The Mafia King's Unknown Doctor Wife novel Chapter 302

"Your winter hunting party?" Matteo asked, looking confused. Like he didn't understand why Elena was asking this. "I mean, yeah, they RVSP'ed to it."

Elena frowned. "Yes, but they also declined to bring any supplies like all the other families."

"God, don't remind me," Matteo snorted. "Mom was pissed that 'the great Vitales' were asked only to bring cloth napkins. Though I'm guessing you made that offer since you knew they couldn't afford to bring anything luxurious or expensive."

"Wow, look who's finally getting observant," Elena joked. Matteo shoved her lightly on the shoulder.

When the Vitales had declined to bring cloth napkins, Elena knew there wasn't any other preparation that she could entrust to them. So she had let them not be involved in the party planning at all. Honestly, she figured her father and step-mother might just not show up at all—no doubt as a way of slighting her, at least in their minds.

"Mom re-tailored one of her nicer dresses," Matteo confessed. "Even got Dad's suit dry cleaned and pressed. Despite all their complaining, they're definitely going to your party."

Elena sighed and slouched down into the bench. "Great."

"I'm also planning on going," Matteo continued. "I'm planning on doing some networking, solidifying a couple connections outside of the family."

Elena raised an eyebrow at that. Her little brother really was taking steps to get out of their parents' clutches. She was a little proud he had seen what a great opportunity this winter party could be.

But she was also a little concerned that this meant her parents were up to some scheme. That Matteo had seen the next phase of some wicked plan and had therefore actually redoubled his efforts in getting out.

"Do you know why our parents are still going?" Elena asked aloud.

Matteo shook his head. "Dad's been super quiet lately. I guess Mom has been traveling by herself more frequently, but not for business—just spa treatments and shopping and stuff with her new best girl friend."

Elena frowned. "Alessia made a new friend?" she asked, surprised. And a new friend who would foot the bill for all their outings, no doubt.

A few hours later, Elena got ready for her date. As always, the white box appeared on her doorstep the exact moment she had finished getting dressed and putting on makeup.

Elena grabbed the bottle of eyedrops. Though she wanted to fake taking them, she couldn't risk spooking her date too early. If Max really was Massimo, Elena doubted she could fool him and convincingly fake being blind.

But while Elena wouldn't be able to see, her plan didn't rely on sense. She put in the eye drops.

Moments later, her date arrived.

"Shall we?" her husband asked, lightly touching her elbow.

Elena was ready to find out the truth of his identity. "Let's go," she replied.