Chapter 45

Genevieve could sense the exact moment he stepped into the private box. She had always despised that cliché—how could anyone truly feel another’s presence so deeply that they could pinpoint their arrival? It seemed utterly ridiculous to her. That’s why she stubbornly refused to admit when she felt him enter the room. No, the truth was, she only noticed because everyone else did. The entire group gathered around the perfectly maintained racetrack had paused their chatter, their eyes fixed on the mysterious man who had just arrived. Even as she felt Matteo’s intense gaze cutting across the room, sweeping over her from head to toe, she deliberately avoided meeting his eyes.

Instead, Genevieve focused on the cluster of women who had surrounded her. To her right stood Maisy, her fiery red hair styled into an immaculate updo that complemented her round, cheerful face. The moment Leo had dropped Genevieve off in the box, Maisy had grabbed her arm and whisked her through the room, gathering women as if assembling a small army. After a few introductions, Genevieve quickly realized these weren’t the kind of women she could recruit as clients for her accounting firm, as she had initially hoped. They were clearly connected to Matteo’s other, less visible family ventures.

The group chatted about upcoming social events—the renowned Spring Gala, elegant tea parties, exclusive luncheons, and the coveted annual Italian soirée. Genevieve sipped her sweet tea quietly, trying to ignore the heat radiating from Matteo’s stare. She smiled and nodded along, pretending to be fully aware of the darker, hidden aspects of her boss’s life.

As the conversation shifted toward the latest fashion trends, Genevieve searched for a way to slip away. She glanced down at her own modest sundress, a far cry from the designer gowns worn by the women around her. She had found it in a thrift store bin marked half-off. It fit her well, but it was nothing compared to the hundreds or thousands of dollars the other women’s outfits must have cost.

Finally, she gave in to the magnetic pull and cast a quick glance toward Matteo. Their eyes locked, and his gaze sharpened. Though he stood at the far end of the room, she stifled a gasp at the sight of him. He wore a slim grey pinstripe suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a floral tie. She noticed her own dress bore a pattern of soft pink roses, matching the flowers on his tie. When she looked back up, he raised his glass to his lips and winked.

“Uh oh, here comes trouble,” one of the women joked, pulling Genevieve’s attention away from Matteo.

She turned toward where the women were looking and felt her cheeks flush as Paul strolled toward them. She had only ever seen him in a suit three times before—at his uncle’s funeral and the two proms they had attended together. Now, as a fully grown man, he cut an impressive figure in his navy blue suit and cornflower blue tie. His eyes locked on her as he closed the distance, flashing that dazzling smile that used to make her knees weak.