Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 187: Chapter 187 I’m done waiting

Across the room, Jessica was watching Daisy.

Her expression looked perfectly composed to anyone who wasn’t paying attention but the jealousy burning behind her eyes was impossible to miss.

Her fingers were wrapped tightly around her wine glass, the delicate stem almost groaning under the pressure of her grip.

She had been watching Daisy all evening.

Daisy was standing near the staff, quietly helping with something, completely unaware of the thoughts directed toward her.

Jessica’s gaze hardened.

Enjoy yourself while you can, little mute.

She had tolerated enough. For years, she had waited for Cedric to finally become completely hers. She had convinced herself that his marriage to Daisy was nothing more than an obstacle that would eventually disappear. She had been patient, biding her time.

But lately, things had changed. Cedric was looking at Daisy differently. He was noticing her. He was becoming protective of her. And Jessica couldn’t stand it.

I’m done waiting.

Her jaw tightened as she continued staring at Daisy. I can’t wait any longer. You need to divorce Cedric. Her eyes briefly shifted toward Cedric, then back toward Daisy. This time, I’m not going to let anything stand between us.

❀┈┈┈┈❀

The party turned out to be far more enjoyable than Grandpa James had expected.

Despite his earlier complaints about the size of the celebration, the old man was now sitting comfortably at the center of everyone’s attention, smiling as relatives, friends and business associates surrounded him with warm wishes.

The house was filled with laughter, music and the pleasant sound of conversations, while the staff moved around with trays of food and drinks.

Eventually, the birthday cake was brought out. It was an impressive three-tiered cake decorated elegantly for the occasion with intricate icing patterns and fresh flowers adorning each layer.

The moment it was placed in front of him, Grandpa James smiled like a child, his eyes crinkling with delight.

Everyone gathered around him, their faces bright with anticipation.

"Make a wish, Grandpa!"

"Come on, Mr. Evermont!"

James chuckled and shook his head. "At my age, I don’t need many wishes. Just good health and good food."

Everyone laughed.

He closed his eyes for a moment before blowing out the candles and the room immediately filled with applause. The flames flickered and died, leaving behind a thin trail of smoke that curled toward the ceiling.

James smiled broadly and picked up the knife. His hand was steady despite his age, and he positioned the blade over the cake with ease.

As he prepared to cut the cake, however, his eyes instinctively moved around the room. He looked toward the entrance, then toward the hallway. His son was still nowhere to be seen.

The smile on his face faded slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features.

Jenna noticed immediately. She stepped closer with a practiced smile, her voice smooth and reassuring.

"Don’t worry, Dad. Joseph is busy in a meeting with some very important clients. He’s feeling extremely regretful that he couldn’t be here on time but apparently the deal is very important."

James looked at her for a few seconds. There was a knowing emotion in his eyes. He understood perfectly well that business could sometimes be demanding but he also knew his son. He had seen this pattern before, too many times to count.

Still, he didn’t want his birthday celebration spoiled. "It’s okay," he said eventually, giving her a small smile. "Work is important."

Jenna’s smile widened with relief. She patted his shoulder gently, as if to reassure him.

James turned his attention back toward the cake and cut the first slice. He looked around before extending it toward Cedric. "Here. You’re my first."

Cedric smiled and accepted the plate. "Thank you, Grandpa." He took a bite while James watched him proudly, his eyes warm with affection.

Then Cedric immediately picked up another small piece and held it toward James. "Now you, Grandpa."

James laughed and shook his head. "No, no. I’m not allowed to eat that."

Cedric frowned. "You’re the birthday boy!"

"My doctor would probably throw me out of my own birthday party if he saw me eating this."

Everyone laughed again, the tension from earlier momentarily forgotten.

James waved him off affectionately. "Just eat it yourself."

Cedric smiled and took another bite, then placed it back.

James then noticed Daisy standing nearby. His eyes immediately softened, the warmth in his gaze unmistakable.

"Daisy, come here, sweetheart."

Daisy approached him with a small smile, her steps light and graceful.

James picked up another piece of cake and without thinking much about it, he used the same fork and piece that Cedric had just been eating from. "Here, try this."

Daisy looked at the cake. Then at James. She smiled and leaned forward, accepting the offered piece.

Across the room, Alessio’s expression changed instantly. His eyes darkened, a flicker of dark emotions passing through them. He stared at the fork, then at Cedric, then at Daisy.

Something about seeing Daisy eat from the same piece Cedric had already taken a bite from made him inexplicably uncomfortable. A strange heat spread through his chest.

He knew it was ridiculous. It was cake. Nothing more. And James was simply sharing his birthday cake with his granddaughter-in-law. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Yet Alessio’s jaw tightened slightly.

Why am I bothered by this?

Daisy, completely unaware of the silent crisis happening across the room, simply took the offered piece. However, she happened to bite from the opposite side, her lips carefully avoiding the spot where Cedric’s had been.

Alessio’s shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly. He quietly exhaled, the tension in his chest easing.

Rafael, who had been standing nearby, noticed. His eyes moved toward Alessio, then toward the cake, then back to his brother. A slow, knowing smirk appeared on his face.

Alessio caught the expression. His eyes narrowed in warning.

Rafael immediately looked away, pretending to be deeply interested in the decorations. But inside, he was already thinking the same thing.

Oh, this is getting worse.

Rafael suddenly leaned toward Alessio and lowered his voice. "Brother, I need to go to the bathroom."

Alessio glanced at him, mildly puzzled by the unnecessary announcement, but simply nodded. "Go."

Rafael gave him an innocent smile before slipping away through the crowd.

Alessio watched him leave for a second before turning his attention back toward the party.