Chapter 38 THE FAMILY DINNER

Chapter 38 THE FAMILY DINNER
Adeline's POV

"Boss called a family dinner," Marco said the next morning. "Tonight. Everyone's required to attend."

My stomach dropped. "What's it about?"

"Officially...Just family bonding. Unofficially....Clearing the air after Carlo."
I found Kayden in his study.

"Your father called for dinner."

"I know. We have to go. Refusing would make things worse."

"What's he planning?"

"With my father, it could be anything. But these dinners are never just dinners."

By seven PM, the dining room was filled with extended family, cousins, uncles, senior advisors, all gathered around the massive table.

Russio sat at the head. Kayden and I were placed in the middle. Far enough from Russio to avoid direct conversation, but close enough to be watched.

"Thank you all for coming," Russio began.

"Family is everything. Especially during difficult times."
Everyone murmured in agreement.

"Let's eat. Enjoy each other's company. Remember why we do what we do."
Dinner was served.

The tension was immediate, thick and suffocating.
Everyone ate quietly..too quietly.

I could feel Russio's eyes on me. Every few minutes, his gaze would land on my face. Assessing. Cold.

I met his stare each time, I refused to look away first.

The hostility between us was palpable. Everyone at the table could feel it.

Kayden sat rigid beside me. His hand found mine under the table and he squeezed softly.
Caught between his wife and his father, trying to navigate the impossible.

"So," Marco said loudly, breaking the silence. "Anyone else think this pasta is trying to kill us? I think the chef's holding a grudge."

There were a few nervous laughs.

"I'm serious. This is definitely poisoned. Who did we piss off in the kitchen?"

There was more laughter and this time, it was slightly more genuine.

"Marco," Russio said. "Always the comedian."

"Someone has to be. Otherwise these dinners would be unbearably depressing."

Marco grinned. "Come on, people. Lighten up. We're family, we're supposed to enjoy this."

"Hard to enjoy when there's so much tension," one of the cousins muttered.

"Tension? What tension?" Marco gestured dramatically. "I don't see any tension. Do you see tension, Adeline?"

All eyes turned to me.

"No tension," I said. "Just a lovely family dinner."

"See? Lovely." Marco raised his glass. "To lovely family dinners that definitely aren't awkward."

A few people smiled despite themselves, but the heaviness remained.

Russio continued watching me. I continued meeting his stare. A silent battle playing out across the dinner table.

Kayden's grip on my hand tightened.
"Father," he said. "How are the negotiations with the Castellanos progressing?"

"Fine. We'll finalize everything next week." Russio took a sip of wine. "Assuming there are no... complications."

"What kind of complications?"

"The kind that arise when people act without thinking. When emotions override logic."

The barb was clear.
"I always think before I act," Kayden said evenly.

"Do you? Recent events suggest otherwise."

The temperature in the room dropped.
"Marco," one of the uncles said quickly.

"Tell us about that deal in Atlantic City. I heard it went well."

Marco launched into a story that was animated, funny and deliberately distracting, but I barely heard it.

Because Russio was still staring at me. And I was still staring back.

Challene, defiance and hatred were all communicated silently.

Kayden's jaw was tight, his body tense. He was caught between us, unable to defend either without attacking the other.

Dessert was served. Then, the meal was almost over.

"Well," Russio said, standing. "Thank you all for coming. It's good to gather as a family. To remember what matters."

Everyone began standing.
"Before you go," Russio raised his glass.

"A toast."

Everyone grabbed their glasses.

"To family loyalty," Russio said, his eyes locked on mine. "The foundation of everything we are. Without loyalty, we are nothing. Without trust, we fall apart."

He stared directly at me as he spoke.
"To family loyalty," everyone echoed.

They drank. I lifted my glass but didn't drink, instead I met Russio's stare. He smiled coldly.
Message received.

The doorbell rang.
Everyone paused, looking toward the entrance.

"Who's that?" someone asked.

"Everyone's already here."
Marco went to check and returned a moment later.

"Boss, you have a visitor. Says it's important."

"I'm not expecting anyone."

"I know. But she's insistent. Says she's family."

"She?"
The door to the dining room opened, and Annabelle walked in.

My heart stopped.
She looked around the room, nervous and out of place, but trying to smile.

"Hi," she said. "Sorry to interrupt. I'm Annabelle. Adeline's sister."

Everyone stared.

"Belle," I breathed. "What are you doing here?"

"Surprise!" She moved toward me. "I know you said you were busy, but I missed you. And I wanted to meet everyone. Your new family."

She was completely oblivious to the tension, the danger.

Russio's expression shifted. It became calculate…interested.

"Annabelle," he said warmly. "What a lovely surprise. Please, join us. We were just finishing dinner."

"Oh, I don't want to intrude—"

"Nonsense. You're family now too. Adeline's sister is always welcome here."

He pulled out a chair right next to him and Annabelle sat, beaming.

I felt ice flood my veins.
Russio smiled at me, triumphant.
He had Annabelle right here. In his house, at his table.
And there was nothing I could do about it.