154 Dinner at the Anderson family villa 1

~ Seattle, Anderson family villa ~

6:43 PM

Madeline is fidgeting nervously while going to the mirror every few minutes to check her hair and that her clothes are not messy. Everything needs to be perfect. The guests should arrive any minute now, and dinner starts at 7.

"No one is coming in advance…", she pouted while glancing at the clock. "I hope they are not late."

"Hunter was never late for food.", Nathan reminded Madeline and patted a spot on the sofa next to him, indicating her to sit down. "And it's bad manners for guests to arrive too early."

Madeline sat next to Nathan and forced a smile.

They organized this dinner for two reasons, initially. The third reason is to meet Isaac and leave a good impression, but this reason popped up only this afternoon when Liz confirmed that he is coming.

Out of the two original reasons behind this dinner, the first one is to see how Max is doing, and the second reason (and the more important one) is that the background checks are completed, and the results are… unusual.

Elizabeth is fine. They saw her school records, achievements, employment history, everything is sparkling. She has no health problems, and no criminal record either. Her father being the Chairman of the Williams Medical corp. is a huge bonus. Neither of the Anderson parents care about the money, they have more than enough to last for several generations, but Elizabeth coming with a good background is giving them a security that she is not a gold digger and that she is with Max because she likes him.

And that is all they want: their kids to be happy and not to be taken advantage of.

Of course, these checks don't ensure happiness. They don't tell them anything about the morale or the attitude of the person in question, and do not guarantee that she will be faithful, or that the two of them will get along well, but there is no way to ensure that.

The proof that these checks don't ensure a person with a solid outlook in a romantic relationship is Jackson (aka Sabrina's fiancé), but that is a story for some other time.

The unusual part of the background checks is related to Mia. What part is unusual? Everything. Her background does not exist. No matter how many resources Nathan tapped into, there are no records of Mia Russo before she came to New York at the age of twenty-two to attend New York Film Academy.

Mia Russo graduated with grades slightly above average and is living with a roommate (aka Brianna) in a two bedroom apartment and her income is coming from the travel blog, YouTube channels, branded merchandise, and endorsements. She has a potential to earn a lot, but she is not there yet and without a roommate she would not be able to afford the rent for that apartment.

Mia's report is not as shiny as Liz's, but Andersons don't see that as a problem. However, the fact that they can't find anything older than six years IS a problem. A big one.

They looked into aliases, considering the possibility that she changed her name, or that she came from abroad, but there is absolutely nothing. Her social security number was newly issued as well as her driver's license and the passport, and there is no birth certificate... medical, dental records, it all came empty. Like a twenty-two year old girl materialized out of thin air.

This is something that makes Madeline and Nathan nervous.

Why would Mia erase her past? And it's done in such a thorough way that no traces can be found. Is she in a witness protection program? Or is someone powerful behind all this? They have no idea, but they hope to ask Mia about her past and her family and to see what they can find out.

Earlier that day, Liz confirmed that her father is coming as well. This added a third reason for this dinner, and it makes Madeline nervous.

"We need to get along with Elizabeth's father.", Madeline told Nathan.

He cleared his throat. "I know."

"Don't say anything bad about Max.", she warned.

Nathan forced a smile. "I know."

"You do, but you usually end up scolding Max. Don't think about the past. Focus on the last few weeks. He is doing wonderfully, and I am over the moon that we will be grandparents. We need to leave a good impression."

Nathan did his best not to roll his eyes at Madeline. He wants to leave a good impression as well! Isaac Williams wields significant power and connections on the East Coast and in the medical community. Being in his good books can only be beneficial for them. And that is on top of the possibility of them being related if Liz and Max end up getting married. There is a baby on the way (at least that is what Nathan and Madeline think), but that does not guarantee a marriage. These days many couples cohabit and raise children without officially tying the knot. However, even if Max and Liz decide not to get married, Nathan and Madeline will share a grandchild with Isaac, and that is an unbreakable connection.

Nathan saw that Madeline is looking at him, obviously expecting an answer. "I know."

"Do you? If we don't get along with Elizabeth's father, she might raise their baby in New York. Do you know what that means? Ah, I don't want to be three time zones away from my grandchild. And Max might join them as well! Seeing how he is doting on Elizabeth, he will definitely go after her and leave us!", Madeline panicked.

Nathan's breath hitched. If Max goes to New York, who will lead Alpha group? He told himself to calm down, this is not the time for thinking about unreasonable scenarios.

