Chapter 362
Casaio tipped the bottle, filling their glasses with dark red wine, but Gabriel lifted a hand to stop him.
“Not for me,” he said firmly.
Dominick arched a brow. “Why p>
Before Gabriel could answer, Casaio smirked knowingly. “Because his wife is pregnant, Nick p>
“Ah,” Dominick leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. “That explains why you’ve suddenly abandoned so many of your vices.” He took a slow sip before Gabriel’s grave tone cut through the light mood.
“Who’s leading the Beta hunters?” Gabriel asked, not bothering with pleasantries. His eyes locked on Casaio’s.
“I don’t know,” Casaio admitted. “The man I captured wasn’t high enough in their ranks to have that knowledge. But he did know the bases they operate from. I’ve been waiting for you, so we could strike together. Except for Dominick p>
Dominick’s disappointment was immediate. He set his glass down with a soft thud. “Don’t tell me you two plan on going without me.” His tone carried more hurt than anger. “The wedding is in two days p>
Gabriel’s gaze softened, though his words were resolute. “Exactly. The groom cannot afford injuries. And June would never forgive us if we dragged you into this now p>
Dominick leaned forward, eyes flashing with frustration. “Then postpone it. Handle this after my wedding. Let things go smoothly for once. What if either of you gets hurt before the ceremony? It’s not as if the hunters are going to disappear. They don’t even know we’re onto them p>
The room fell into silence as his reasoning settled. Gabriel exchanged a glance with Casaio. After a long pause, Gabriel gave a slow nod.
“You’re right,” Casaio said. “We’ll wait p>
“Then we should celebrate your last day before stepping into marriage,” Gabriel suggested with a faint smile. “Call your friends. We’ll host a proper gathering with them p>
Dominick blinked, then broke into a chuckle. “Wait, you? You’re the one suggesting a party p>
“I’m not so heartless toward my brothers,” Gabriel replied, his tone softening. “The bitterness I carried toward my family… It’s been fading. Maybe it’s because of Amelie. With her, even the anger inside me feels lighter p>
“That’s true. Amelie’s presence has changed you a lot,” Dominick admitted with a grin. “And with a pup on the way, your life is only going to change more p>
Gabriel gave a low hum of agreement before shifting his gaze to Casaio. “And you? How are things between you and Zilia now p>
A rare smile tugged at Casaio’s lips. “I proposed to her p>
Both Gabriel and Dominick leaned forward slightly. “And p>
“She accepted,” Casaio revealed with a bright smile. “Brothers, I want to surprise everyone on the day Dominick weds Juniper. I’ll marry Zilia the same day p>
Dominick’s eyes widened before lighting up with delight. “That—that’s wonderful!” he exclaimed. “So you mean to surprise our parents too, right? Have you thought about the arrangements yet? Your wedding suit, Zilia’s wedding dresses, and how on earth are you going to convince Zilia to wear that gown without giving away the secret p>
“I’ve plans. Don’t worry,” Casaio said with a smile.
“So, this is a moment of double celebration,” Gabriel pronounced.
“Yes!” Dominick said delightfully.
Gabriel was happy for his brothers. He had never felt such a feeling before. It was a change that unknowingly came to him thanks to Amelie. He started understanding the value of family, which he had never felt before.
Flora and Zander stepped out into the bustling arrival hall of the airport.
“I need to head to the palace,” Flora said, checking her phone. “Mom just messaged me. She wants me to call her. Apparently, a driver’s on the way to pick me up p>
“That’s good. Call your mother then,” Zander replied with a casual nod.
Flora glanced at him, concern flickering in her eyes. “But what about you p>
“I’ll stay at a hotel, of course,” Zander said simply, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“Zander, thank you,” Flora said with a gentle smile. “You always make me feel special p>
“Don’t start with the emotional talk here,” Zander teased, though his tone carried warmth. “The palace must be quite a distance from here. Let’s grab a bite together. You’ll be late for dinner there anyway p>
“You’re right. Let me just make a call first,” Flora said, stepping aside. Zander held onto her trolley bag, his gaze following her.
’She still keeps her distance,’ he thought. ’But all I can do is hope she heals… heals from the betrayal that still shadows her heart p>
Moments later, Flora returned, her face brighter. “Mom said it’ll take at least two hours before the driver arrives. So yes, we should definitely have dinner.” She flashed him a playful grin. “But this time, I’m paying p>
“Sure,” Zander agreed without protest.
They strolled together to a nearby dining area, the aroma of freshly cooked food wrapping around them. As Flora flipped through the menu, her eyes lingered on one page. “What about grilled chicken?” she asked.
“Yes, go with that,” Zander replied as though content simply to share the moment with her.
“We should try the creamy mushroom soup. And please bring Crème brûlée for dessert,” Flora said, closing the menu with a small smile.
“Anything else, Madam?” the waiter asked politely.
“That will be all,” Flora replied. He nodded and left the table.
Leaning back in her chair, she let out a quiet sigh. “I’ve been starving since lunch. You won’t believe my manager had me prepare an entire report before leaving at the last hour. But he was actually happy with me, so it felt worth it. He’s a kind man… not like most of my colleagues.” Her smile faltered, and she lowered her gaze. “Though I can’t really blame them. In their eyes, I was the one who did wrong p>
Zander’s expression hardened. “Women are always made an easy target. It’s unfair. But let’s not dig up those wounds again. You’ve carried enough of the past. What matters is that your future will be brighter… and you deserve that p>