Chapter 359
The party was in full swing. Many families were present, and as usual, they were all impressed with the party. What can I say? That was just the way the Morales’ wanted it.
Many claimed being the center of attention is not something to be proud of in this business, but dad disagreed. He wanted all the attention he could get, and rightfully so.
“It’s too bad the Marinos couldn’t make it.” Vince’s uncle, Bruno, spoke. “I’m sure this party would bring them to embarrassment.”
We were seated at the unique birthday table reserved for Vince’s family and mine. Anyone with a set of eyes could see that an announcement of our engagement would be the next step as the rumors had already spread.
“Oh, please.” Dad had a smug smile on his lips. “The Morales’ have a good relationship with the Marinos so let’s not talk about them today.”
I didn’t know much about the Marinos, other than the rumors about them taking over the Garcias’ rank after the late Fabio Garcia had single-handedly ruined his name.
I smiled brightly, staring at Vince-but his attention was not with me. He was staring at the table in from. of us, right at Serena-and he didn’t even try to hide it
A jealous feeling went through my veins as I watched how the gorgeous woman lit up the room with her innocent looks and sweet laughter. She conversed with the dress thief, Carmen, and Stella Alfonzo, who was so obsessed with her sister-in-law that she hadn’t even congratulated me appropriately.
I cleared my throat. “Vince, how do you like the party?”
“I have never seen anything like this before.” Vince’s answer sounded rehearsed. “The party reminds me of you.”
That was a compliment.
“Well, you better get used to it.” Dad leaned forward, eavesdropping on our conversation. “I expect the same for my grandchildren.”
“Daddy!”
“What? Just putting it out there.”“
Bruno and dad were in some kind of competition to see who could laugh louder while Vince slightly rolled his eyes. “Did you hear that, Luis?” I heard him ask his brother, but the only thing Luis had time for was his gaming device.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure my dad didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” I apologized almost immediately after noticing not a single chuckle left his mouth.
Vince ignored my apology and got up from his chair. “So Aria, have you met my best friend-Beau?” He pointed to a man at the bar.
I had heard some questionable things about him and knew he was Serena’s twin brother, but I was not interested in meeting him. I was only interested in Vince.
“No, not yet-
“Good, let’s go.” Vince pulled me from my chair, dragging me through the room to the bar. I didn’t question his intentions and felt grateful enough for getting the opportunity to hold his hand.
He smiled warmly and disconnected our hands to tap his friend on the shoulder. “Beau.”
The man turned around with a warm smile and pulled Vince in his embrace. “What’s up.” He spoke, ignoring my presence. “What can I do for you?”
Vince shook his head. “Nothing.” He chuckled. I just wanted to introduce you to the birthday girl?”
Bonus
“Your fiancee?” Beau released a fake gasp, looking at me as if he wasn’t aware of my presence. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. “Nice to meet you, your highness.”
I pulled back my hand as the two burst out laughing, realizing they were mocking me. The mischief in Beau’s eyes left a bigger impression than his handsome looks. I didn’t like him, he didn’t like me and was out to be a red flag in this relationship.
“What? I thought you said she’s a princess.” He squinted his eyes, inspecting the tiniest detalls on my face. “So what does it feel like, ordering everyone around?”
“I’m sorry, what?”
Vince smacked his friend and slammed his arm around his shoulder. “Don’t listen to him. He’s not serious. He held him in a slight chokehold.
“Ah.” I frowned, wondering if it was some kind inside joke of theirs.
I disliked Serena because she seemed like a genuinely good person, but I could already tell I would dislike this man for getting in my way. Had I not known any better, I would’ve said his dress-thief sister was his twin instead.
“Anyway, I’ll just step out for a second because I’m sure the two of you have much to talk about.” Vince laughed awkwardly. “I’ll pick her up later!” He walked off, leaving me alone with his friend.
“Vince, come on!” Beau called out. “She’s not a sack of potatoes.”
“Oh, thank you.” I blurted, thinking he might not be that stupid after all.
Beau raised his hand to shut me up. “Just pick her up before curfew!” He yelled at Vince, who was already out of sight
“Oh. I forgot you turned twenty-one today.” He let out a fake gasp. “My bad.”
He was really starting to get on my nerves.
“What’s with the face? I’m just playing with you.” He nudged my shoulder. “It was just a joke.”
“I know that, and there’s nothing with my face,” I smiled, trying to stay polite. I was really trying to be friendly and didn’t come here to be a bitch, but he was really pushing it.
“So, how do you know Vince again?” I wondered.
“How did the two of you become friends?”
Beau leaned against the bar. “I used to work for him and his family.”
“And now you work for the Lambertis.” I sighed.
“At Christian’s side.”
“I see someone did their research.”
“So, did you and Vince have a falling out after his dad wanted you and your sister dead?”
Beau chuckled. “Nice theory, but no.” He looked offended. “I’m just working for my sister’s husband, that’s
all.
To put it another way, he was disloyal and wasn’t needed in Vince’s life.
“So rather than working for your own family, who’s almost just as influential as the Lambertis, or working for Vince, who you claim is your best friend and could really use the help-you work for your sister’s husband”
“It’s not like that-”
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