The little lounge Adella found herself at was both high end and run down. The aesthetic was an old hidden gem that only locals would know about. Granted, said locals had to be decently well off to get in the door, but when one is dating a Zoldyck, and with his grandfather, you don't have to worry about that.

"I really can pay for my own." Adella insists as Zeno orders another round.

"Nonsense!" Zeno chuckles. "Illumi warned us you were insistent on not dipping into the Zoldyck funds. I will say that is one thing Kikyo appreciated."

Adella shrugs, sipping her cocktail. She couldn't remember what Zeno had ordered, but it was delicious. "I'm not a Zoldyck. I have my own money."

"But living in Yorknew isn't exactly cheap." Zeno points out.

Adella shrugs. "I get by. I'm more concerned about having a good apartment in a safe building. Illumi did insist on upgrading to a three bedroom, but I put my foot down. Two bedrooms and a couch is enough for me."

Zeno chuckles. "My grandson does like having control of everything he can. I'm not surprised your personal life is included."

Adella scoffs, setting down her drink. "I nearly left him over that. During the exam he drugged me because he decided it was too dangerous for me to help."

The Zoldyck doesn't seem shocked. "I do not blame him for that. It is what he was raised to do, protect his family. Clearly, he sees you as part of his."

"I suppose. If it weren't for the fact he'd promised not to use a needle on me. It was the one no." She sighs.

"Does it matter if it was to your benefit?"

She looks across from her, having forgotten who she was talking to. Of course Zeno Zoldyck would take his grandson's side. "What is a relationship if there is no trust?"

The older man quirks a brow, regarding her. "I can see why my son was hesitant about you. You certainly have an… interesting point of view. One we do not have the pleasure of considering often."

Adella remains quiet, not liking the turn the conversation has taken.

"We take care of what we deem ours. Illumi had every right to keep you safe, even from yourself."

She sits back, staring at her glass. "I can make my own decisions. Including whether or not I allow him to be in my life."

Zeno chuckles. "Normally I would disagree. Illumi always gets what he wants. Though it seems you have changed how he is going about it. He's letting you set the pace." He grows cold, a warning edge to his tone. "Do not squander the opportunity he is giving you. If you turn your back on him and he decides to take you anyway, I will not intercede."

Adella scowls, leaning forward. "If he decides to squander the opportunity I am giving him, allowing him to earn his way back into my good graces, he will have to settle for a puppet if he wants me. And I will fight tooth and nail before I let him put another needle in my head."

Zeno observes her carefully, taking his time to decide her fate. Finally, he smiles, reaching for his drink. "We may just make a Zoldyck of you yet, my dear. Kikyo may not see it, but I think you have all the qualities of the perfect wife for our Illumi."

Adella is shocked. She'd spoken back to the patriarch of the Zoldyck clan, and he… liked it?

Noticing her confusion, Zeno chuckles. "You are uncompromising, cold, and ruthless when you want to be. You are intelligent enough to realize money doesn't appeal to us, but that you can buy our loyalty with a higher price."

He tips his glass towards her in a mock cheers. "You're half-way there already, my dear."