Chapter 286 Family Dinner

Words : 1371 Updated : Jun 5th, 2025

"Matteo, thank God you're here," Emily breathed in relief as she saw her husband enter their mansion in Paris, while the scandal involving Adam More was being broadcast on television. "Look at this! What's happening?" Her voice was tinged with panic as she rushed to clutch her husband's hand the moment he entered the room after answering her call. Her eyes darted back toward the television. Matteo rushed back home after receiving the call from his wife, knowing he had to be there to comfort her and ease her worries. "I know everything, mon amour," Matteo said calmly, his voice soothing as he pulled her into his embrace. "Rest assured, it's being taken care of. However, Adam's PR team has also been working diligently to suppress the news, and Alessandro has done everything possible on his end, too. At my level, I've ensured it will be erased within minutes." His tone was steady and confident, offering her a sense of security. "Thank you," Emily whispered, her eyes glimmering with love and gratitude as she looked at the incredible man she had married. "Anything for you, ma douce," Matteo replied with a soft smile, leaning down to kiss her deeply. Pulling back slightly, he gently urged her, "Now, please get ready. You know we're invited to my family's dinner tonight." His family had recently started a new venture in Paris and had come to the city to oversee it. Tonight, they were celebrating the success, but it was a private affair, reserved only for close family members. "Give me five minutes," Emily said, biting her lip shyly. She had completely forgotten about the family dinner in the chaos of learning about Adam's scandal. Over the years, while working with Mia, Emily had also formed a close friendship with Adam. After he had walked her down the aisle at her wedding, Adam had become someone truly special in her life. Matteo understood this, which was why he had acted swiftly to help Adam, even before Emily had asked him to. He knew how much Adam meant to her and wanted to ease her worries. As for Alessandro, despite his dislike for Adam Whitmore-largely due to the actor's affection for Aria-he couldn't ignore the fact that Aria would be distressed over her superstar friend's troubles. Quietly, Alessandro lent his support, working behind the scenes to help suppress the scandal. "Are you sure, babe?" Matteo teased, his voice playful. "Can you get ready in five minutes?" "Of course!" Emily pouted, crossing her arms. "But the only reason I will take a little extra time is because I want to look good for your family dinner," she complained, her lips forming a small, adorable frown. Matteo chuckled, unable to resist how effortlessly his beautiful wife could turn the tables on him. "You don't have to try to look good, mon amour," he whispered, pulling her into the circle of his strong, protective embrace. "You're already perfect; sexy, beautiful, and all mine." His voice softened, his gaze filled with hopeless love. Emily giggled, shyness tainting her cheeks pink. She stood on her tiptoes to give him a quick peck on the cheek, but Matten wasn't satisfied with it that His fingers clid into her silky caramel hair, holding her. Gently yet firmly, as he deepened the kiss. "Ah, stop! Leave me, or we'll be late," she whined, pulling away breathlessly. "I was thinking," Matteo said, his voice dropping an octave, now thick with desire, "we could skip the dinner, stay home, and spend the night making love instead." His darkened eyes glimmered with mischief and passion. "No!" Emily gasped, playfully pushing him away. "It's the first time we're going to your family's dinner. I don't want to make a bad impression on them!" "Oh, babe, don't worry about my family," Matteo said nonchalantly, clicking his tongue as if brushing off her concerns. "No, please, let's go. I want to meet them all," Emily insisted, her eyes filled with determination. She hadn't had many chances to get to know them, and deep down, she knew they didn't like her. But that didn't matter. She was determined to win their hearts and make her place in their family. "And," she added shyly, her cheeks turning crimson, "we can... carry on after we get home." "Ah, you'll be the death of me, mon amour," Matteo groaned dramatically, reluctantly letting her go. Emily giggled, her heart fluttering at his words, and hurried to the bedroom to get ready. A while later, Emily and Matteo stepped out of their room, dressed impeccably in their designer outfits,⚫ and made their way to the upscale hotel where Matteo's family was hosting the dinner. As they walked into the lavish dining area, an icy silence settled over the room. All eyes turned to Emily, a mix of judgment and disapproval etched on most of their faces. Matteo's jaw tightened as he noticed the unwelcoming atmosphere directed at his wife. He hated the way his family treated her, but Emily had pleaded with him earlier not to escalate anything. "Give them time," she had said softly. "They'll come around." Matteo wasn't so sure about that. It seemed like his family enjoyed being cruel to the woman he loved. "Matteo," his mother's voice cut through the room, laced with disdain. "If you hadn't turned down Lia, you wouldn't have to be childless." Her taunting gaze settled pointedly on Emily, her words dripping with venom. The room froze, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Matteo's hands clenched into fists, his eyes. Narrowing dangerously as he opened his mouth to respond. "Mother, don't bring this up again," Matteo said firmly, his voice brimming with restrained anger. "I would have never married Lia. I love Emily, and if there will ever be a mother to my child, it will only be her." His words were a clear, unwavering defense of his wife, leaving no room for doubt. "You must be thrilled, Emily," Matteo's sister-in-law, Mera, sneered. "Seeing Matteo argue with his mother for your sake." Emily's eyes widened in shock at the blatant accusation. "No, I would never-" "Save it!" Matteo's mother barked, cutting her off. "You've already succeeded in breaking this family apart. That's what you wanted, isn't it?" She glared at Emily with disgust. "How I wish Lia had been my daughter-in-law. But no, Matteo had to marry a barren woman like you." Emily's heart sank as the cruel words pierced her. Humiliation and pain welled up, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the tears that began streaming down her cheeks. Matteo's control finally snapped. Seeing the tears in Emily's eyes ignited his fury. He stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor as he grabbed Emily's hand and helped her to her feet. "That's enough," Matteo growled, his voice low but filled with venom. "If I had known you all invited us here just to humiliate my wife, we would never have come." He turned toward the exit, intent on leaving with Emily by his side. "You've proven me right!" his father roared, slamming his hand on the table with such force that the dishes rattled. "This witch has cast a spell on you! You're ready to abandon your family for this unworthy woman!" The scene had devolved into chaos, drawing the attention of nearby hotel staff and distant diners who watched the drama unfold with curiosity and mockery. Emily felt her heart race as unease rose in her chest. She cast a nervous glance around the room, the piercing stares of strangers making her feel restless and suffocated. The walls seemed to close in, and the room began to spin around her as she swayed unsteadily on her feet. "Matt..." she whispered weakly, her voice barely audible. But before she could say more, the world around her turned dark. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed, slipping into unconsciousness.

Chapter 286 Family Dinner

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