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The table where the entire Worth clan sat was large, a stunning view of the New York City skyline visible from the wide expanse of windows that lined the wall. Alex owned the penthouse suite of course—he seemed to have the best of everything and Stasia couldn’t help but be impressed.
Her brother—every one of her brothers—was a very powerful man. Hopefully, someday she’d be accepted by the Worth family completely. This lunch was the start of establishing a relationship with all of them, even Alex and Hunter’s children, who were all present.
Niceties were attended to, drinks handled, plates loaded with a variety of food as they all dug into the delicious lunch provided by a caterer Tessa had hired especially for the occasion. Stasia sat next to Rhett and Ella, the ones she felt the most comfortable with, while her mother somehow ended up next to Hunter. Thankfully, he was polite, his expression a neutral mask, none of the hostility Stasia had encountered previously visible.
It was downright unnerving, how easily they accepted her. She wondered if there was some sort of trick that they might spring on her at the end of the meal.
“Where’s Gavin?” Ella asked quietly when Rhett left them to help Tessa with something in the kitchen.
Stasia shook her head. “He couldn’t make it.” He didn’t feel right in coming with her, didn’t want to interfere with her new family, especially since he’d once represented her. She’d reassured him she wanted him there by her side, that no one would protest, but he’d been adamant, telling her it was a private moment for her. And it hadn’t turned into an argument, either.
In fact, the sweet, sexy kiss he’d given her before he left her apartment early this morning had nearly been her undoing. They’d spent the last two nights together, talking, learning more about each other, making love. She’d shared with Gavin her thoughts on starting her own jewelry line and he offered valid ideas how to approach her two families about the new venture.
She was nervous, though. Didn’t want to upset them or make them think she was ungrateful and ready to strike out on her own.
“I see the media speculation surrounding your story has already died down,” Hunter said from across the table, startling Stasia from her thoughts.
Uneasiness slipped through her. Was Hunter looking for a fight? She wasn’t quite sure how to answer. “Thank goodness for Lindsay Lohan, no?”
Hunter chuckled, shot a glance in Claudia’s direction, who blinked at him. “We were just having that conversation, as a matter of fact. Like mother, like daughter.”
Claudia beamed but remained silent.
“I didn’t mean for it to come out like it did,” Stasia started, but Rhett cut her off.
“It wasn’t your fault. Trust me, I know all about the media digging up your every secret,” he muttered.
“Not that I wanted to keep it a secret. I’m not ashamed of my true heritage.” She’d come to that realization last night as she drifted off to sleep in Gavin’s arms. Content for what felt like the first time in years, the steady beat of her man’s heart soothing her, she was proud of the fact that Michael Worth was her father. That Giorgio Renaldi was her father as well, had raised her and taught her everything he knew.
A sort of peace had settled over her in that moment. Her poor father had been sad, felt betrayed and had lashed out. He’d been irrational, sick, despondent. She let go of all the anger, the bitterness, the hurt. She could forgive him.
She had to.
“We’re glad to hear it,” Hunter said, sounding the slightest bit amused. “It’s been rough on you, we know.”
“It has been, but I’m better now. I appreciate the support from all of you.” Stasia glanced at her brothers, her gaze landing on Alex, who sat at the head of the table. “The press release was perfect. It answered all of their potential questions without revealing too much personal information.”
“That was the idea,” Alex said with a nod. “Though I must admit, I’m very pleased the paparazzi has become occupied with someone else. I couldn’t have asked for a better diversion.”
Low laughter sounded across the table, sending a ripple of happiness through her. She couldn’t believe it but already she felt like she belonged there. That these men had finally accepted her—perhaps not fully but hopefully soon—filled her with a warmth she couldn’t deny.
After lunch, Tessa and the other women gathered the children and Stasia’s mother, escorting them all out of the dining area, “So you can all talk privately for a moment,” Tessa suggested with a kind smile.
Though Stasia appreciated the thought, she was dreadfully nervous. Her new brothers intimidated her.
“Your mother is very nice,” Alex said when most everyone vacated the room. “I would like to speak with her someday soon. I want to ask her about our father.”
“Oh.” Stasia sat up straighter. “What is it you want to know?”
“How long they were together, what their relationship was like. I don’t want the sordid details, it’s just…this is a part of his life we didn’t even know existed.” The pained expression that swept over Alex’s face for the briefest moment hurt Stasia as well. “It’s hard for me to fathom how he kept this from us.”
“I don’t think he did it on purpose. From what my mother said, it was a whirlwind romance. And…well. She was the wife of one of your father’s biggest rivals. I can see why he wanted to keep it quiet. Besides, you were just a child.”
Alex nodded, his gaze locked on the table. Hunter and Rhett remained quiet, contemplative. “Whenever she’s willing, I’d like to talk to Claudia.”
“I can arrange it. She plans on staying in New York for a while.” She’d convinced her mother to remain here and create new memories. Word was Matteo planned on coming to New York soon with his family and remain here indefinitely. It would mean Mama could be close to her grandson, which thrilled her to pieces.
“I’m glad to hear it. Perhaps we could all...become closer,” Hunter said tentatively.
