The Mafia & The Billionaire

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Hamilton reported to me, and I learned that Juancho had left Portico. I also found out that he’s here in Ling City. This convinced me that he might be behind Richard’s sudden appearance. Perhaps he’s trying to determine if he can compete with Alex’s wealth.

Honestly, he has no chance against us as a couple. I have money, and so does Alex. But Juancho is smart and has money, too, so I know he’ll find a way to deal with that aspect.

I was deep in thought in my office when I received a call from Alex’s mom. I frowned, unable to think of why she’d call me.

“Mom,” I said as I answered the call.

“Hi, dear. I’m sorry to bother you, but I need your help.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“Can you come with me to go shopping? Your dad’s not around, as he has some people to meet.”

I’m not fond of shopping or endlessly walking around the mall. But I couldn’t tell her that.

“Okay, Mom, no problem. When would you like to go?”

“I was hoping today, dear…” My eyes widened at what she said. Does she mean right now?

“I’m in the office at the moment, Mom. Where should we meet?” I asked, not wanting to refuse her. This is the first time she initiated that we spend time together, and I guess there’s no harm in bonding.

“I’ll pick you up. I’m with the driver, and we’re on our way to Serendipity.”

“Okay, just call me when you’re here. Or you can come up if you like.”

“Thank you, dear, will do.” Our conversation ended, and I waited for her. I couldn’t help but smile in excitement. This was the first time I felt like I had a mother again after losing mine 17 years ago.

The memory made me exhale sharply as the pain of seeing my mother dying in my arms flashed.

“Boss, what’s wrong?” I looked up to see Patt standing in front of me. I hadn’t even noticed him. “Is there a problem?”

“Not really,” I replied, then told him about Alex’s mom.

“That’s great; at least you’ll both have time to get to know each other.”

“That’s what I’m thinking too. Maybe it’ll ease her fears about me if she has any.”

“You like her, don’t you?”

“Of course! She’s my husband’s mother, and she’s nice to me.”

Patt and I discussed a few things about the company. Enzo informed him that he needed to prepare for Lorenzo, who was conducting a legal investigation against me and the company. Before long, my mother-in-law arrived.

“You have such a lovely office, dear,” she said after Patt left, having greeted her. I noticed her gaze sweeping across the room.

“I just took a small, quiet space to design properly. I let Patt handle most of the office work.”

“You design here exclusively? How about management?” she asked, puzzled.

“When it comes to that, I trust Patt. Everything he wants to do, we discuss, and we always come to an agreement that we think is best for the company and the people working here.”

“Well, it’s good you still have time for Alex. I thought you were spending all your time here.”

“Alex and I go to work and come home together. He makes sure we’re only apart during working hours,” I answered with a smile, which made her laugh. I quickly tidied up my desk and invited her to go.

“How about this, dear? I think it would look great on you.” My mother-in-law was holding a bodycon dress, and I wanted to roll my eyes but stopped myself. I don’t wear that outfit unless necessary; I only wear clothes I’ve designed.

“Mom, I know you’re just excited, but I don’t usually wear that kind of dress.”

“But you’re sexy, and I’m sure it would suit you perfectly,” she insisted. I smiled, amused by how confidently she said I was sexy.

“Do you want to know a secret, Mom?” I asked, raising her eyebrow. She stayed quiet, waiting for me to continue. “Can you keep a secret?” I asked again. She nodded eagerly, already looking excited.

I pulled her over to a couch a bit farther from the other shoppers in the boutique. She brought me to a well-known clothing store, one she frequents for outfits she needs for any occasion. Then, I started telling her who I am in fashion design.

“Oh my gosh! Really?” she exclaimed, her eyes wide. “Does Alex know about this?”

“Not yet, and I was planning to tell him because my friend already agreed to the collaboration Alex offered. Actually, when I read the proposal, I was amazed at how humble my husband is. I didn’t expect that despite the success of his businesses, he still knows and values other people’s hardships.”

“Since you’re a famous designer, does that mean you’re going to make me a gown for an event I must attend?” I was taken aback by her request but smiled. If this is her way of becoming close to me, why not?

“No problem, just let me know.”

We left the shop, and she decided we should pamper ourselves, knowing I don’t buy clothes. She also promised me that she would let me tell Alex about being Philip Einspein.

We ended up at a body spa. As soon as we entered, the smiling staff greeted us warmly. It seemed like my mother-in-law was a regular here, and everyone knew her.

This confirmed for me that she’s kind and very down-to-earth. Maybe that’s why, even though my husband is known to be ruthless in the business world, he still has a good heart-thanks to my mother-in-law. I also noticed that my father-in-law is kind, and they are clearly a very close family. They know how to love and respect each other, and that’s what I want my family with Alex to become.

Two women approached us, and my mother-in-law told them we needed the full service. I didn’t know exactly what that entailed, but I expected to feel great afterward.

We entered a room that seemed to be intended for couples. But since I didn’t want us to be separated, I didn’t mind sharing the room with her, and we changed into our spa attire.

First, we were seated in spa chairs, and they began cleaning our feet. It felt both pleasant and ticklish. Afterward, we moved to the shampoo beds, where they washed our hair, which comes with a gentle massage.

Then we moved to the massage beds, where we lay down, and that’s when the truly relaxing part began. I even requested a harder massage. Lately, I haven’t been able to work out, so I have felt body aches. I might invite my husband to exercise regularly with me.

I could hear my mother-in-law on the massage bed beside me, sighing with satisfaction. “I’m sure your Dad will be jealous when he discovers what we did.”

“Maybe Alex will feel the same,” I replied. Speaking of Alex, “Does my husband know we’re together?”

“Didn’t you tell him?” she asked.

“No, I forgot because Patt and I talked after you called earlier.”

“Let them be. Next time, we’ll do this again with them.” Of course, I was all for that, and maybe we could bring Grandpa and Grandma too.

We spent two hours at the body spa and then headed to a facial center. It seemed my mother-in-law was set on pampering herself, but I didn’t complain because I was enjoying it. Afterward, we went to a nail spa and finished at a hair salon.

After we were done, I felt fresh and light. It was dinner time, and believe it or not, my mother-in-law had already made a reservation at a restaurant, so we headed straight there.

“Dear, your Dad and Alex will be here too, so it’s a family dinner,” she said after we sat down. I nodded and smiled in agreement. At least my husband and I would be having dinner together.

While waiting, my mother-in-law ordered our food, and since I wasn’t picky, I didn’t mind whatever she chose.

We were chatting again when a man suddenly stopped beside our table. When I looked at him, the smile on my face disappeared.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Serene.” He was smiling, but I could sense something was off about him.

“Do you know him, dear?” Mom asked in confusion, and I nodded without looking at her.

“I didn’t expect to see you here either, Juancho.”