"Thrilled," Sera says flatly.
I bite back a smile. There she is.
"We're the lucky ones," I continue smoothly. "And Sera will be taking over our family's charitable ventures." I turn to Patricia. "Aren't you on the board of the Met?"
She nods, intrigued now.
"I'm sure you'll help guide her." I pause deliberately. "Or rather, listen as she guides you."
The dismissal is clear. Harold catches it immediately, and I see understanding flicker across his face.
"Of course," Patricia says without missing a beat. "We'd be fortunate to have your expertise."
Sera says nothing. Instead, she gives a regal nod of her head, every inch the Don's wife, and I have to suppress a smirk.
"Excuse us," I say, dismissing them. "We need to greet other guests."
Sera sighs but follows me.
"You could have warned me," she mutters once we're out of earshot.
"Do you not want a board seat at the Met?" I arch a brow. "I thought it would be a nice wedding present. That curator who rejected you? She's been angling for a board seat for years. Now you outrank her."
Sera laughs, shaking her head, and something in my chest loosens. I'd buy the entire goddamn Met if it meant hearing that sound again.
We move through the crowd. I introduce her to everyonewho matters. Business associates who control half of Manhattan's real estate. Politicians who owe us favors. Judges who've looked the other way for decades. The heads of the other families, all here to witness the Nero heir taking a wife.
With each introduction, I watch her understanding deepen. See her realizing exactly what kind of world she's married into.
This isn't just wealth. It's power. Real power. The kind that shapes cities and destroys lives.
And now it's hers too. I'm hoping she'll see the beauty in it—that even if she didn't choose this, it can still make her happy.
"You're doing well," I murmur against her ear as we pause between groups. "Everyone is impressed."
"I feel like a show pony," she whispers back.
"You're the wife of the Nero heir. You are on show." I press a kiss to her temple. "Get used to it."
She stiffens but doesn't pull away. Playing the part or maybe finding comfort in me the same way I do in her.
Antonio Marini approaches with his nephew. The Marinis are neutral brokers—useful but not particularly loyal. Antonio's expression is pleasant, but his eyes are sharp.
"Adrian. Congratulations on your marriage." He gestures to Sera. "She's lovely."
"Thank you."
"I was surprised to hear about the wedding," Antonio continues smoothly. "Last I heard, you weren't seeing anyone seriously."
"Things moved quickly." I keep my tone even. "When you know, you know."
Antonio's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Indeed. And I understand congratulations are doubly in order. A baby on the way."
Word travels fast.
"Yes." I pull Sera closer. "We're very happy."
"I'm sure." Antonio's gaze slides to Sera, lingering just a moment too long. "If you ever need anything, Mrs. Nero, please don't hesitate to reach out. The Marini family is always happy to help."
