Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Vincent's rich laugh broke through the tension . His weathered face creased with amusement as he dabbed his napkin . against his lips . " My dear boy , " he addressed Primo , " you've certainly made this dinner more entertaining than I expected . But let me be clear - I've seen enough rushed marriages in our circles to last several lifetimes . " I watched Primo's expression tighten as Vincent continued . " The expansion you propose ? I'll consider it after and only after I see wedding rings and signed papers . Not a moment before . " " With all due respect , Vincent , " Primo leaned forward , his voice taking on that persuasive tone I knew too well . " Asteria and I are practically married already . Our families have been intertwined for years . Think of the possibilities - expanding the 80 % 19:06 1/7 Chapter 21 Big Five into the Big Six . A grand alliance sealed with a grand wedding . " His eyes gleamed with ambition . " Why wait ? Agreeing now would only accelerate our progress , strengthen all our positions . " I felt bile rise in my throat at his words . Practically married already ? The audacity of his claim made my blood boil . I caught Adrian's subtle head shake , warning me to keep my composure . Vincent swirled his wine , clearly unimpressed by Primo's pitch . His eyes , sharp despite his age , studied each face at the table with careful consideration . I recognized the calculating look of a man who'd survived decades in our world by never rushing into decisions . " Vincent is right . " My voice cut through the tension . " Marriage isn't a business transaction to be rushed . It's about trust , respect , and genuine connection . " I turned to Primo . " Things that can't be forced or fabricated for the sake of expanding 80 % 19.06 2/7 Chapter 21 empires . " My father's silence spoke volumes - he trusted me to handle this . I straightened my spine and met Vincent's gaze . Primo's knuckles whitened around his wine glass . A muscle twitched in his jaw as he fought to maintain his composure . The look in his eyes - that dangerous flash I knew too well - told me he hadn't expected me to challenge him so openly . " Our families ' relationship spans generations , " I continued . " That legacy deserves more than being reduced to a hasty merger disguised as marriage . " Across the table , Adrian's lips curved into a subtle smile . His gray eyes held a glimmer of pride that made my heart skip . Primo shifted in his seat , his expression softening into that practiced charm I'd seen him use countless times . " Perhaps I misspoke . This isn't just about business - it's about family , about us . " He 80 % 19:06 3/7 Chapter 21 spread his hands . " The Mitchell and Chromos families have always been destined to unite . The merger is secondary to what we could build together , Asteria . You know how much I care for you , for your family . " I forced a smile , reaching across the table to grip his hand . His fingers twitched under my firm grasp . " Oh , I absolutely agree , darling . " My tone dripped honey - coated sarcasm . " And since you care so deeply , you'll understand why we should do this properly . The merger , the expansion , the Big Six- all of it will be so much sweeter after we're married . " I squeezed harder . " You can wait if you truly love me , can't you ? " His jaw clenched . I watched him calculate his options , trapped by his own words and Vincent's conditions . " Of course , " he managed through gritted teeth . " For you , I'd wait . " 80% 19:06 417 Chapter 21 I released his hand and sat back , maintaining my smile . " Then it's settled . Vincent gets his proper timeline , and we all get what we want … eventually ." Vincent raised his glass . " To patience and proper planning ." I caught Adrian's subtle nod of approval as he lifted his own glass . Primo had no choice but to join the toast , though his knuckles were white around the stem . - The staff cleared the last of the dishes as Vincent made his exit . His driver waited by the ornate front doors of our mansion . I caught Yesha slinking back to Primo's side , though she maintained enough distance to appear proper . The daggers she shot with her eyes could have pierced steel . " A toast to successful negotiations ! " Dad raised his glass , beaming . " Vincent's support means everything , and with the wedding in just a few weeks … " He clapped 80 % 19:06 5/7 80- Chapter 21 Primo on the shoulder . " Son , you'll officially be family soon . " Adrian cracked his neck , looking far too pleased with himself . The sound made Primo's eye twitch . " We should celebrate , " Dad continued . " Why don't the four of you head out ? The night's still young ." " What a wonderful idea ," Yesha purred . " There's that new club downtown- " " Actually , " I cut in , " I heard Le Rouge just opened their rooftop lounge . Much more … intimate . " Adrian loosened his tie . " Perfect for discussing wedding details . " " Le Rouge it is then . " Dad squeezed my shoulder . " Don't stay out too late , princess . " Primo's smile didn't reach his eyes . " How thoughtful of you to suggest it , Asteria . Though I'm surprised you'd want to spend more time with me , given how … opposed 80 % 19:06 6/7 Chapter 21 you seemed to rushing things earlier . " " Oh darling , " I matched his fake smile . " We're family now , aren't we ? Besides , I'm sure Yesha is dying to share her thoughts . on the wedding . You two seem so … close lately . " Adrian coughed to hide his laugh . Yesha's perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms . " Shall we ? " Adrian winked at me . " Lead the way . " I said , feeling Primo's glare burn into my back as we walked toward the door . BO 19:06