Seeing the message, my expression darkened slightly.
Dominic had no aversion to scallions. He'd always claimed they deepened the flavor of a soup, the way an old recipe carried the weight of the family that made it.
After a moment's thought, I replied with a simple, [Okay.]
Once I sent the message, I decisively opened a delivery service and ordered some random yam and pork rib soup sent to his office on the top floor of the Moretti hotel, the one that laundered half the family's cash flow.
That evening, I went out to dinner with my brother.
Lorenzo had reserved a private room at one of the old-family restaurants on neutral ground, the kind where the waiters knew not to repeat what they heard. We had just arrived when we saw Dominic and Bianca walking in, arms linked, smiling sweetly.
The moment Dominic spotted us, he instinctively let go of her hand and walked toward us. A man feared across three territories, and still his first reaction was to drop her like evidence.
Bianca's expression faltered for a brief moment. Then her hand drifted to her collarbone, steadying herself a beat too soon, before she composed herself and approached with a smile. "We're late, and there aren't any open tables. Would you mind if we joined yours?"
Without waiting for a reply, Dominic sat down next to me.
Lorenzo's eyes widened in surprise, and he stood quickly, pulling him to switch places. "What are you thinking? How is it appropriate for me to sit next to her?"
Reluctantly, Dominic let himself be nudged into the seat across from me. His eyes carried a hint of displeasure, as if waiting for me to say something.
Avoiding his gaze, I handed the menu to Bianca. "Bianca, why don't you order what you two would like? My brother and I have already decided."
She took the menu with a smile, trying to appear natural. "Adriana, the yam and pork rib soup you make is so delicious. Much better than anything you can buy outside."
Her words confirmed my suspicion. The soup Dominic had asked me to make was for her.
I smiled faintly but said nothing.
Lorenzo, however, seemed impressed. "She had this sudden urge to take cooking lessons a while ago. I was worried she'd burn the estate down, but it turns out she's a natural. I wonder which lucky man will benefit from this someday."
Dominic had been smiling subtly, but at those words, his smile faded. Slowly, he lifted his glass of wine, the dark vintage catching the candlelight, and sipped. "Adriana," he asked calmly, "are you thinking about being courted?"
I looked at him in confusion.
Recalling the words he'd said in that private room, I nodded slightly. "I'm twenty-six this year. It's time. If you know someone suitable, I'd appreciate an introduction."
"You've finally come to your senses!" Lorenzo was more excited than anyone. Laughing, he said, "I've been trying to arrange something for ages, but you kept refusing. Now that you're finally open to it, I'll do my best to find you a man worth your blood!"
After Lorenzo's words, Dominic's thin lips pressed tightly together. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on me, as though trying to read what I would not say. His thumb found the heavy gold signet on his finger, turning it slowly inward.
Bianca noticed the shift in his mood and giggled. "Adriana, you're so lucky to have such a great brother. I'm honestly a little jealous. But you know, I think Dominic is pretty great. What if—"
"Don't say such things. Adriana is my little sister," Dominic cut in with a frown, his tone laced with faint reproach, though his expression held only exasperation.
I nodded in agreement, smiling. "Exactly. I see Dominic as my own brother. Bianca, you shouldn't joke about things like that."
"And honestly, I think you and Dominic are a better match than I'd ever be," I added.
Dominic's face darkened instantly. His eyes glinted with faint anger as he gave a sharp laugh. "Is that so? Then how about I introduce someone to you. Would you make time to meet them?"
"Of course. Thank you in advance, Dominic." I smiled brightly and agreed without hesitation.
For the next few days, I didn't contact Dominic, and he didn't contact me either.
Instead, it was Bianca who showed up at my door.
When she arrived, both Lorenzo and I happened to be home.
