The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 102: The Grandpa Who Played Matchmaker

Chapter 102: The Grandpa Who Played Matchmaker

After leaving Cassidy’s room, Xavier made his way to the one where his family was waiting.

Inside were his mother, father, grandfather, and his brother-in-law, Thomas. Hannah hadn’t returned from the restroom yet.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," his mother said with a hint of complaint. "We’ve been here for over thirty minutes, and you just appear now?"

Xavier gave them a sheepish smile. "Grandpa, Dad, Mom," he greeted, then added, "I was prepping in the kitchen. I’m sorry I couldn’t welcome you properly."

His grandfather waved it off. "It’s fine. Your mother just missed you too much, that’s all. She’s been asking about you nonstop." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He looked around the space, nodding in approval. "The restaurant looks great, by the way. Very cozy. I can’t wait to try my grandson’s cooking."

Xavier grinned. "Everything I made today is delicious. Don’t worry, you’ll all leave here with happy, full stomachs."

His father, Lukas, chuckled. "You’re the only one in the family who can actually cook. At least now I don’t have to fly to Switzerland to taste your food. I can just come here."

Xavier laughed. "Of course, Dad. But you still have to pay for the food. No freebies or family discounts."

Lukas pretended to be offended. "What’s the point of having a chef for a son if I still have to pay to eat his food?"

"I’m just a cook," Xavier said with a grin. "My salary is nothing compared to you legal professionals."

His mom, Beatrice, chimed in with a smirk. "Of course I’ll pay. I don’t like freebies. Unlike your father. Don’t lump me in with him."

At exactly ten o’clock, the grand opening ceremony of Xavier’s restaurant began.

A few staff members walked around the dining area, politely inviting the guests to step outside for the ribbon cutting.

Cassidy, Claire, and Clara followed the others to the front of the building, joining the small crowd gathered near the entrance.

Xavier stood by the entrance, smiling as he greeted everyone. He gave a short, heartfelt speech thanking his team, family, and friends for their support.

Then came the ribbon cutting.

A pair of oversized scissors was handed to him. With a brief countdown, he cut the ribbon, and the guests clapped and cheered.

As the photo session started, Xavier looked around and spotted Cassidy and the others. He lifted a hand and called out, "Cass, Claire, Clara, come take a photo with me."

Claire ran toward him first, followed by Cassidy and Clara, all smiling as they stood beside Xavier for the camera.

Not far from them, Beatrice stood quietly among the crowd. She raised a hand to her mouth as she watched the moment unfold. Turning to Hannah beside her, she leaned in and asked, "Who are they?"

Hannah glanced at the group, then smiled softly. "They’re Xavier’s friends."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. "Xavier’s friends?"

"Yeah. They’re friends he met while he was living in Switzerland."

Beatrice gave a small nod, now understanding.

Just then, a tall, beautiful woman approached them with a warm smile.

"Hello, Aunty Beatrice, Hannah," the woman greeted politely.

Beatrice turned toward her, her expression softening. "Hi, darling. How are you and your parents?"

Hannah smiled in recognition. "Hello, Gianna. It’s been a while."

Gianna answered Beatrice with a small smile. "They’re doing well. They’re on a world tour vacation right now."

Beatrice chuckled softly. "They can do that because they have a capable daughter like you."

Gianna simply smiled in response, saying nothing.

Gianna’s brows pinched slightly as her gaze drifted toward Xavier. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

She didn’t know what kind of relationship Cassidy had with him. But from the way Xavier looked at her during their last encounter at the restaurant, Gianna knew Cassidy wasn’t just a regular friend.

When they left the restaurant that day, Xavier’s mood turned cold. He barely spoke the entire ride. Gianna didn’t ask anything. She knew Xavier didn’t like people getting too nosy.

Still, Gianna couldn’t help being curious. She never thought she’d see Ezekiel Salvador actually sharing a meal with a woman.

After the photo session ended, the guests were politely ushered back inside to enjoy the rest of the celebration.

As the crowd began to move, Beatrice gently took Gianna’s arm.

"Come eat with us," she said warmly, guiding her toward the semi-private dining room where the family was seated.

Gianna didn’t mind. She knew Xavier’s family well, maybe even more than people thought.

The reason? A little complicated.

She used to be close friends with Alice Keaton, Xavier’s ex-fiancée. Gianna and Alice had been best friends since high school. Alice and Xavier, on the other hand, had known each other since they were kids.

All three of them went to college in England, though at different schools. Because of Alice’s long friendship with Xavier, Gianna often joined them when they hung out.

That’s when things changed.

Xavier and Alice fell in love.

What no one knew was that Gianna had feelings for Xavier too. She fell for him first but kept it to herself. He was kind, dependable, and paid attention in ways others didn’t. It was easy to fall for someone like him.

She never held it against Alice. But even now, she still remembered how much it hurt when Alice told her they were together.

Xavier’s family welcomed Gianna warmly, especially his grandfather.

The old man’s face lit up the moment he saw her.

"Gianna, dear. Look at you. You’ve grown more elegant every time I see you," he said with a big smile, pulling her into a light hug.

Gianna laughed softly. "You always say that, Grandpa Johnny."

"Well, it’s still true," he chuckled.

"Thank you for having me," she replied softly, taking her seat beside Johnny.

Johnny, without hesitation, asked, "So, Gianna... are you seeing anyone?"

Hannah, sitting nearby, shot him a look. "Grandpa!"

Johnny raised both hands with an awkward smile. "Alright, alright. I apologize, dear, if I crossed the line."

Gianna chuckled softly. "It’s okay, Grandpa. Really."

Then she added with a playful smile, "And to answer your question, no, I’m not. I guess most men stay away because I work too much."

That earned a few light laughs around the table.

"Absolute nonsense," Johnny scoffed, waving a hand. "They’re not avoiding you because you’re too busy. They’re just insecure. Can’t handle a smart, capable, and successful woman like you. That’s their problem, not yours."

Gianna laughed again, her shoulders relaxing. "Well, I’ll take that as a compliment."

Johnny leaned a little closer to Gianna, speaking in a serious tone. "Well then, how about you consider my boy, Xavier? He’s really good at cooking. If you end up with him, you’ll never have to worry about food again."

Hannah, who had just taken a sip of water, choked and started coughing.

Thomas reached over to help his wife, gently patting her back with concern. "Easy, my love," he muttered.

"Dad!" Lukas warned, clearly embarrassed.

Johnny raised both hands in mock innocence. "What? It’s true. He’s good looking, smart, and he can cook. What more could you want?"

Beatrice joined in, agreeing with Johnny.

"You’re right, Dad. My son is almost perfect. The only thing he’s missing is a wife. But when he gets married, that woman will be very lucky."

Gianna just smiled and stayed quiet. But deep down, she wished for the same thing. If only Xavier felt the same.

***