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CHAPTER 51
The cooking stations were arranged in a neat line, each equipped with professional-grade equipment and a fully stocked pantry. The challenge was announced: prepare a classic Osso Buco Milanese—a notoriously difficult dish requiring precise technique, timing, and presentation.The judges—three renowned food critics from Milan—explained the criteria: flavor, presentation, and speed. The chef who produced the best dish in the shortest time with the cleanest workspace would be declared the winner."Competitors, you have thirty minutes," the head judge announced. "Begin!"The Michelin-starred chefs exploded into action with practiced efficiency, their movements precise and confident. Chef Antonio from the Romano family moved with the fluid grace of someone who'd prepared this dish hundreds of times. Chef Marco from the Benedetti family barked orders at his assistant, his station already organized like a military operation.Vincent stood perfectly still for three seconds, his eyes taking in
CHAPTER 50 PART 2
Vincent stepped forward smoothly, his hand leaving Gianna's waist as he raised it to get the announcer's attention."The Moretti family will be represented," Vincent said clearly. "By me."The silence that followed was deafening. Then, like a dam breaking, suppressed laughter rippled through the crowd."Did he just say he's cooking?" someone whispered, not quietly enough."The husband Gianna ordered off Temu thinks he can compete with Michelin chefs?" another voice added with cruel amusement."This is going to be a disaster," a third person chuckled.Gianna wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. This was worse than having no representative at all. At least embarrassment could be explained away. But Vincent volunteering—setting himself up for public humiliation against world-class chefs—would be a spectacle people would talk about for months.Kevin's angry expression transformed into gleeful satisfaction. He immediately moved to his chef, whispering urgently. "Antonio, I don't c
CHAPTER 50 PART 1
Gianna felt her entire body tense as Vincent's hand remained possessively on her waist.Part of her wanted to step away, to reassert the boundaries they'd established in their contract.But they were in public, surrounded by the city's elite, all watching for any sign of discord or weakness.Creating a scene by pushing Vincent away would only fuel gossip about their marriage being troubled.So she stayed still, allowing the contact, even as her jaw tightened with suppressed frustration.Vincent, reading her body language perfectly, chose that exact moment to press his advantage.He leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek—brief, affectionate, the kind of casual intimacy married couples displayed without thinking."You see, Kevin," Vincent said pleasantly, his lips still close to Gianna's cheek, "we really don't need you as a third wheel. My wife and I are quite content with just each other's company."Kevin's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. His hands clenched into
Chapter 49
The evening of the Palazzo Foundation charity gala arrived with perfect weather—clear skies and a gentle breeze that carried the scent of jasmine through the grounds of the newly renovated Antonetti Orphanage.Gianna had chosen an elegant emerald dress that complemented her dark hair, paired with simple but expensive jewelry.Vincent wore a tailored black suit that, while still modest compared to the designer ensembles around them, fit him perfectly and made him look considerably more refined than his usual attire.Their car pulled up to the orphanage entrance, and Gianna's breath caught at the transformation before her."This is incredible," she whispered.The Antonetti Orphanage had been completely renovated.What Gianna remembered as a somewhat run-down building with cracked paint and worn grounds was now a stunning facility.New construction blended seamlessly with restored original architecture. Gardens bloomed with carefully tended flowers.Modern playground equipment occupied s
CHAPTER 48
Vincent walked Raphael to the door, their conversation concluding in low tones that Gianna couldn't quite catch from her position at the bottom of the stairs."Keep me informed about the charity event," Vincent said quietly. "Any confirmation of her attendance, I want to know immediately.""Understood, Commander," Raphael replied with a slight nod. "We'll monitor the situation closely."The door closed behind Raphael, and Vincent turned to find Gianna standing in the foyer, her arms crossed and her expression curious."Who was that?" Gianna asked directly."Raphael," Vincent replied, moving past her toward the kitchen. "A business associate.""Business associate," Gianna repeated skeptically. "He called you 'Commander.'""A nickname," Vincent said smoothly. "From our military contracting days. Old habits."Gianna wanted to press further, but something about Vincent's tone suggested the topic was closed. Instead, she focused on what she'd overheard about the charity event."The charity
Chapter 47
The week following Rocco's humiliation had brought an unusual calm to the Moretti villa. Gianna found herself navigating unfamiliar emotional territory—gratitude, curiosity, and lingering guilt about how she'd treated Vincent all mixing together uncomfortably.Isabella had been conspicuously absent since her disastrous visit to the police station. Whatever had happened there had clearly shaken her badly enough to keep her away from both Vincent and Gianna. When Gianna had called to check on her mother, Isabella had been evasive and clearly uncomfortable, making excuses about being busy with social obligations.Across the city, in the Benedetti mansion, the atmosphere was considerably less peaceful."You paid a hacker half a million euros," Giovanni said coldly, pacing his study while Rocco sat hunched in a chair, "and somehow ended up being the one who got robbed?""Papa, I didn't know—" Rocco started."You didn't know?" Giovanni's voice rose sharply. "You hired a criminal from the da
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