Dark Revenge Of A Jilted Bride: Till Life Do Us Part!-Chapter 24: Nightcap

"Long day at work?" Florence asked, and Gianna only managed a tired nod in response as she stepped into the large living room, pausing briefly to greet her best friend’s grandmother.

The older woman looked perfectly at ease, reading a thick book with her legs lifted and neatly crossed on the side stool, the soft glow of the lamp casting warm light over her silver hair.

Gianna all but collapsed beside Florence, sinking into the plush sofa with a defeated sigh, her head resting heavily against the apex. "How are the children? And Papa Bear?"

"All asleep. They waited for you for a while... Kathleen especially."

Gianna shut her eyes in mild frustration. She had hoped to catch the children awake, maybe help with their assignments—not that they ever needed much help.

She simply wanted to be around them; they always had a way of making her feel lighter, like the world wasn’t weighing her down.

"You also missed Luca and Margret. They came around with Kendra."

Another sigh escaped her.

Luca—once a close friend—whose betrayal in court still left a sour aftertaste, even if he had done it for his people. And Kendra... his daughter born out of rape...

Gianna still found it unbelievable, the madness Fiona had descended into simply because Luca refused her advances—and yet the woman still somehow received redemption.

No matter how many times Athena insisted, now that her memory had returned, that Fiona had once been a dear friend... Gianna could never understand it.

If anything, it stoked an old jealousy, despite Fiona being continents away, despite Luca refusing every attempt she made to reconnect—limiting her to one brief monthly video call with Kendra.

She didn’t blame Luca. Fiona’s actions had traumatized them all in different ways. She was happy that he had decided to establish roots in the country, rather than fleeing as before.

"How are they doing?" Gianna asked quietly.

"Good," Florence replied, closing her book and setting it on the armrest. "Margret mentioned going to see Fiona..."

Of course. It was only a matter of time. After all, could a mother’s love truly vanish, no matter how dark the child’s sins?

"Is Luca okay with that?"

Florence shrugged. "You know him. I don’t think he’ll stop her, as long as she doesn’t try forcing some kind of reunion."

Gianna frowned deeply. "Why would she even try that? She should be grateful Athena didn’t throw them both into the Black Cells. Margret isn’t a saint either—has she forgotten her own mistakes? She shouldn’t take Luca or Athena’s forgiveness for granted."

"I told her the same thing when she pulled me aside earlier." Florence shook her head. "I hope she listens. Luca is healing, just like the rest of us. And by the way—Kendra is here. The twins wouldn’t let her go. They’re all in the same room with Cairo. Inseparable lot."

Gianna laughed at the gentle grumble in Florence’s voice, knowing fully well the older woman adored the friendship blooming within her walls. "Maybe Nathaniel..."

"Don’t even finish that sentence, Gianna!" Florence warned, but they both burst into laughter. "My great-grandson is far too young for any matchmaking. Transfer that energy to yourself and your friends."

Gianna was still laughing, utterly delighted, when one of the servants approached with a tray of food and fresh fruit.

"Oh, thank you so much," she gushed, sitting up to take it.

"I wonder what you would do if you weren’t staying with us," Florence muttered, scanning Gianna’s slim frame. "You would look like a broomstick."

Gianna laughed because she knew it was true. Many nights, back when she lived alone, she had gone to bed hungry simply because she lacked the strength to cook or even place an order.

As she ate, Florence asked about her first day at work and how the employees had treated her.

Gianna told her the pleasant parts, leaving out the clashes she’d already had with Esme, the secretary, and Daphne. There was no need to stain the beautiful atmosphere with such stories.

"Have you seen my car?"

Florence rolled her eyes dramatically. "Better than the one we offered you?..."

Of course not. Gianna chuckled, shaking her head. "I couldn’t take it. You—"

"Yeah, yeah," Florence sang as if finishing the line for her. "You’re just like my granddaughter. Independent this, independent that..."

Gianna laughed, then choked when food particles went down the wrong pipe.

Florence immediately shoved the water cup toward her. "Drink!"

Gianna held her chest, coughing until tears pricked her eyes before she finally gulped down the water.

"Are you better now?"

Gianna nodded, taking another sip. "You caused this."

Florence scoffed, reclaiming her book. "I didn’t ask you to laugh. By the way, I’m glad you’re doing great—at work and generally. Keep at it, and stay out of trouble. I’m going to bed."

Gianna nodded, watching her rise, gratitude shining in her eyes when she realized that the older woman had stayed awake because of her.

For a moment, she considered mentioning her uncle’s proposal, but quickly dismissed the idea. No need to worry the latter unnecessarily. The shares were safe, as long as her signature never made it onto any document.

"Goodnight, Gigi. Sleep well."

"Goodnight, my dear. And truly sleep. Don’t go carrying work to the bed... you already look famished."

When Florence left, Gianna finished her meal and carried the tray to the kitchen.

There, she waved the servant’s frantic apologies away. "There’s no way you could’ve known I’d already finished. It’s not a problem," she assured her. The staff was probably new.

In her room, she stripped out of her clothes and hurried to the bathroom for a long, hot shower. The rain, and the cold water her aunt had thrown on her earlier, still clung to her bones like frost.

Fresh out of the bathroom, still drying her hair and wrapped in her silky robe, she was heading toward her dresser when her door burst open.

What now?

Chelsea barged in, Areso right behind her, both gripping their phones with identical looks of disbelief.

"Your one-night stand was Zane?"