Chapter 176
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Elena held her breath as she and Massimo entered the ballroom. Though she was somewhat familiar with both the room itself and mafia banquets in general, she still felt incredibly nervous. Because Elena wasn’t just attending this banquet as Don Massimo’s doctor but his wife.
But Elena kept her head held high and her expression neutral as Massimo guided them deeper into the ballroom –she couldn’t let any of her nervous energy show. She needed to appear elegant, beautiful, and competent. Elena needed to convince everyone in this room that she was someone worthy of the title Mafia Queen.
And it was a good thing Elena was taking this all seriously because within the first few minutes of their arrival, Massimo and Elena were practically swarmed by all the party goers.
“Your Queen is so radiant, Don Massimo! Where did you find such a gem?”
“I’ve heard so little about her–where did you meet?”
“So why did you get married in secret? Will you be holding an anniversary wedding party at least?”
Mafia families, Elena quickly realized, were just as nosy as fans of celebrities–they wanted to know everything. Elena couldn’t fully blame their curiosity though. Massimo had married Aria quickly and in secret–there was no time for anyone to take in the information that he was married.
The fact Massimo had never spoken of his wife or shown her off only added to everyone’s intense desire to know more about this mystery woman.
Still, some people were less respectful than others.
“Did you find out you’re infertile or something?” one man asked Elena suddenly. “And you’re worried about what to do about the matter of an heir? There’s no other reason to hide such a wonderful lady.”
Elena could only smile awkwardly and take a step back—desperately hoping that she could start a conversation with someone else.
Massimo pulled her suddenly to his side as he stared down at the man.
“If you have time to inquire about that,” Massimo said with a glare, “Then surely you’ve had enough time to do the work Luca sent over. Why don’t you give me an update on it since you’re so chatty tonight?”
Elena held back a snort as the man’s face turned bright red.
As the night wore on, Elena noticed how helpful Massimo’s blunt nature and direct responses could be. Whenever her own social graces failed her–like when people were overly familiar or wanted to discuss private matters–Massimo always seemed to step up. He’d instantly start talking about work or tell others off for their
behavior.
Elena had heard all the rumors of how cold and mean the Don of All Dons was–and even witnessed that behavior sometimes herself–but Elena had never realized why Massimo was that way. It was less a sign of his bitterness or cruelty and more of his social skill.
After all, when you don’t want to discuss something, Massimo’s approach was the best course of action. And because Massimo was rumored to behave this way with everyone, no one would take offense at it. Thus Massimo could maneuver unpleasant conversations much better than Elena had ever imagined.
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Chapter 178
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But for pleasant conversations, Elena still outshined the don. And considering the number of mafia families present that the Ferraro family desperately wanted to ally with, Elena knew she’d have a long night of making sure Massimo behaved and didn’t get too cold with them.
At least Don Grasso was more polite with his questions. “If you don’t mind me asking, Don Ferraro, how did the two of you meet?”
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