Page 43 of Breaking the Annulment

Michalis smiled faintly. “Big. Fancy. Lots of people. But don’t worry—there’s a party planner coming this afternoon to help with the details. I’d appreciate it if you took charge, though. I don’t enjoy this sort of thing. If I give you another phone, you’ll have to promise not to toss this one in the coffee.”

Aurelia’s face lit up, and she turned to look at him fully. “Really? You want me to do it?”

He nodded. “I think you’d be good at it.”

She grinned. “Okay. How many guests are we talking about?”

“Enough to fill the ballroom,” he said, laughing softly. “Don’t worry about the logistics. Just tell the planner what you want.”

“What about the guest list? I have no idea who to invite.”

“We have a basic list we use for these events,” he said. “But you can add anyone you want, as long as they pass the background check.”

She nodded thoughtfully, already thinking of ideas. “Who’s on the list so far?”

“Mostly people on the legitimate side. My family has a diverse portfolio. It will be a who’s who in the business world, and a few politicians, Chief Thompson, people like that.”

“Chief Thompson? Who’s that?”

He smirked. “Chief of Police.”

“Are you serious?” she frowned. “Wait. Are you saying he’s on your payroll?”

“Actually, no. He’s totally legit. A fucking boyscout.”

“Then why invite him?”

“What’s the saying? Keep your friends close..”

She snorted. “But your enemies closer? Seriously?”

Michalis chuckled. “What better way to appear legitimate than to befriend the most honest man in the room?”

“That’s not nice.”

He kissed the tip of her nose, laughing. “Don’t worry,agápe mou. His feelings are not hurt. He plays the same game with me.”

“Fine,” she grumbled. “Anyone else I should be aware of?”

“I’ll be adding Antonio Bonetti and his sister, Carmen,” he said, his tone turning serious. “That might cause a few waves, but I want them to be there.”

Aurelia frowned. “Why? I mean, Carmen seemed nice, but I got the feeling she was testing me. I’m not sure I like her.”

Michalis’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Everyone likes you. That’s not something you need to worry about.”

Her irritation flared, but she let the matter drop. She climbed off him, and this time, he didn’t stop her. “I’m going to shower and get dressed,” she said.

Michalis watched her closely as she crossed the room, his gaze softening as she stopped by the food tray and grabbed a handful of grapes, grumbling under her breath about not wasting food.

A knock at the door drew Michalis’s attention. He rose and crossed the room, opening the door to find Ajax standing in the hallway.

“Come in,” Michalis said quietly.

Ajax entered, his expression grim.

The soft click of the door closing behind Ajax broke the quiet of the bedroom. Michalis crossed his arms and leaned againstthe dresser, his sharp gaze fixed on one of his most trusted men. He was extremely intelligent and just as ruthless.

Ajax, ever composed, stood tall but with a faint crease between his brows—a subtle sign of concern.

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