Semua Bab Everyday For The Thief: A Chaotic and Poetic Mafia Romance : Bab 41 - Bab 50

The next day dawned, bright and promising, yet for Claudine, it felt less like a new beginning and more like the grim acceptance of a life sentence.Today, offered a sliver of hope. Shopping. Not just any shopping, but a quest for a gown to accompany Hades to see his grandfather, ‘Grandpa Lucky.’ It was a chance to breathe, to think.“Are you sure about this outfit, ma’am?” Artemis asked, her brow furrowed slightly as Claudine slipped into a chic, simple dress. “It’s… a little casual for the boutiques we usually frequent when selecting gowns.”“Call me Claudine please ! We are going out together like friends!. Please Artemis.” Claudine rolled her eyes dramatically.“I’m sorry ma, I can’t. At least not yet.” Artemis bowed a little smiling nervously.“Fine. And ouuuu this dress? Perfectly casual for a family night mission,” Claudine corrected, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She needed to blend. “Less attention.” She gave Artemis a reassuring smile, but inside, her agent instincts we

The car finally pulled up to the familiar gates of Hades’s white mansion. He cut the engine, the sudden silence heavy with unspoken tension.“We’re having the dinner tonight,” Hades stated, his voice clipped, calm but cold. “With Grandpa Lucky. And some of his… allies.”Claudine’s eyebrows shot up. “Tonight? Really? You never said it was tonight!”“I told you about the dinner before. I just didn’t give you a date. Now you have one,” he retorted, a dismissive wave of his hand. “This evening. So, get ready. You’ll need to represent me well.”“Grandpa Lucky?” Claudine began, trying to shift the conversation, curious about this mysterious figure. “What’s he like? Is he really ‘lucky’? What kind of conversations does he prefer? Should I bring cookies? Does he like riddles? I’m quite good at riddles, you know. Or card tricks? I can do a mean sleight of hand—”Hades turned to her, his eyes piercing. He cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave of his hand. “He’s old. Powerful. And doesn’t ca

The rooftop was a vision of understated elegance.They came into the east wing side, where a large, illuminated swimming pool glowed under the city lights, its edges softened by aesthetically pleasing, potted plants.Discreet lighting showing off over a beautifully set, long dining table as Soft jazz music drifted from hidden speakers.At the head of the table sat an imposing figure, radiating an aura of quiet authority.This had to be Grandpa Lucky. He was a smaller man than Hades, but with the same piercing dark eyes that seemed to see right through you.His silver hair was meticulously combed, and a perfectly white-tailored suit spoke of old money and impeccable taste.The resemblance to Hades was striking; the same sharp jawline, the intense gaze. Gregory, by comparison, really did look like some illegitimate scarecrow, a comical thought that made Claudine almost snort with suppressed laughter.Grandpa Lucky’s face broke into a warm, genuine smile as he saw Hades.He rose, extendi

Deep red liquid splattered, staining the fine silk of her gown and splattering on her legs.“Oh my Goodness! I am so, so, so terribly sorry, Mrs. Stanford!” Claudine gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, her voice filled with exaggerated mortification. “I’m such a clumsy child! My deepest apologies!”Her eyes met Grandpa Lucky’s across the table. The man just smiled, a knowing, triumphant glint in his old eyes. Fuck.He knew. He knew Hades had given her a task tonight. The pride of her small victory, the successful thwarting of an assassination attempt, shone brightly in his gaze.Mrs. Stanford, flustered, waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, my dear, don’t worry! Are you alright though? You almost fell!”The server, too, was panicking, rushing forward. “Oh my God! Are you okay, ma’am? I am so sorry! I’ll go call the cleaner to clean this up immediately!” He was already backing away, practically fleeing.“Oh, no, no, I’m sorry, I’m so clumsy!” Claudine insisted, continuing her act.She knew

Shit. Shit. Right now, she preferred an outspoken, roaring Hades than this quiet, simmering fury.She just swallowed, her shoulders slumping slightly, and walked along with him.They stood before the elevator doors once more.How would she handle the descent? She was still processing how she’d shut her eyes tight until they reached the ground floor.Then, just as the doors parted, Hades grabbed her again, his arm looping around her waist. “Come here,” he commanded softly, pulling her flush against him, wrapping his arms around her, a protective shield against the dizzying sensation he knew would overwhelm her.She just froze, her body stiff against his. She didn’t hug him back this time. He held her tight, his hand caressing and drawing lines along her bare back, a subtle, soothing gesture that belied the anger brewing within him.After what felt like an eternity, the elevator dinged.He helped her out, his grip firm, guiding her through the nearly empty lobby and into the waiting car