye twitch.
“We should celebrate,” Dad continued. “Why don’t the four of you head out? The night’s still young.”
“What a wonderful idea,” Yesha purred. “There’s that new club downtown-”
“Actually,” I cut in, “I heard Le Rouge just opened their rooftop lounge. Much more… intimate.”
Adrian loosened his tie. “Perfect for discussing wedding details.”
“Le Rouge it is then.” Dad squeezed my shoulder. “Don’t stay out too late, princess.”
Primo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “How thoughtful of you to suggest it, Asteria. Though I’m surprised you’d want to spend more time with me, given how… opposed
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you seemed to rushing things earlier.”
“Oh darling,” I matched his fake smile. “We’re family now, aren’t we? Besides, I’m sure Yesha is dying to share her thoughts. on the wedding. You two seem so… close lately.”
Adrian coughed to hide his laugh. Yesha’s perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms.
“Shall we?” Adrian winked at me.
“Lead the way.” I said, feeling Primo’s glare burn into my back as we walked toward the door.
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