Chapter 429 - 429: [DNO! SHITTY DAY! RETURN LATER TODAY!]

The dining room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. The table stretched long, dressed in crisp white linen and set with polished silverware that gleamed under the soft illumination. Crystal glasses caught the flickering flames, casting tiny rainbows across the tablecloth. The centerpiece was a rustic arrangement of fresh rosemary and white roses, their fragrance mingling with the rich aroma of the feast.

Anthony sat at the head of the table, his wife Michelina at the opposite end. Between them, the seats were filled with family and guests. Rachael, the eldest daughter at twenty-three, sat to her mother's left. Rebecca, sixteen, was beside her, already sneaking a bread roll before the meal officially began. Anthony Jnr., seven years old, was next to Jasmine, the two of them already engaged in a hushed conversation about action figures.

On the other side of the table, Kyle sat between Cassandra and Ella. Jane was beside Cassandra, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes wide as she took in the spread. Jasmine was across from Jane, next to Anthony Jnr., her small feet swinging beneath the table.

The food was a masterpiece. A whole roast lamb sat at the center, its skin crackling and golden, glistening with rosemary-infused juices. Surrounding it were bowls of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables caramelized to perfection, and a rich gravy that smelled of herbs and red wine. Fresh bread sat in a basket, steam still rising from the crust. A salad of mixed greens with walnuts and blue cheese added a touch of freshness. The plates were warm, the wine was poured, and the atmosphere was one of abundance and warmth.

"This looks incredible," Kyle said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Michelina smiled. "I hope you're hungry."

"Always," Ella said, grinning.

Jane's stomach growled audibly. She covered her face, embarrassed, but everyone laughed warmly.

"Dig in," Anthony said, gesturing toward the platters. "There's plenty for everyone."

They served themselves, the clatter of silverware and the murmur of conversation filling the room. Anthony Jnr. reached for a bread roll and nearly knocked over a glass, but his sister Rebecca caught it with practiced ease.

"Careful," she said.

"Sorry."

Jasmine giggled, and Anthony Jnr. grinned at her. They were already fast friends.

For a while, the meal continued without incident. The conversation flowed easily. Michelina asked Cassandra about her baby, and Cassandra shared stories of Junior's awkward experiences. Ella made a joke about Jane's appetite, and Jane blushed but kept eating. Kyle and Anthony discussed the city, the weather, the architecture—anything but business. It was light. Comfortable.

Then Rachael spoke.

Rachael had been quiet for most of the meal, but her eyes had been moving. Observing. She had given Kyle a few glances here and there, her gaze lingering just a beat longer than necessary. Not because she was interested—she had a loving boyfriend of her own, and her heart was elsewhere. But she was curious. She had been raised with warmth and love, but she was also a product of the modern world, where bluntness was valued over politeness.

"So," Rachael said, setting down her fork, "how does sex work with you four?"

Anthony choked.

He coughed violently, his hand flying to his mouth. Wine spluttered onto his chin. Michelina froze, her glass halfway to her lips. Rebecca looked between her sister and her father, her expression a mix of shock and amusement.

Anthony Jnr. and Jasmine were too busy playing with their food to notice.

Rachael ignored her father's reaction. Her eyes were on Kyle, unflinching, curious.

"I mean," she continued, leaning forward, "have you ever tried all of them at once?"

Silence.

Rebecca's mouth dropped open.

Ella burst out laughing—a sharp, delighted sound. Cassandra smiled into her wine glass. Jane turned a shade of red that matched the tablecloth.

Kyle, to his credit, didn't flinch. He set down his fork and met Rachael's gaze with calm amusement.

"That's a very direct question," he said.

"I'm a direct person and I like answers."

"Rachael!" Michelina's voice was sharp. "That is not appropriate."

"I'm just curious, Mum. They're all sitting here. It's a natural question."

"It is not a natural question," Anthony wheezed, finally regaining his composure. "It is a—a wildly inappropriate question."

"Dad, you were thinking it too."

"I was not!"

"You were. You just didn't want to say it."

Anthony opened his mouth to respond, then closed it. He had no defense. He had been thinking about it—not in a crude way, just in a curious, human way. How did it work? How did three women share one man without jealousy or resentment? He had never asked because he was too polite. Rachael didn't have that problem.

Michelina sighed. "Rachael, there are children at the table."

Anthony Jnr. and Jasmine were still oblivious, whispering about Spider-Man and his webs.

"They're not paying attention," Rachael said.

