Luca stared at Sebastian’s outstretched hand for a moment, his eyes cold and calculating, as if weighing the value of the handshake itself. Then, he took Sebastian’s hand, his grip firm and steady.
Beatrice's tense shoulders eased, and she breathed a silent sigh of relief. A spark of hope ignited within her. ‘This is a good start,’ she thought. She knew Luca's temperament all too well. Behind his calm exterior lay a short tempered nature, and she desperately hoped the night would move on smoothly.
“Please, help yourself.” Luca gestured towards the dining table, his voice as emotionless as his expression.
Sebastian and Beatrice took their seats, and Luca clapped his hands. The servers moved around them, filling the plates and pouring the wine into their glasses.
Beatrice struggled to
