Chapter 114

Matteo stood quietly, a surge of pride swelling inside him as he observed Genevieve receiving warm congratulations from her sister, Louis, Lucy, and Frankie. Jada was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face as she gently caressed Gen’s swollen belly. Louis discreetly tried to ease Jada’s grip on Gen’s left hand, but it was a near-impossible task—Jada’s hold was as tenacious as a pickpocket’s grasp on something glittering and irresistible. Nearby, Frankie hovered, his grin stretching from ear to ear as he played the role of an enthusiastic bridesmaid, utterly delighted by the moment.

Earlier, Gen had called her father and then Jada from the car, her excitement palpable when she learned that her sister would be joining her on what she affectionately dubbed her “engagement/baby moon.” Matteo hadn’t yet found the moment to explain the true reason for their trip to Italy, nor why it was absolutely necessary for him to bring along the top three men from his inner circle. He wanted to shield his future wife from worry on such a significant day. There would be plenty of time for explanations tomorrow—when she would be gazing out over the breathtaking Italian coast from Alessio’s fortress, a place where no one could reach her.

Leo approached quietly, slipping a glass of whiskey into Matteo’s hand without breaking his gaze from the group at the front of the plane. Matteo accepted the drink, nearly dropping it when Gen’s eyes met his, her smile warm and bright.

“Congratulations, Accardi,” Leo said with a friendly nudge to Matteo’s shoulder. “Married life will suit you well.”

“And fatherhood?” Matteo asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Leo shrugged with a smirk. “That part I’m not so sure about.”

“Asshole,” Matteo shot back with a grin.