Page 99 of Poison Vows

“In fact, many of the Family’s assets were brought in or recovered by my grandson,” Grandpa goes on, looking calm, not braggy at all, but there’s a hidden message there. “Of course, the Eastons are old money, but we’re not just what you children call ‘the Mafia.’” He makes air quotes at the end. “We’re much more than that, embedded in many facets of the world, which is why our word carries weight in such things as American politics.”

He looks at me sharply, but a quick glance to where Senator Hughes is sitting beside his father tells me that a message has been relayed and received.

“Yes,” Senator Hughes’s father speaks with a small smile. “The Easton Family’s power and influence is legendary. Without your support, I’d never have achieved my own success, let alone my son.”

I quickly note the respectful way in which that old man speaks to Grandpa Armando.

They’re almost the same age, I think, but the hierarchy of power, influence, and reach is clear.

The Hughes familyneedsthe Eastons, not the other way round.

In fact, from just that little exchange, the Eastonsmadethe Hughes family what they are today.

Also, the old man in the wheelchair holds Emmett in very high regard.

This seems to be a known fact, judging by the way the Easton men around the table looked thunderously angry and annoyed when Grandpa Armando was talking about the owner of this residence.

But didn’t Vaughn just say Emmett was demoted? Why are they suddenly on their toes when Grandpa alludes to Emmett’s brilliance?

“Sir, we deeply appreciate your support,” Senator Hughes is talking when I focus again. “I’ll never let you down, no matter what.”

Just then, the main dish starts to get served.

A plate of some type of thing that lives in the sea is placed in front of me.

The smell hits me square in the nostrils and I instantly start feeling queasy.

Beside me, Vaughn smiles, and says, “This is my favorite dish. I especially brought this chef from back home to prepare it for you tonight. I hope you like it.”

The fishy smell is so overwhelming that I can feel bile rise up my throat.

My skin starts tingling. I’m going to start breaking out in hives at this rate.

But before I can push the plate away, it’s immediately removed from in front of me and taken away in quick succession.

In fact, all the plates that were just served to everyone… all of them are quickly lifted away, including Vaughn’s, which he had already started to dissect.

Stunned, I look up and notice about a dozen tough, strong, and deadly-looking men all dressed in black, holding the plates they just removed.

“What the hell are you doing?” Emilio’s thunderous voice sounds in the room. “What kind of daring is this?”

“Apologies,” a vaguely familiar voice speaks from behind me.

Surprised, I quickly turn around and spot one of Emmett’s shadows standing right behind me.

Ty! He’s here!

He’s clearly the one who took away my plate and passed it to the man standing to his left.

“What is the meaning of this?” the old man in the wheelchair questions quietly.

“Sir, the young master declared years ago that no manner of seafood shall be cooked, prepared, served, or eaten in any of his residences.”

Everyone is stunned, but no one is more stunned than me.

“W-what?” Emilio demands. “What kind of declaration is that?”

Ty doesn’t flinch, nor does he hesitate as he looks directly at Emmett’s grandfather, dismissing Emilio’s angry question.

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