Nathan took Madeline's hand in his and patted it gently. "It will be OK. Leave Isaac Williams to me. You focus on Mia."

Madeline sighed. "You are right. There is this issue with Mia as well. How about we switch? Let me talk to Isaac and you investigate Mia."

Nathan's eyebrows shoot up. So, she wants to make friends with Isaac and to leave Nathan with an uncomfortable task of digging into that girl's past? "No."

Madeline was about to protest, but the maid announced guests, so she adjusted her mood and smiled brightly after telling the maid to go and call Sabrina before walking out to greet the guests.

Sabrina is in her room. She arrived about one hour ago and said that she will rest and to call her when the guests show up.

All three Anderson siblings are grownups, but Madeline and Nathan are still keeping their rooms tidy and available for their kids to stay in whenever they want.

Sabrina stays overnight often when Jackson is out on a business trip. She says that it's boring to be in the apartment by herself. Sabrina is a friendly and chatty person who enjoys company, and an empty apartment feels suffocating.

Max didn't stay overnight in the Anderson family villa since he finished college (other than few times due to hangovers and accidents).

Hunter would stay often, if not at college, but since he moved in with Mia, he didn't show up.

…

Isaac arrived with gifts!

Madeline got a white orchid with purple hues which is living in a glass bowl and Nathan received a chess set which electronically tracks moves and provides analysis of the game at the end.

Isaac also brought a large basket of sweet and savory snacks accompanied with wine, and a cocktail making set.

Sabrina was happy with the bouquet of colorful roses and a set of five luxurious silk scarves. She didn't expect presents, but she is not the one to be shy about receiving them. Sabrina likes Isaac already!

They kept two boxes on the side (one is for Hunter and the other one is for Mia).

Isaac was not sure if he should get something for Mia, but since she is engaged to Hunter, and he was shopping, he went ahead and got her something.

Of course, Liz and Max also got gifts.

Liz gave her unopened box to Max. "I will open my later. My dad loves shopping."

Max smiled while thinking that is unusual to see a man who likes shopping. Maybe Isaac and Sabrina can go shopping together? "I will open mine when you open yours."

After the introductions and gifting was completed, they moved to the living area to snack on appetizers while waiting for Hunter and Mia to arrive.

"Do you play chess?", Isaac asked Nathan when he observed that the latter is reading the manual.

"A used to, but lately my kids are busy, and Maddy in not interested in chess.", Nathan responded.

"Maybe we can play after dinner.", Isaac offered.

Nathan nodded in approval. His first impression of Isaac is a favorable one and he has a feeling that the two of them will get along well.

Hunter and Mia arrived at 6:59 PM, right on time for dinner. It's just how Nathan said: Hunter is never late for food.

The food was tasty, and the atmosphere was good.

"Jackson is not here?", Mia asked the obvious.

"No, he is on a business trip.", Sabrina responded.

Mia sighed. She can't imagine being separated from Hunter.

"He travels a lot. I admire you for having all the patience to wait for his return.", Mia told Sabrina.

Sabrina meekly smiled and continued with her food.

"Are the two of you thinking about the wedding?", Madeline asked Mia and Hunter.

Mia shook her head, and she wanted to say that it's too early, but Hunter was faster to respond…

"We will do it soon. There is no point in delaying the inevitable."

Liz, Max, and Rina curiously observed the newly engaged couple. Madeline and Nathan frowned, and Isaac noticed that something is off, so he perked up his ears.

Mia didn't pay attention to reactions from her future in-laws. She was focused on Hunter.

"We didn't talk about it.", Mia said in a low voice.

Hunter shrugged. "Big or small, here or in Vegas or Tahiti or Mount Everest… those are just the details I will gladly let you pick."

Mia sighed. It's not that she does not want to marry Hunter... she said 'yes' when he proposed, but she can't understand the rush.

Hunter noticed that Mia's mood dropped. "Are you not willing?"

"You know that I am. But how about we wait a bit? I am still getting used to the idea of us living together."

"How much is 'a bit'? A day? A week? A month?", Hunter continued probing.

Mia glanced around the table and smiled awkwardly before her sight returned to Hunter. "Can we talk about it in private?"

Hunter smiled. "OK. I see you want to make it a surprise for the others. I am fine with that as well. We will talk after dinner."

Madeline listened intently and panic in her swelled when she heard that they will get married as a surprise and...

"What is the rush?", Madeline could not control herself.

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