The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224: Finally, Meeting Axel’s Mother (1)

The next day.

Before Axel’s birthday, Evelyn couldn’t relax entirely—she was still nervous about meeting his mother, Amanda Knight.

Today, they will meet Amanda outside their house because Axel didn’t want his mother to meet Oliver before she had a chance to meet Amanda.

Evelyn’s reflection stared back at her in the car window, the faint city skyline blurring behind her as Ryan drove.

Her stomach had been in knots all morning. She smoothed her palms against her skirt, though it did nothing to calm the storm inside her.

It wasn’t that Amanda had a bad reputation, but quite the opposite. Amanda Knight was known as a poised, intelligent woman who rarely appeared in public. Her silence carried power.

But what’s really making her nervous is their family history. The Walters and the Knights just haven’t always gotten along well.

Their fathers had been rivals for decades, both in business and in terms of influence.

Although Axel and she had overcome that barrier, the weight of their families’ enmity still lingered like a shadow over their love story.

Today, however, there was no escaping it.

Axel had arranged a private lunch meeting with his mother before his upcoming birthday. He wanted her to meet Amanda first, just the two of them, without Oliver around.

As Ryan drove her to the private restaurant, Evelyn’s phone vibrated.

"I’m already here. Waiting for you..." From: Hubby

Her heart skipped a beat. Of course, he’s early. He’s always that way when it comes to his family matters.

Evelyn smiled faintly but couldn’t stop the wave of nerves that followed. She stared out the window, trying to steady her breathing.

"Ryan," she said softly, "do I look nervous?"

Ryan glanced at the rearview mirror to see her and said, "No. But, Ma’am, you look like someone about to meet the president."

"That’s not helping," she said, shaking her head with a nervous smile flickering in her eyes. She knew she shouldn’t ask him.

"Then maybe you can pretend this one is just another business meeting," he suggested.

Evelyn chuckled discreetly. "Right. Except this one could decide the rest of my life."

...

Moments later, they pulled up to the restaurant.

It was small, discreet, and luxurious; one of Axel’s private properties under the Apex Holding Company.

The exterior was minimalist, adorned with glass and greenery, which gave it a calm and exclusive feel.

And there he was.

Axel stood at the entrance, looking casually confident in a black slim-fit shirt rolled up to his elbow. The sight of him instantly melted some of her tension.

When she stepped out of the car, his eyes softened. He walked toward her, his smile already tugging at his lips.

"You look beautiful, Eve..." he said warmly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

Evelyn smiled nervously. "You always say that."

"Because it’s always true."

His tone was easy and playful, but her mind was elsewhere. "Is your mother here?"

She recalled precisely what Axel had told her the night before: "Don’t bring up anything about our family. Don’t mention your father."

Evelyn instantly remembered her from the few media appearances she had made, though pictures didn’t do her justice. There was warmth in her eyes that she hadn’t expected.

She entered behind Axel, a nervous smile forming on her lips when she saw Amanda greet her with a warm smile.

"You must be Evelyn," Amanda said warmly, her voice soft yet full of grace. "It’s lovely to finally meet you, dear."

Evelyn stepped forward quickly, bowing her head slightly. "Mrs. Knight, it’s an honor. I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time."

Amanda smiled and gently took her hand. "Please, call me Amanda. And you’re even more beautiful in person, Evelyn."

"Thank you," Evelyn replied shyly, returning her warm handshake.

She barely had time to react before Amanda pulled her into a gentle embrace. The warmth of it startled her in the best way.

"You too," Evelyn murmured with a soft laugh. "You’re even more beautiful in person, Am—Amanda."

Amanda laughed softly.

"Oh, please, I’m not beautiful. I’m old now."

Evelyn blinked, momentarily speechless. Even the way Amanda laughed carried elegance. "I’m serious, Amanda," she said sincerely.

"I know you are." Amanda smiled, patting her shoulder affectionately. "I still can’t believe I finally met my daughter-in-law."

Her eyes shimmered, and Evelyn froze, realizing Amanda was holding back tears.

"I’m sorry we’re only meeting now—" Evelyn began, but her words were cut short when Axel cleared his throat softly.

"Alright, Mom," he said, smiling. "Let’s sit, shall we?"