REBORN My Second Life I Became The Villianess (Nyxara) novel Chapter 53

The rest of the lunch were served , and the servers cleared our orders. As we began dining on delicate plates of seared scallops and fresh greens, the conversation shifted toward the upcoming events on the Valteri calendar.

Elena dabbed her lips with a cloth napkin, setting it down gently as she leaned forward, lowering her voice so it wouldn't carry past our table.

"There is something else we need to discuss regarding this weekend," Mom said, her eyes locking onto mine with a serious, unyielding weight.

I looked up, meeting her gaze steadily. "What is it, Mom?" I asked softly.

"This weekend, we are hosting a private, high-security dinner at the estate," Elena explained quietly, the casual warmth in her voice giving way to a more strict tone. "It’s a formal dinner for one of Dario’s most important allies his godfather."

I paused, turning the words over in my mind. "Dario’s godfather? I wasn’t aware Dario had a godfather?. May I ask who he is?"

Mom exchanged a brief glance with Grandmother before leaning in just a fraction closer.

"His name is Pedro Cruz," She said softly, the name dropping like lead onto the table. "He is the reigning mafia kingpin of Antiel City, two cities over from us. His syndicate controls the entire shipping and transit network across the eastern coast. He and Vincenzo go back decades, and Dario views him almost as a father figure."

I didn't flinch, though the name sent a sharp jolt through my body. In my past life, Pedro Cruz was a ghost story whispered about in high-society circles. He was the ruthless, untouchable warlord of the underworld who didn't care about stock markets or corporate mergers, only blood, loyalty, and absolute control.

"He is coming to the Valteri estate?" I asked, keeping my voice carefully measured.

"He is," Grandmother nodded, her eyes flashing with a dangerous, dark amusement. "And as the new mistress of the house and Dario’s wife, you will be seated right beside Dario at the head of the table. Pedro doesn't suffer fools, and he has a habit of testing newcomers to see if they bleed or if they shine."

I took a slow, deliberate sip of my water, letting a quiet, confident smile touch the corners of my mouth.

"Okay then," I whispered.

I guess grandmother saw the slight shift in my expression, that split second where I realized just how heavy the weight of this new world really was, and she let out a warm, reassuring chuckle. She reached across the table and gave my hand a gentle pat.

"Relax, child," Grandmother said, her eyes softening just a bit. "I know the name Pedro Cruz makes half the city wet their pants, but trust me, he’s not going to pull a gun out during dessert. Yes, he’s a terrifying mafia kingpin, but around family? He’s basically an old softie with a soft spot for dramatics." she said.

Ella snorted, nearly choking on her sparkling water. She quickly grabbed a napkin, wiped her mouth, and laughed. "Oh god, don't let him hear you call him a softie, Grandmother. But she's right, Nyxara. The first time I met the man, he stared at me for like ten solid seconds without blinking, and I swear my soul almost left my body. I thought I was about to get dumped in the river. Then he just burst out laughing, handed me a box of imported chocolates, and started teasing me about my outfit. Once you get past the scary aura, he’s just like any other annoying uncle." she said.

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