Elizabeth POV
After they returned to the party, Elizabeth noticed Brian speaking animatedly to her father—his face twisted into one of anger. The two seemed to be in an argument about something.
As they approached, Elizabeth noticed her father’s expression transform from irritation to a polished, almost exaggerated smile.
"Mr. De Luca, I hope you’re enjoying yourself?” he greeted, his voice dripping with something Elizabeth couldn’t decipher. But it was slimy alright.
Matteo’s gaze didn’t waver. “I am. Elizabeth is making my time very enjoyable,” he replied, throwing her a playful smirk. Elizabeth hid her smile behind her hand, coughing in an attempt to disguise the laugh that wanted to burst out of her.
Her father’s eyes flickered to Elizabeth, and for a moment, she saw something unf
