156
Gianna’s POV
Dinner with the closest board members wasn’t exactly my idea of a good time, but declining Matteo’s invitation felt like more trouble than it was worth. He’d caught me on my way out of the office, his tone casual but leaving little room for argument.
“Team dinner tomorrow night,” he’d said, leaning against my desk like he had all the time in the world. “We’re celebrating the end of the project. You’ll be there.”
I should have said no, made up an excuse about prior plans, but instead, I nodded, my mouth betraying me.
Now, sitting at a long table in a cozy Italian restaurant with the board members, I questioned that decision.
The chatter around me was loud and cheerful, a mix of work gossip and lighthearted banter. Matteo sat at the head of the table, his sleeves rolle
