Chapter 18

"Oh, so you know who I am. I was surprised that even your son didn't know"

"Of course I would. I am a mafia boss after all. It would be a shame if I didn't. I am sorry for the rude reception. Adrien is very wilful. Of course, we'd compensate you for all the trouble we've caused"

"As it should be. I'm assuming you're Adam's father?"

"Yes, I am. My name is Samuel Denver, head of the Denver family. Pleased to make your acquaintance, even in this weird situation"

"Well, I've been in weird situations these days due to a certain person these days. It should be scary how I'm used to it"

A huge imaginary arrow went through Adam and he bowed his head in shame.

"Yet your expression never changes. Are you even human?" An older woman who looked a lot like Adam asks. Each one of the Denver's really looked like their father.

"I should be. You are?"

"Amelia Denver. I'm Adam's older sister. I wondered why father called a family breakfast. So, it was to meet you"

"Well, this is elaborate for just a meeting. I'm not even dating Adam. He just kidnapped me and I took him to a clinic. I don't get what the fanfare is about. Also, nice to meet you Amelia"

"You see, despite how my father looks, he's a gossip. So when he heard Adam finally took someone home, he was curious and made me bring you here. Someone beat me to the punch and treated you so roughly. I apologize on his behalf. All my brothers are idiots"

"Well, I know that. It's alright. Can we get this done thing started, I'm really hungry"

"Sure. Father…..."

"Let's say grace first"

"But we never say grace" one of the younger girls mumbles.

"Ari, shush. Adam, take grace"

"Do I really have to, sis?"

Amelia raised a steak knife in response. It looked really sharp.

"Yes, right away ma'am"

Adam says grace shoddily but no one complained and began eating. The Denvers kept glancing at Giselle occasionally but she ignored them all, eating heartily. No matter how they looked, she was so perfect, it was creepy. They compared her to Adam and found him immensely lacking. They all shook their heads in pity.

"What? Why are you all looking at me like that?" He asked in suspicion.

"It's nothing. Do you like your meal, dear?" The other older woman at the table asked. Adam gracefully smiled at her.

"Yes aunt Mirabel, it's delicious"

"Is that so? I'm glad it's to your taste"

"Yes~~"

The meal ended and Samuel called Giselle into his study. Amelia wheeled her there while the whole family parted ways. Adam watched her go off but he could do nothing but stare. He eventually called Matthew and told her she was safe and healthy. The busted leg didn't count as it but she didn't have a scratch on her.

"Miss Cheadle, I am truly sorry for our rough treatment. Please allow us to provide you shelter and a piece of land for your new clinic as you recuperate. If there is anything you want, tell us and we would provide it right away"

"Mr. Denver, no offense but do I look stupid?"

"What do you mean?"

"Ah, this must be what real mafia feels like. Adam feels like a lion cub while you, you're a full-blown seasoned lion. You're trying to keep me here while trying to get me indebted to you and build relations with either me or my family. You are really sly"

"The Cheadles are really fortunate, having such an intelligent daughter. Amelia is just a little worse off"

"I'm sure that is a light-hearted compliment. Mr. Denver, you don't want to get involved with me, trust me. I won't make a good middleman for my family neither would I make a good spouse. I'm a person best left on her own"

"If I wanted to get involved with your family, I would've done it in a more direct route. I am a businessman, not a conman"

"You sure about that? I know my dad pretty well and I'm pretty sure he didn't agree to meet with you. He hates your type"

"We have dealings together"

"Oh I know that. Mum nags about it all the time. She should seriously get a tea time partner"

"I can offer up Mirabel. My sister is a great conversationalist"

"My mum hates white women the most, no offence. She's not racist, she's just not a fan of Karens. Not saying your sister is a Karen but if she goes to my mum, she would get destroyed" Giselle said, shrugging.