Chapter 75

Chapter Seventy-Five

Genevieve gripped Matteo’s arm firmly as he skillfully navigated them through the dense crowd. Men and women instinctively stepped aside, their eyes flickering with curiosity as they glanced from her to Matteo. It dawned on her then—he had never brought a woman along like this before. She tightened her hold on his arm, catching his sharp gaze as he looked down at her. She smiled warmly, and he winked in return just before they reached a cluster of people gathered near a staircase. Genevieve tried to peer over their heads, eager to see what had everyone waiting.

“Move,” Matteo commanded quietly.

The group ahead turned abruptly, gasping before reluctantly stepping aside. The stares she received now felt less curious and more hostile, almost like silent warnings. Matteo gestured for her to go first, wrapping his arms protectively around her as they approached a man standing by a velvet rope, a sign above him reading ‘VIP.’

“Mr. Accardi,” the man greeted, sneaking a quick glance at Genevieve.

“John,” Matteo replied with a sharp nod.

“So, you finally brought her along, huh?” John said, nodding toward Genevieve.