His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 257: Lunch Gathering

Chapter 257: Lunch Gathering

The next day, Miguel booked the whole restaurant for the family lunch gathering he initiated. No one was allowed to enter except a member of the Ivankov Clan. Surprisingly, Miguel didn’t invite Dmitri to this family gathering.

"Grandpa, I want to eat seafood!" Kimmy excitedly blurted out while holding her grandpa’s hand. They’ve just entered the restaurant.

"Sure. You can eat everything you want!" Miguel gently patted Kimmy’s head.

Ten men in black stayed outside the restaurant, staying on guard. Lanny and Aaron were following Miguel and Kimmy from behind. The Chef and his assistants welcomed them at the entrance door.

"Welcome to our restaurant, Don Miguel!" The staff greeted them in unison.

The four of them headed to the second floor where the food was being served. There was a big round table at the center and six available seats. Miguel sat down first followed by Kimmy who chose to sit next to her grandpa.

Meanwhile, Lanny continued observing her father. She was puzzled as to why Miguel gathered them in that place.

’Damn, Vladimir! He is late again!’ Lanny cursed her brother inwardly. She felt a little bit tense. She could tell that the sly old man was up to something.

On the other hand, Aaron looked sad as he took his seat. Miguel also noticed that Aaron was unusually quiet today.

"Grandson, what’s wrong? Why are you so quiet? Aren’t you happy that we have a family gathering today?" Miguel asked the little boy.

"Grandpa, where is Aunt Athena? I thought this was a family gathering. She should be here as well. Why did you exclude her grandpa? She is part of our family, right?" Aaron expressed his disappointment after knowing that Athena wasn’t invited to today’s gathering.

Miguel frowned when he heard that. Then he shifted his gaze from Aaron to Lanny. Lanny bit her lower lip since she didn’t expect that Aaron would bring this up.

’Hmm, I’m truly amazed by the strong bond and connection between Aaron and Athena. Even though he believes that I’m his mother, he always cares for Athena like his own mother.’ Lanny could only smile at him.

"Yes, Grandpa. Aunt Athena should be here as well. Otherwise, my brother will lose his appetite. See... his expression looks gloomy. He is not having fun." Kimmy supported Aaron as she also convinced their grandfather to invite Athena to join them.

’But she is not part of this family. She only becomes Ivankov because of Lanny’s request.’ Miguel tried his best to hide his displeasure. He always felt jealous of Athena since Aaron was very close to her.

For Miguel, Athena was still an outsider. However, upon seeing the somber look of his grandson, he couldn’t say no to him.

"Fine. Let her join us. Inform Vladimir to fetch Athena since he is not yet here." Miguel commanded Lanny.

"Okay, Dad! I’ll inform him."

Aaron’s face brightened up when he heard that. His mood was suddenly lifted because Athena was coming to the family lunch gathering.

"Thank you, Grandpa! You are the best!" Aaron exclaimed, jumping from his seat with excitement. He ran over to his grandpa, wrapping his small arms tightly around the old man in a warm hug to express his gratitude.

Miguel chuckled softly, patting Aaron’s back with affection. "You’re welcome, little one."

While waiting for Athena and Vladimir, Miguel and the kids had already decided to order food. After a few minutes, the waiters came, bringing different delicious food. The table began to fill with the smell of their favorite dishes.

Aaron and Kimmy were both satisfied as their lively chatter filled the room. Miguel glanced at his grandchildren, seeing the joy in their eyes, he couldn’t help but smile.

"I also have another surprise for both of you, Little Ones!" Miguel informed the kids.

Kimmy and Aaron instinctively turned in his direction.

"Whoa. is that true, Grandpa? I can’t wait for that surprise!" Kimmy giggled giddily.

Aaron also nodded with excitement.

"Yes. It’s true." After saying that, Miguel checked his phone, reading a message. "My surprise is here. Let’s wait!"

Lanny’s eyebrows were drawn together in puzzlement. She had no idea about this surprise. ’What is he up to? I have a bad feeling about this.’

Then her heart almost jumped out of her chest the moment Dominique who was being supported by Levi showed up in front of them.

’Damn it! What the hell is he doing here?’ Lanny’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Uncle Dom!" Aaron yelled with joy and excitement as he spotted Dominique entering the room.

The little boy’s attention instantly shifted from his grandfather to the newcomer. Without hesitation, Aaron bolted toward Dominique, leaving Miguel behind.

"Are you feeling better now?" Aaron’s concern was evident despite his excitement. "I’m so glad to see you!" He threw his arms around Dominique, hugging him tightly.

Meanwhile, Dominique leaned over, ruffling Aaron’s hair affectionately and his grin widening. "I’m feeling much better now."

On the other hand, Lanny’s eyes narrowed as she gazed at her father, her displeasure hard to conceal.

"Dad, what’s the meaning of this?" she demanded, crossing her arms. Her gaze flicked toward Dominique with obvious disdain. "He’s an outsider. Why is he here?"

Miguel chuckled before responding to her. "Are you sure he is an outsider? Have you forgotten how he is related to you and the twins?"

Lanny was rendered speechless when she heard that. ’No way! Don’t tell me this sly old man is going to reveal the truth?! This can’t be happening! Our plan will be ruined!’ She struggled to mask her frustration and worry.

"Mr. Ivankov, thank you for inviting me here," Dominique greeted him politely. Then he smiled at Lanny. However, Lanny ignored him. Levi said goodbye to Dominique while Aaron kept holding his hand.

"Sit beside Lanny and Aaron." Miguel motioned for Dominique to come over.

Dominique and Aaron had just settled down on their respective chairs when two newcomers arrived.

Athena and Vladimir stepped into the room together, laughter still lingering on their lips. But the moment their eyes landed on Dominique, seated beside Aaron and Lanny, their smiles vanished, replaced by shock. They had never expected to see him there, and the sudden tension hit like a wave.

’Why is he here?’ Athena’s heart raced as her gaze locked with Dominique’s.

At the same time, Vladimir’s expression hardened almost instantly. His once-relaxed demeanor changed to something more guarded and colder. He glanced at Athena, noticing the subtle shift in her posture. Vladimir reflexively held her hand as he sensed Athena’s uneasiness.

That gesture didn’t escape Dominique’s observant eyes. His face turned grim as he looked at Athena and Vladimir’s entangled hands. Vladimir and Dominique exchanged a sharp look at each other, neither of them wanted to back down.

Miguel, who was silently observing everyone, also noticed the heavy tension between Vladimir and Dominique.

It did not take long before Miguel cleared his throat, making everyone aware of his presence. That was the only time Vladimir and Dominique broke their eye-to-eye contact.

"You are both late. Don’t just stand there. Come and join us." Miguel’s authoritative voice resounded in the room.

Athena and Vladimir had no choice but to obey the old man. So they sat down on the available chairs. They were both facing Lanny and Dominique who were seated on the other side of the table.