Dark Revenge Of A Jilted Bride: Till Life Do Us Part!-Chapter 124: Dinner at Noah’s

"You look beautiful and ready to go..." Areso mused from behind Gianna, her tone warm.

Gianna stood before the tall mirror, taking her time as she checked out her friend’s handiwork—her face first, then the fall of the dress, the way everything came together as a whole.

She did look good. That much, even she couldn’t deny.

Her reflection stared back at her with quiet confidence. Her hair was styled neatly, elegant without being stiff, soft waves framing her face in a way that softened her features while still keeping things refined.

The makeup was subtle but seen—warm tones that enhanced her eyes, a gentle glow on her cheekbones, lips painted in a muted shade that spoke of class rather than excess, the perfect hue for such a formal evening.

The gown itself was a favorable color—rich, flattering, very suitable too for a dinner with her fiancé’s family. Decent. Presentable. But still undeniably stunning. It hugged her in all the right places without being loud, flowing down gracefully to meet her feet clad in silver heels.

Accessories were minimal but tasteful—a bracelet resting delicately on her wrist, earrings that whispered gracefulness rather than shouted.

Yes. She looked exactly how she should.

If the family she was going to meet and dine with, thought less of it, then they would have to upgrade their tastes.

"Thanks, Areso," Gianna muttered, finally turning away from the mirror to meet her friend’s gaze. "You really are the best."

She collected the purse Areso handed to her from the table, fingers curling around it as she smiled, the anticipation finally settling in. "Wheew... let’s see how this goes."

Areso snorted, placing her hands firmly on her hips. "It will go beautifully. And if Esme tries nonsense, put her in her place—" she paused pointedly, "—well, without giving out that you know about her and Sabrina’s short-lived alliance."

Gianna nodded, her lips tilting in a teasing smirk. "I will make you proud."

Areso chuckled and reached out, patting Gianna’s hair softly, affection evident in the gesture. "No matter what happens either way, you know we have your back, right?"

Gianna’s smile softened. "Of course." She paused, then added, "That reminds me... where are the others?" 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Athena is at work," Areso replied easily, "just like Ewan. They’ve been away from their companies for a while, so they’re back at it. I think they might delay moving out until this issue with Sabrina and her people is settled."

Gianna sighed quietly. She didn’t like that. The idea that her situation was still disrupting everyone’s lives weighed heavily on her.

"Don’t worry," Areso added quickly, noting the flicker of self-blame on Gianna’s face. "She wouldn’t want it otherwise—and luckily, Ewan is the man."

Gianna’s smile returned, a little more genuine this time. "Yeah... the man." She tilted her head. "What about Chelsea?"

Areso shrugged, stepping back. "Held back at work. I’m only free because—as you know—I work from one of the cottages. I think I’ll be staying a while, you know, monitoring how things are going with your new designs and all..."

Gianna raised a brow knowingly. "Or maybe you and Darius are talking again?"

Areso pouted. "He is very unpredictable. One minute he says one thing, the next he’s acting in the opposite direction."

Gianna laughed. "Then put him straight. Well, I trust you can take care of yourself."

"Honestly," Areso said dryly, "we tell ourselves that lie a lot—especially when it comes to matters like this..."

Gianna laughed some more, shaking her head at Areso’s deduction. "You’ll be fine. Now, wish me luck."

"You have it in abundance, my dear," Areso replied. "Send my regards to Noah."

Gianna rolled her eyes as she walked out of the room.

Rodney was already waiting downstairs when she stepped onto the porch.

"Good evening, Miss Gianna. Madame Athena told me to drop you off at your designated location..."

Of course, Gianna mused. She thanked Rodney as he opened the door, then stepped into the car gracefully.

When she told him where she was heading, she relaxed into the seat, her right fingers absently playing with the bracelet on her left wrist.

As they drove out of the compound, her eyes caught sight of Zane and Spider approaching the mansion, carrying shopping bags.

Where were they coming from? And what was he still doing here?

Don’t tell me he’s going to be staying here too? she mused irritably, immediately planting her eyes forward.

Rodney blew his horn in greeting as the car rolled, slowly, past the males, a casual acknowledgment, but she didn’t turn. She knew, however, their eyes had followed the car—followed her—especially with the windows untinted.

She didn’t even acknowledge Spider, pretending to be fully engrossed in her thoughts. She leaned back, resting her head against the apex of the seat, eyes closing as if sleep would blot everything out.

When she opened them again—long after they’d left the street and merged onto the main road—she noticed Rodney glancing at her through the mirror.

"What?" she asked flatly.

He shook his head. "Nothing, miss. Just wondering if you’re feeling okay..."

Gianna sighed softly. Had her unwillingness shown that clearly on her face? "I’m fine," she said. "Just tired."

"Okay, miss," Rodney replied gently. "Rest up then. I’ll let you know when we get to the Becketts’ place..."

Gianna took him at his word and closed her eyes again.

—

"She is really going to dinner with his family... were y’all aware of this and kept it from me?" Zane asked Spider the moment they stepped into the Thorne compound, heading toward Spider’s cottage.

He had already decided to stay there for a while, at least while they worked through the scattered clues.

"We just heard it for the first time on air," Spider replied dryly, "same as you did. Don’t skin us."

Zane scoffed, his hands tightening around the bags he was carrying. "Do you think she was telling the truth though?"

Spider glanced at him sideways. "I don’t think my opinion matters, Zane. The real question is—do you not want it to be true?"

Zane’s lips clamped shut, the silence that followed speaking louder than any answer.