“Alex, that was fucking salty! What did you put in that cupcake, Figlio di puttana!”A male voice snapped just as Kaida and Ace entered inside the mansion.

“What a lovely greeting, Uncle Ares”Ace snorted, making the man roll his eyes. Kaida knew this was most probably Ares Jonas, Valentino’s right hand man. A muscular man in his late 40s. He had dark brown eyes, soft dark brown hair and thin pink lips.

“It's not my fault, kid. Your Uncle Alex is still an insufferable brat” Ares said, drinking a glass of water to wash down the taste.

Another man entered the living room. This one was muscular as well and had pitch black hair. His eyes were blue like the deepest blue of the ocean. He had a sharp jawline complimenting his handsome face. His thin pink lips curved into a mischievous grin “Don't blame me for being stupid enough to accept a cupcake from me”

This must be Alex Oakley, Valentino’s left hand man and best friend.

Ace chuckled. “He's right, Uncle Ares”

Ares grumbled under his breath but didn't say anything.

“Oh my god!!! You are finally here!!!” A bright cheerful voice was heard just as a gorgeous woman with hazel eyes came downstairs wearing a beautiful black dress.

“Good evening, Mamma"Ace said, hugging the woman tightly. Ah so this was Lucasia King. A very cunning lawyer. Kaida had heard about her.

She smiled as Lucasia hugged Ace back tightly, her heart ached at the sight. It must be great to come home to your mother. Sometimes she wished she had cherished hugs from her mother for longer when she was little.

“I missed you so much, welcome home my baby” Lucasia said, breaking the hug only to engulf her in one.

She froze on the spot. She definitely didn't expect such a warm welcome from Ace’s mother. “You must be Kaida Russo, it's a pleasure to meet you, sweetheart” Lucasia said holding her in such a motherly way it reminded her of her mother.

“T-Thank you, it's a pleasure to meet you too ma'am” Kaida replied slowly, hugging her back.

“Oh come on, call me Aunt Lucasia. No need for formalities.” Lucasia said, breaking the hug with a soft smile.

Kaida smiled back softly in response. Ace’s mother was so kind and caring. The kindness and warmth in her eyes made her heart swell.

“Ah look at my best buddy” Another man said pulling Ace into a hug and ruffling his hair.

“I missed you too, Uncle Orion"Ace chuckled trying to get out of his grip.

“Tsk you messed up my hair” Ace scowled once he broke the hug.

“So? I can mess it up more if you want, mhm"Orion said grinning, his light brown eyes kind yet mischievous. That was Lucasia’s younger brother. He looked to be in his thirties with a more lean muscular frame and curly hair. From the background research she had done, Lucasia’s brother was a psychologist. Well known even.

“You are both finally here,"Valentino said, coming from the kitchen with an elderly woman that had hazel eyes, soft pink lips and a gentle demeanour. Lucasia’s mother and Ace’s grandma.

“Welcome home,” Valentino added, hugging Ace.

“Thanks Dad” Ace said grinning before hugging his dad. Kaida was happy to see Ace like this. Instead of his usual calm and collected demeanour, Ace was radiating with happiness and warmth.

“Welcome home, Miss Russo,” Valentino said, giving her a curt nod to which she nodded back.

“So you are the one who got my nephew completely whipped” Alex said, earning a smack at the back of his head from Ares before she could answer.

“Hey, what was that for! It's the truth!”Alex protested throwing daggers at Ares. Kaida had a feeling that these two bicker a lot.

“There was no need to say it like that, idiot  “Ares chided, rolling his eyes.

“Ah no you both don't start arguing again” Lucasia said before Alex could retort.

“Come my precious, you both must be starving” Ace’s grandma said, grabbing her hand gently.

Kaida remained quiet allowing the elderly woman to guide her to the dining area. Ace’s family was nothing like she expected. She had expected a more gloomy atmosphere or a hostile attitude towards her but this house was full of life and joy. The complete opposite of Ricardo’s mansion. On top of that everyone was welcoming her into their lives without open arms having not even a single clue about her true motives.

Figlio di puttana - Son of a bitch