"Rebecca is."

Rebecca was definitely paying attention. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed. She was old enough to understand the implications of the question, even if she had never heard anyone ask it so bluntly.

"Sorry," Rachael said, not sounding sorry at all. She turned back to Kyle. "So? Have you?"

Kyle glanced at Ella, who was still grinning. Cassandra was trying to hide her smile behind her wine glass. Jane looked like she wanted to sink into the floor.

"Yes," Kyle said simply.

Rachael's eyebrows shot up. "All of them at once?"

"All of them at once." This was obviously false as he only has Cassandra and Ella at once but Jane didn't catch on.

Jane let out a small whimper.

"And?" Rachael pressed. "How was it?"

"Rachael!" Michelina again.

"It was good," Kyle said, his voice steady. "But I think the details are better kept private."

Rachael nodded, satisfied. She picked up her fork and took a bite of lamb. "Fair enough. Just wondered."

Anthony let out a long, shaky breath. He looked at Kyle with something like respect.

"Your family is very... direct," Kyle said.

"You have no idea," Anthony muttered.

Michelina shook her head, but she was smiling. "I apologize for my daughter. She has no filter."

"I have a filter," Rachael said. "I just choose not to use it."

Rebecca leaned toward her sister, whispering. "Did you really have to ask that?"

"Yes. I really did."

Ella raised her glass. "To honesty, I guess."

"To honesty," Kyle echoed.

They drank. The tension dissolved into laughter. Jane's blush finally began to fade.

Anthony Jnr. looked up, confused. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, sweetheart," Michelina said. "Eat your vegetables."

"Okay."

He returned to his conversation with Jasmine.

Rachael caught Kyle's eye and winked. Kyle shook his head, but he was smiling.

He had never had a dinner quite like this.

The dinner wound down with the gentle rhythm of a satisfied family. Plates were emptied, laughter faded into contented sighs, and the candles burned low. The meal had been a triumph—the lamb was devoured, the vegetables polished off, and even the salad bowl was scraped clean.

As usual, Jane managed to out-eat everyone at the table. She had gone through two servings of lamb, three helpings of potatoes, and a generous portion of the roasted vegetables. Her plate was spotless, and she was eyeing the dessert tray with barely concealed hope.

Michelina leaned toward Ella, her voice low but amused. "You weren't joking about her appetite."

Ella smirked. "I never lie about important things."

Jane heard them and turned crimson, but she didn't stop eating. She had learned that food was meant to be enjoyed, not apologized for.

The rest of the meal passed in warmth. Anthony Jnr. and Jasmine were inseparable, their heads bent together over a shared plate of pudding. Rebecca was scrolling through her phone, occasionally glancing up to join the conversation. Rachael had returned to her usual poised self, though she shot Kyle a knowing smirk that suggested the conversation was far from over.

Michelina rose to clear the plates, but Cassandra and Ella insisted on helping. Jane joined them, still chewing a piece of bread.

Rachael approached Kyle. "Sorry about earlier," she said, though she didn't look sorry at all.

"No, you're not."

"You're right. I'm not."

Kyle laughed. "I appreciate the honesty."

"Someone has to be honest in this family."

"The eldest daughter, apparently."

Rachael smiled—genuine this time. "You're good for him, you know. My father. He's been different since he met you. More relaxed."

Kyle glanced at Tony, who was laughing at something Michelina had said. "He's a good man."

"He is." Rachael paused. "Take care of him."

"I will."

She nodded and walked away.

The night came to a peaceful end. Everyone gathered in the foyer, the warmth of the evening still clinging to them like a blanket. Anthony Jnr. gave Jasmine a quick hug, and she clutched the Wolverine action figure he had given her.

"You'll come back?" he asked.

"Yes, I'll ask Kyle."

"Good."

Michelina hugged each of the women, her eyes soft. "You're welcome here anytime. All of you."

Jane's eyes glistened. "Thank you. For everything."

Ella shook Anthony's hand firmly. "Thanks for not being weird."

Anthony laughed. "I try."

Kyle and Anthony shared a look. It was brief, but it held everything—gratitude, respect, and a bond that had moved beyond business.

"Thank you," Kyle said simply.

"No need." Anthony clasped his shoulder. "You're family now."

Kyle nodded and walked toward the door.

The night air was cool and fresh. The city hummed in the distance. Kyle looked back at the Greenberg home—warm, alive, full of love.

He smiled. This was what family looked like.sssSSS