?Chapter 149:


    Vincenzo, who had assumed that Chris might be her boyfriend, was now reeling from the revtion that he was actually her husband. What an exceptional young woman, and to be married at such a young age!


    Vincenzo had once toyed with the idea of introducing Maia to his son but quickly dismissed the thought, judging his son unworthy of such an aplished young woman. He was taken aback to learn of her marital status, especially to someone as distinguished as Chris.


    “Well…” Maia turned to Chris, who exuded confidence, his demeanor unapologetic, as if announcing his marital status was the most natural thing in the world. She then told Vincenzo, “Yes, I’m married, and this gentleman here is my husband.”


    As Maia acknowledged their marriage, Chris’s face lit up with a broad smile, his eyebrows arching in amusement.


    “Mr. Casadei, since you’re here by yourself, would you care to join us?” Maia suggested kindly. “You’ve been such a help to me, and I’ve yet to thank you properly. It would be great if my husband and I could treat you to dinner. Please, join us.”


    Chris’s smile briefly faltered. He had been looking forward to a private evening with Maia, and now their ns were being interrupted.


    If Vincenzo were perceptive, he would decline and leave them be. However, Vincenzo cheerfully epted the invitation. “I’d be delighted to dine with you.”


    Maia quickly shuffled to make space, and Vincenzo slid into the seat next to her, facing Chris. Chris found himself at a loss for words.


    As Vincenzo settled in, he looked at Chris and asked, “So, what is it that your husband does?”


    “Why does that matter to you?” Chris responded, leaning back and folding his arms, his voice tinged with annoyance. His authoritative presence briefly silenced Vincenzo.


    L??e$? ??ΔT??R? 1π ???lnovels.c??m


    To diffuse the growing tension, Maia shifted the conversation. “Mr. Casadei, you seem quite spirited these days. Have you stumbled upon any rare finds recently?”


    This change of topic sparked Vincenzo’s passion, and he dove into a lively discussion with Maia about his recent discoveries.


    Chris sat silently, feeling excluded as his wife and Vincenzo chatted like old friends. He had beenpletely left out. Narrowing his eyes, he red at Vincenzo with a sharp look.


    Vincenzo didn’t pay him any attention,pletely absorbed in his lively conversation with Maia.


    Vincenzo had no idea that the man sitting across from him was actually his superior’s superior.


    As Maia and Vincenzo chatted, Chris’s phone buzzed sharply against the table. One nce at the caller ID, and he rose from his seat with a stiff expression. “I need to take this,” he said, his voice clipped and cold.


    Maia nodded in response and continued her conversation with Vincenzo.


    Vincenzo, for his part, hadn’t met someone he could talk to like this in years. Despite Maia being much younger, her knowledge of jewelry and antiques far surpassed that of his store employees. Sitting there, he found himself thinking, with a rare surge of warmth, “When you find the rightpanion, the keg never runs dry,” he muttered to himself.


    Outside, a ck car cruised past the restaurant. Inside, Rosanna lounged in the backseat, ncing out the window when something caught her eye. The next second, she jerked upright.


    “Stop the car!” she shouted.


    Vince’s assistant, startled, immediately pulled over.


    .


    .


    .