The Mafia King's Unknown Doctor Wife novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167

“Step–mother,” Elena greeted back, trying to not let her surprise and unease show. “What a surprise to see you.

“Yes, but not an unpleasant one,” her step–mother replied, “What good timing. Your father just injured his ankle the other day, and I just finally convinced him to get it checked out–will you be taking care of him?”

“Ah, well,” Elena smiled awkwardly, “I don’t actually work here anymore.”

“But you’ve got the white coat and badge and everything,” her step–mother insisted, “You don’t need to be shy. This would mean an awful lot to your father–he’s missed you terribly!”

“I can’t exactly do that for a number of reasons”

The sentence died on Elena’s lips as she saw Massimo enter the hallway, “There you are, Elena,” he said, completely unaware of what he had walked into.

“Massimo!” Elena replied, her smile turning genuine. Despite his odd behavior lately, if they were at work, he’d behave more or less as she’d come to expect which meant he might be the perfect person to get Elena out of this sticky situation. “What brings you by?”

“I finished my meetings early,” Massimo explained. “So I went to check on the renovations. I hear you’re done with what you’re needed for?”

Elena nodded. “Yes, I was just helping out with the hospital since they’re short–staffed.”

“Then let’s head out,” Massimo replied. “There’s plenty of our own work to be done.”

“Pardon me,” Elena’s step–mother said suddenly, “but you’re Don Massimo Ferraro, are you not?”

Massimo turned to her, as if only noticing her just now–honestly, Elena wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. Her boss had terrible tunnel vision at times. Details he considered insignificant he often ignored–and people definitely counted.

“I am,” Massimo answered coldly. “Why?”

Elena’s step–mother curtsied. “I am Alessia Vitale, wife of Capo Vitale and that young woman’s step–mother,” she explained. “So I wanted to personally thank you for taking care of my daughter.”

Elena’s eyes narrowed. What game could her step–mother possibly be playing? Whatever she was doing, she was certainly up to no good.

Meanwhile, Massimo stared at the older woman, weighing her words. “I am not ‘taking care‘ of your step- daughter,” Massimo corrected neutrally. “She’s merely working as my family doctor because of her talents- nothing more, nothing less.”

Alessia laughed. “You are just as well spoken as the rumors say, Don Massimo,” she said.

Elena watched Massimo barely hold back a sigh. “Did you want something?” he asked bluntly.

“And perceptive, too!” Alessia grinned. “I know you both must be very busy, but might I trouble you for a small favor? I’d love to know what food in this god forsaken cafeteria is edible–and dining with my step–daughter

Chapter 167

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would be a treat.”

Elena frowned. The request didn’t make sense, but Elena was still sure it was a trap.

“I don’t know,” Elena replied. “We are very busy.” Elena glanced back at Massimo, sure that he would insist they had to leave immediately.

“Sure,” Massimo said. “So long as it’s quick.”

Massimo recalled how insistent Elena had been that her half–brother could change and be a good person. So he figured Elena would want to extend an olive branch of peace to her step–mother as well–after all, she must have suffered under Mr. Vitale’s rule, too.

If it was for Elena’s sake, he could make anything happen.

As they entered the cafeteria, Massimo realized now was the perfect time for the next step in his seduction plan -win over the family.

Several forums were dedicated exclusively to this hurdle. Time and time again, this appeared in every relationship post. If Massimo wanted to fully make Elena his, he would need to have a good relationship with the people who mattered most to Elena.

And for reasons Massimo couldn’t fully understand, she still cared deeply for the family that hurt her. So if Massimo could never stomach seeing Elena’s father, he could play nice for the step–mother and half–brother.

Massimo gestured to one of the cafeteria workers. “I want you to pull out all the stops. We’ll be waiting in the corner booth,” he told them.

A few minutes later, fancy specialty dishes were being placed along their table.

“Isn’t this lovely?” Alessia said to Elena. “Your boss is so kind! Though you’re probably used to this princess treatment by now.”

“This isn’t princess treatment,” Massimo replied. “Your steak has been overcooked, and there’s not even any seafood to offer you.”

Alessia laughed. “And so funny, too! You kids must be having a wonderful time.”

“I’ve yet to take Elena to France,” Massimo replied. “Winters there are a wonderful time. Or perhaps anywhere in the Caribbean during the early summer months–that region can be quite wonderful.”

“So I hear,” Alessia replied. “But plane tickets are so expensive these days.”

“That’s why you need a private jet,” Massimo said. “Of course, I’ll buy a ticket on any old plane if there’s a problem with maintenance, but jets are worth the initial investment. They’re not even that expensive when you think about it.”

“Oh, you two must have excellent travel stories then?”

“I haven’t taken her out of the US yet–just been down to the nicer parts of Florida and then Las Vegas….‘

Massimo and Alessia talked and talked. Elena meanwhile stayed quiet. She was afraid of what she might say if she opened her mouth.

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Instead, Elena silently counted down each minute,

“Unfortunately I do have to go,” Elena’s step–mother finally said, “and get back to my husband’s side. I’m glad my darling girl is with someone like you, Don Massimo,”

Then Alessia turned to look at her step–daughter, “And I hope we can stay in touch, I’d love to see you around more, Elena,”

Elena matched Alessia’s fake smile, Internally, Elena struggled to stay calm,

With another quick smile and another curtsy, Alessia finally disappeared into the crowd. Elena turned to Massimo.

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