For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

Chapter 90: The Russos’ [2]

"Mrs. Salvero. Gabriel Russo, it’s a pleasure to meet you." He took my hand before I could react and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles.

"L-Likewise."

"The media didn’t do your beauty justice. Perhaps consider suing them."

I smiled, removing my hand because it seemed as if he wouldn’t let go.

"A bit too extreme for something like that."

He grinned. "I don’t think so, because they don’t know how to represent such a unique beauty as they should."

"Oh, please, son, do spare the poor girl. She’s blushing quite enough already."

I heard a voice from the table.

"Can’t help it, mother. When I see something beautiful, I’m sure to appreciate it."

It took everything not to roll my eyes. Well, Elliot could learn a few tricks from him.

I heard the sharp click of heels, and a woman stepped into view. Age had done nothing to diminish her beauty.

"Lovely to meet you!" She embraced me, and I was a bit caught off guard. "I do admit she is beautiful, almost too beautiful for Zade."

My cheeks are gonna melt off for Christ’s sake. What is it with this family and flattery?

"I’m Noelle. And that bull stuffing his mouth with everything he can find is my husband. Ian."

Ian wiped his mouth with the napkin and spread his arms. "Honey, I can’t help it if the food is so delicious. Maybe an extra lesson from the cooks?"

Noelle rolled her eyes. "Charming. Please join us."

She led me to my seat. Gabriel and Elliot took theirs.

I shifted against my chair trying my best to ignore the biting pain shooting up my ass.

"So Anastasia, you’re probably wondering who we are," Noelle began cutting her steak.

I cleared my throat as I picked up my silverware. "I already have an idea." freёwebnovel.com

"Oh, that’s very good. That means Zade already told you all about us. We have known the Salveros for a very long time. Ian and I were close friends with their parents. God rest their souls."

That explained a lot.

Noelle took her wine glass and brought it close to her lips. "Zade was just a boy when he took over the empire. I wish he didn’t have to, so much responsibility resting on those small shoulders."

I recalled when Elliot mentioned something like that. When I heard it then, I treated it like it wasn’t my business to know anything about him, but now I found myself curious.

"And he did such a great job," Ian said, taking a bite from his fork and chewing so loudly I felt nausea twist my stomach.

I could only force a smile and eat little bits from my plate.

"Gabriel, did you bring it?" Luca asked.

"How could I forget? I was just waiting for the right moment."

"Yes!"

Gabriel chuckled, pulling out what looked like leather, and tossed it to Luca, who caught it effortlessly. He pulled the handle from the leather, and it was a blade.

"A handcrafted hunting knife with a Damascus steel blade."

Luca whistled, admiring the blade as if he held the rarest thing on earth.

"You asked for that?" Dante eyed the blade, and I could tell he was interested.

"Like forever!"

"Don’t look at me like that, Dante. An original was difficult to come by. The auction houses have become rather competitive."

"You’re just jealous..." Luca intoned.

Dante tried to snatch the blade, but Luca was quick.

"Not so fast!"

"You could have told me you wanted one," said Gabriel. "There were two, and fortunately, I had to take that one as a souvenir."

"Name your price," Dante stated.

Gabriel ticked his tongue.

This wasn’t the kind of dinner I was expecting, but so far, so good. It seemed like your typical one. I’m still traumatized by the wedding dinner and anticipated something like that. Thank God, it’s not.

As I got immersed in the boys’ conversation, obviously not following up about the talks of blade, I wondered why Caleb couldn’t be here.

It made me ponder why he chose to exempt himself. I understood he wasn’t much of a people person, but I had a feeling, despite that, he should be here.

Speaking of absence. Zade chose the worst night to do that. If I had known I was gonna be stuck here as his representative, I could have barricaded myself in my room.

Tch!

Laughter filled the table when Ian said something to Elliot, who offered a small smile in return. They talked about things that went far beyond my concern, but I was thankful I wasn’t the center of attention anymore.

"Oh, that is a beautiful ring!" Noelle exclaimed to me, taking my hand to observe closely. "Wow. That is indeed Rosier."

"Rosier."

"Oh, yes. I had the pleasure of meeting him once. Wonderful man. Though he’s retired, he trained others to carry on his legacy, and the business has flourished ever since."

I have heard of Rosier, too, not him in particular, but his brand.

"But this..." She lifted my hand for a closer look and added with a hint of disbelief. "This isn’t the work of one of his apprentices."

"Are you saying he designed this himself?" freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"Yes, I’ve seen enough of his work to recognize it. The craftsmanship, the balance of the design. It’s unmistakable. This bears all hallmarks of his personal handiwork. Aww... who knew Zade could be so romantic? I mean, getting Rosier to get this done himself is just..."

This was the last piece Rosier himself created.

A warm feeling settled in my chest. Noelle chatted on, but I didn’t follow anymore.

Everything that Zade had given me, from the ring, car, ballet shoes and anklet. I had dismissed them as extravagant gifts from a man with too much money or a means to cater to my lavish taste.

Even the wedding dress I heartbrokenly destroyed. Down to the clothes I wore each day, they were all from my favorite designers.

Every single thing had been... Intentional, down to the smallest detail.