Chapter 329: Chapter 113 Unexpected Sparks

Gemma’s POV

My Sunday afternoon was absolute chaos. Three dogs raced through our heavily secured compound like furry missiles, a giggling little girl chasing after them, a teenager who never stopped talking, a boyfriend whose hands seemed permanently attached to me, and somehow I still needed to prepare lunch for our entire crew.

Juggling all these elements while maintaining our family’s reputation for hospitality tested even my multitasking skills.

We’d invited our closest associates over for a poolside gathering at our fortified estate. I’d specifically asked Dominic to include Brenda and her sister Phoebe, and I’d extended an invitation to Zander who, thankfully, had managed to clear his medical schedule. It promised to be quite the assembly of Thorne family allies.

Xavier and Ruby arrived first in their armored sedan, followed by Caleb and Ivy with Max and their children in their convoy. The noise level instantly doubled as Max became completely enchanted with our guard dogs, rolling around on the manicured lawn with Carmen and the animals within minutes.

"Gemma, three attack dogs? Really?" Ivy surveyed our canine security detail with amused disbelief.

I laughed, adjusting the concealed holster beneath my casual dress. "Some people have babies, others have trained protection. Though technically only Amber belongs to me. The other two are Carmen and Vincenzo’s choices."

"Does Nadia know about this expanded security measure?" Zoe appeared behind us with perfect timing, her intelligence operative instincts always sharp.

"She knows about one small dog. But Carmen and Vincenzo have Dominic wrapped around their fingers—they get whatever tactical advantage they want," I explained with a sigh.

Zoe’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I can’t wait to see Nadia tear him apart when she returns from her European business trip!"

Soon our compound was bustling with family—we were just waiting on Brenda, Phoebe, and Zander to complete our inner circle. The men gravitated toward the outdoor kitchen with drinks while the women requested a tour of our secured residence, which I happily provided.

"Now you just need to fill this fortress with little soldiers!" Ivy remarked as we finished surveying our defensive positions.

"Not so fast, Ivy!" I grinned. "I’m perfectly content borrowing your little warriors for now."

We returned to the terrace just as Vincenzo arrived with Brenda and Phoebe under escort. I hurried over to greet them, noting how our security protocols had relaxed everyone into the family atmosphere.

"Girls! How wonderful to have you in our home!" I embraced them warmly before introducing them to our assembled crew.

Once we settled around the reinforced table near our secured pool area, Brenda spoke up, her voice gentle but concerned. "Gemma, could you maybe offer some guidance to my stubborn sister?"

"What’s the situation, Phoebe?" I turned my attention to her, immediately recognizing the haunted expression I’d seen too often in our world.

Phoebe sighed heavily. "It’s Hunter. I let myself fall for him again, and he destroyed me. Again."

"Wait, Hunter from Xavier’s crew?" Ruby interjected, her face darkening.

"The same one," I confirmed, watching Ruby’s expression turn murderous. "What did he do this time, Phoebe?"

"After you two ended things, he contacted me," Phoebe explained, staring at her hands. "We went out several times, and I got swept away. Then we ran into each other at a family gathering—one he’d deliberately kept me from—and he acted like he’d never seen me before. He was there with another woman from a rival family."

"What a complete waste of oxygen!" Ruby snarled.

"The worst part? He called the next day acting normal, wanting to meet up. When I confronted him, he had the audacity to say we weren’t exclusive, were just ’having fun,’ and he could associate with whoever he wanted without explanations." Phoebe blinked back tears.

"What an absolute piece of garbage!" Zoe’s eyes flashed with lethal intent.

"I ended it immediately. Told him this arrangement wasn’t acceptable and to stay away from me. But it still hurts," Phoebe admitted.

Zoe leaned forward, determination radiating from her like heat. "You know what you need? A man who actually values you! We’re going to teach you some things. Stay close to us, and you’ll see results!"

"And there she goes—Phoebe just became Zoe’s new mission," Ivy laughed knowingly.

"Don’t worry, Phoebe," Lila reassured her with a gentle touch. "I was her last project—completely hopeless—but look at me now! She performs miracles."

"ZANDER!" Dominic’s commanding voice announced our final arrival.

"Zander?" the women asked in unison, curiosity evident.

"Zander is my stepfather’s son from his previous marriage. We grew up like siblings," I explained. "Somehow, he and Dominic became childhood allies and treat each other like blood brothers."

"Wow, Gemma, he’s absolutely stunning!" Nora commented appreciatively.

"He is. Handsome, honorable, and a trauma surgeon. I always say Zander is practically flawless," I replied, watching him approach our protected gathering.

"Sweet mother of God! Are all the world’s most dangerous women assembled here today? Why didn’t you warn me, Beautiful?" Zander greeted us with his characteristic charm, his medical bag discretely positioned for any emergency.

"I was protecting you from them—they’re all claimed. Didn’t want them abandoning their men for you," I teased.

"Not all of us are claimed," Zoe interjected with a predatory grin, gesturing toward Phoebe. "Phoebe’s completely available."

Zander’s gaze shifted from me to Phoebe, and I noticed something change in his expression—a spark of genuine interest I hadn’t seen before.

"Allow me to introduce myself properly." Zander moved toward her with the confidence of someone accustomed to life-or-death situations, extending his hand. Phoebe took it with shy hesitation. "I’m Zander. The honor is entirely mine, Phoebe." He brought her hand to his lips, causing her cheeks to flush.

"The honor is mine, Zander," Phoebe responded, uncharacteristically timid.

They connected immediately. Zander gave her his complete attention, and soon they were laughing like longtime confidants. When evening approached, Zander offered to escort Phoebe and Brenda home in his secured vehicle, and they departed together under our watchful protection.

"Auntie," Vincenzo settled beside me on the couch after everyone had been safely escorted out.

"What’s on your mind, Vincenzo?" I rested my head on his shoulder, exhausted but satisfied with our successful gathering.

"I know you’ve mentioned Zander is nearly perfect and all that, but I noticed how focused he was on Phoebe," Vincenzo began cautiously.

"I noticed that too," I admitted with a small sigh.

"I think he’s genuinely honorable."

"I think so too."

"But Phoebe’s incredible. She’s my girlfriend’s sister. I worry about her, especially after what that snake Hunter did."

"Don’t even mention him. Hunter was absolutely toxic to her."

"So I’d hate for her to experience something like that again."

"I understand completely. Listen, Vincenzo, Zander is exceptional and would never manipulate Phoebe if something develops between them. He’s marriage material—he doesn’t deceive, doesn’t play games, doesn’t engage casually, and he’s always direct and honest," I assured him, feeling his shoulders relax.

"That’s reassuring! If that’s true, I’m rooting for them. Phoebe’s wonderful, but she’s such a romantic—believes in perfect love stories. Zander seems like the closest thing to that ideal," Vincenzo said thoughtfully.

"You’re quite the gentleman yourself, Vincenzo! I see how respectfully you treat people and how your face lights up when you look at Brenda," I pointed out, making him smile.

"I really care about her, Auntie. But she’s my first serious relationship, I’m her first boyfriend... I don’t know..."

"Out with it, kid!" I knew something was troubling him.

"Do you think it could last forever? Could she be the love of my life?"

"What does your heart tell you?" I countered.

"I want her to be."

"Then let time provide that answer. As long as it feels right and she continues to be special to you, just let things develop naturally. You’re both young, but plenty of couples start dating as teenagers and stay together for life," I reassured him, and he nodded in agreement.

I found Vincenzo’s youthful uncertainties and discoveries endearing. It brought me joy to be part of his journey—he was definitely growing into an exceptional young man.