Chapter 553

• Proserpina
• I sat down slowly, aware that the small of my back was aching. I did not feel hungry, but Bea and Camille were beside me, urging me to eat. I had tried to hide my smile when I saw Ria’s sad-looking sandwiches but I valiantly chewed my way through one before giving up. Lucien had left for the Club. He was putting together a deal with the Bratva boss since Claude was also having his engagement announced at the Club on the day of the Grand Opening.
• My son had come to meet me before he left to practice at the gym, with Paddy trailing behind him. Claude had been morose at first, but when Camille began to tease him over Karina, he actually smirked abashedly. The boy was in love, declared Bea loudly, and that earned her a grab and swing from Claude, who lifted the old lady high in his arms and swung her around as she screeched in feigned alarm.