Chapter 325 Fiorello's Charisma
Fiorello and Maggie had been married for almost half a year, and this was the first time both families sat down together for a formal and candid dinner.
This was entirely different from the previous gatherings at the Cityhomes West apartment.
The table was laden with a sumptuous dinner: steak, seafood, king crab, and French black truffle. It was nutritious and rich.
Above them hung a luxurious crystal chandelier, and even the dining table was made of sandalwood, costing seven figures. The dishes, too, were collector's items worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per set.
The household had eight servants, a driver, and a gardener to tend the backyard.
Such an opulent life was commonplace for the Flores family, but for Maggie and Arya, it was a bit extravagant.
Maggie was reserved all evening, not as at ease as she was at Cityhomes West.
Arya also struggled with the seafood, often making awkward mistakes.
At that moment, Maggie deeply understood the gap between her and Fiorello.
A sense of inferiority swept over her heart, but she had to keep a smile on her face and cope.
"Maggie, try this crab leg. It's all meat, and girls won't gain weight from it. It's good for your skin, too. Eat more," Eleanor warmly introduced.
Maggie smiled lightly and said, "Thank you, Mom."
Fiorello sensed Maggie's unease in her tone and discreetly held her hand, silently giving her strength.
Maggie glanced at their tightly clasped hands under the table, feeling a touch of sweetness that dispelled much of her discomfort.
Adalia had been staying in this house for two days and had adapted well.
After dinner, Eleanor took Arya to the backyard to show her the children's playground designed for Adalia.
Arya once again realized that the world of the wealthy was indeed different from theirs.
Adalia went for a walk with Joseph, Holden was busy with his own affairs, and Fiorello took Maggie back to their room.
He trapped her between his arms and the wall, his voice low as he asked, "Are you not used to this?"
Maggie clasped her hands behind her back, picking at her fingers, and softly replied, "Yes, a little. Your family is too wealthy."
She was very honest.
Fiorello chuckled softly. "What's mine is yours."
Maggie looked up at him and said, "Fiorello, I used to earn only one or two thousand dollars a month, working from dawn till dusk, rain or shine. Today, I realized that my previous salary wouldn't even be enough to buy a fork in your house."
His eyes were full of tenderness with a smile. "Are you feeling defeated?"
"Yes." Maggie nodded honestly, looking adorably cute.
Fiorello laughed and pulled her into his arms. "You're such a silly girl."
She looked up at him from his arms. "I suddenly understand why you used to hide it from me and pretend to be poor. You were afraid I'd feel inferior."
Fiorello was amused. When he laughed, he lost his usual sternness and coldness and became very approachable, completely different from his demeanor at the company.
This gentle side was reserved only for her.
"It was wrong for me to deceive you back then," Fiorello said, holding Maggie, "From today on, you need to start getting used to this wealthy life. My earnings are meant for you to spend."
Maggie stepped back from his embrace and said, "As the saying goes, it's easy to go from frugality to luxury but hard to go from luxury to frugality. I know your scheme. Once I get used to this life, I won't be able to leave you and will have to listen to you forever."
"Honey, I have no such scheme." Fiorello chuckled. "To prove my innocence, I'll transfer all my assets, properties, funds, and stocks to you tomorrow. From then on, I'll work for you, and you can pay me a salary every month."
These words moved Maggie deeply. She certainly didn't want his assets, but the fact that he could say such things was enough. No woman could resist such affection.
"Honey," Maggie said emotionally, wrapping her arms around his waist and teasing, "Your ability to earn money has deeply moved me."
Fiorello smiled and said, "So, how much salary do you plan to give me in the future?"
Maggie pretended to think deeply and said, "How about 400 dollars a month? You won't need to pay for food or transportation, and the company covers business expenses. You won't need to spend any money. The 400 dollars is for you to buy me gifts and surprises on festivals."
"Alright," Fiorello said, staring at her with deep eyes. "Maggie."
Fiorello leaned in. He was just about to kiss her on the lips when Maggie's phone suddenly rang.
Maggie glanced at it. It was a call from Isabella.
Maggie put her hand over Fiorello's mouth and said, "Wait, let me take this call first."