Chapter 100

Matteo straightened the bowtie snugly around his neck, then made his way to the door.

“Five minutes, Gen!” he called out down the hallway, his voice carrying a mix of impatience and excitement.

“Almost ready!” came Genevieve’s reply, her voice light but tinged with nerves.

He opened the door to find Frankie standing there, looking sharp in a rented tuxedo. A crooked grin spread across Frankie’s face as he stepped inside, clutching a bouquet of vibrant red roses.

“I know, I know—I clean up pretty damn well,” Frankie said with a playful smirk. Then, eyeing Matteo from head to toe, he added, “You’re not looking too bad yourself, I suppose.”

Matteo feigned a look of flattery. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring me flowers.”

Frankie quickly hid the bouquet behind his back. “They’re not for you. They’re for the Donna.”