My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 288

Chapter 288

To me, that’s not a fairy tale. It’s a mistake that costs people their lives, and I’m too smart to let a feeling, something that isn’t even permanent, be the thing that breaks me.

“None of this, none of the art, this night, or even the air I breathe would be possible without this man,” she said, looking straight into Vincenzo’s eyes. “He is my rock. He’s the one who stays up with me all night long when I’m losing my mind, and he’s the one who makes sure I never forget who I am.”

Vincenzo took her hand and kissed her palm, his dark eyes never leaving her face.

Claire looked around the long table, her gaze lingering on each person, “And all of you,” she continued, “Every single person sitting here has shown up for me. You’ve supported me through the mess and the madness. In this life, we don’t always get to choose who we can trust, but looking at this table, I know I’m the luckiest woman in the world because I have all of you. You aren’t just friends. You’re family.”

She turned her eyes toward Gianna and gave her a quick, supportive wink.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” Claire said, a mischievous grin starting to spread across her face, “But let’s be honest, we’ve been sitting still for far too long. The food is great, the wine is better, but I’m ready to actually have some fun.”

She set her glass down with a definitive thud.

“The cars are waiting downstairs,” she announced, “We’re moving this party to the club. The dinner is over, the business is done, and now the real party can finally begin! Let’s go!”

Gianna

Barius

As the song faded into something slow, Claire leaned her head close to mine, her arm looping around my shoulders to keep us steady in the crowd. Maddie reached for a cup of water from a passing waiter, handing it to me with a sweet smile.

“So!” Claire shouted-whispered near my ear, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “How was Manuel? He looked like he was ready to pack you up in his suitcase and fly you straight to Spain.”

I took a sip of the cold water, letting the cool liquid soothe my hot throat. I thought about the way he had held my hand, his bright smile, and the heavy perfume he wore.

I shook my head, a soft laugh escaping my lips. “He was nice,” I shouted back, leaning closer to her. “He really was. But… I don’t know if I’ll see him again.”