Chapter 11 " Would you both care to join me ? I'd value your expertise as I browse the collection . " Vincent gestured toward the next gallery room . " We'd be honored , " I said , falling into step beside him while Adrian walked on his other side . " Tell me more about the Mitchell operations , " Vincent said as we paused before a striking Monet . " Your family has always maintained such … discretion . " " My grandfather believed in working from the shadows . " The loudest voice isn't always the strongest , ' he used to say . We've focused on strategic partnerships rather than territorial expansion . " " Wise man , your grandfather . I had the pleasure of meeting him once , years ago. " " The Mitchell - Castellano shipping arrangement in '92 ? " I raised an eyebrow . BOL 19/03 1/6 Chapter 11 Vincent's eyes crinkled . " You know your history . " " My father made sure I understood every detail of our operations . He believed knowledge was the best inheritance he could give me . " " Now this piece , " Adrian cut in smoothly , pointing to the Monet , " represents a pivotal moment in impressionism . The technique here completely transformed how light was captured on canvas . " " Fascinating . " Vincent leaned closer . " And what would you say about its investment potential ? " " Its provenance is impeccable . Given current market trends , I'd expect at least a fifteen percent appreciation annually . " " You have quite an eye for both aesthetics and economics , Mr. Constantine . " We moved through the gallery , Adrian offering insights on each masterpiece while I shared carefully chosen details BON 19:03 2/6 Chapter 11 about my family's operations . Vincent seemed to grow more intrigued with each exchange . " The Mitchells have always understood the value of reliable partners , " I said as we studied a Degas . " It's why we've maintained such stable relationships with families like yours . " " Indeed . " Vincent nodded approvingly . " Your father raised you well , my dear ." Vincent clasped his hands together , his weathered face lighting up . " My dear , I must say this evening has been most illuminating . The Mitchell family's approach to business is exactly what we need in these changing times . " He extended his hand to both Adrian and me . " I would be honored to explore a deeper connection with the Mitchell family . Your understanding of both art and business … " He gestured at the paintings around us . " It's refreshing to find others . who appreciate the finer things in life . " 80 19.03 3/6 Chapter 11 " You're too kind , " I said , accepting his handshake . Vincent's shoulders dropped slightly . " Truth be told , I find myself in a difficult position . Age catches up with us all , and I lack a suitable heir to carry on my legacy . My own children never developed the … necessary appreciation for our way of life . " " The Mitchell family would be honored to strengthen our ties , " I said , choosing my words carefully . " Wonderful . I'd love to meet with your family soon , discuss matters more formally . Perhaps over dinner next- " " That sounds wonderful . " A familiar voice cut through the air like a blade . My spine stiffened . The champagne in my stomach turned to acid as footsteps echoed across the marble floor behind us . I didn't need to turn around . I knew those steps . That voice . But I turned anyway , my fingers curling into fists at my side . B015 19:03 4/6 Chapter 11 It was Primo . He strode toward us with a grin spreading across his face . Vincent's eyes narrowed . " And you might be ? " " Primo Chromos . " His smile didn't reach his eyes . " Asteria's fiancé . " My jaw tightened , but I forced my lips into a smile . The word ' fiancé ' felt like poison in my ears . " Isn't that right , darling ? " Primo's hand beckoned me to his side . My feet moved without my permission . Each step felt like walking through cement , but I maintained my composure . His arm snaked around my waist , pulling me close against him . The familiar cologne that I once found intoxicating now made my stomach turn . " Yes , " I managed , the lie bitter on my tongue . 80 % 19:03 5/6 81 Chapter 11 " It will be my pleasure to join the dinner with the Mitchell family as well , " Primo said , his grip tightening slightly around my waist . " After all , we're practically family already . " I caught Adrian's gaze for a split second . His face remained impassive , but I recognized the calculated stillness in his stance . He understood as well as I did - any reaction now would destroy everything we'd worked for . The pieces were already in motion , and we couldn't afford to show our hand . Vincent glanced between us , curiosity dancing in his eyes . " How wonderful . The more the merrier , as they say . " 80 % 19:03