Fall For My Ex's Mafia Father novel Chapter 229

As I do, Kent turns to glare at me, for just a moment, his expression clearly communicating you’re going to pay for that.

I just blink up at him for a second, my fierce eyes saying I’d better.

And then I turn back to Daniel, smiling at him and joining in on the laughter even though I have no idea what was just said.

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When desert comes, we’re all stuffed. Too stuffed, really, to do justice to the incredible apple tart that’s placed in front of us and served family-style with cinnamon ice cream. We each take a few bites but concentrate, instead, on the cups of espresso that are served with the final part of the meal, each of us needing a little perk after so much wine and food.

“That was delicious,” Daniel says, leaning back against his chair and groaning, holding his little espresso cup in his large palm.

“It was,” I agree, smiling at him and then turning my smile politely to Natalia, who hasn’t said a word to me all night. “Thank you so much for organizing this,” I say. “It really was special.”

“Yes,” she says, sighing contentedly and holding my gaze. “I thought you deserved a final treat.”

I go still and feel Daniel and Kent sit up on either side of me, turning their attention to her. Neither say anything though, leaving it to me.

“Pardon?” I ask, cocking my head to the side just an inch and forcing myself to raise my espresso to my mouth, taking a little sip and not letting my hand shudder, not a bit.

Apparently, I think to myself, my first instinct was right. This dinner is about me. Natalia’s just trying to kill two birds with one stone.

“Fay,” Natalia says, glancing at Alessi for support, and I’m shocked to see him sigh as if in resignation. “It has been so wonderful to have a chance to get to know you, my dear. But unfortunately, we as a family have some bad news.”