Driving to the outskirts of the city, the cars slowed down in the front of a quint and peaceful-looking mansion.
While the Tuhs house was nothing small, it wasn't the biggest mansion, especially considering the area they were in.
But, that didn't take away any of the grandeur, especially since only the best materials where used to construct the building. Including that, the outside garden was so pristine, that Elder Guilliano couldn't keep his eyes away.
Being a retired man, he had picked up many hobbies, gardening was something he did on the side to keep in touch with nature. But never did he expect to see such an array of beautiful blooming flowers at the start of the winter season.
The driver went up to the gate and gave identification to the guard, having passed that step, they were allowed access.
"Well, it's not as grand as your own, but welcome to our home." Mr. Tuhs said, as the door was opened for them in front of the door.
Astrid stepped out and proceeded to casually go to the front door and open it. Revealing a comforting sight for her.
"Sis!" Anya was standing waiting with Andrea for them, she immediately rushed into the arms of her big sister.
"Welcome home Miss, shall I prepare the hall?" Andrea asked understanding there were extra guests.
"No need, Winoa will be arriving in a little while. Take the night off Andrea." Astrid said as she pinched Anya's smiling face.
Andrea smiled and slightly bowed. "Understood Miss." Andrea might be Mrs. Tuhs' attendant, but it was painfully obvious who the head of the family was by now. Since Astrid had already been given most of the properties in the Tuhs' possession, and had given the Urzhokovic family their revival.
"Well, let's have some tea shall we?" Mr. Tuhs said while walking with Mrs. Guilliano and Elder Guilliano.
With that, Astrid put down Anya and left to go get everything they would need. Lewis came into the kitchen as well, knowing she would need an extra pair of hands.
"It was an intoxicating sight back there." Lewis suddenly said as Astrid sneaked a biscuit in her mouth.
"Huh?" She mumbled, as her hands were full of snacks for herself, and nothing for anyone else.
Lewis smiled, he knew it was a good idea to come help... "Having that feeling that you know someone is at home waiting for you, especially a little child that looks similar to you." Lewis revealed his thoughts, making Astrid stop eating, and smile.
"... I think we should be working on that next... But first, I demand something else." Astrid said as she then pointed at her empty ring finger.
Lewis chuckled, "Considering who my partner is, it's a bit of a shame I can't surprise you with a big celebration." That was all Lewis said as he picked up the teapot and tray, walking out and not saying anything else.
Astrid was baffled, wasn't that the time to propose then? Didn't she move the conversation on to the topic well? She grumbled to herself as she picked up a few more cupcakes they had in stock...
Elder Guilliano didn't know what to say, seeing his grandson serve everyone tea... He normally was so isolated at home, while not cold, he certainly wouldn't serve tea for anyone in someone else's presence.
But then he saw something even more shocking. Astrid walking out with her hands full of food... No, it was sweets. Cakes, biscuits. All he knew of her was that she was an amazing person. She had the knowledge and power to rival leaders of countries, and now he was watching her stuff her face with food while his grandson made sure she didn't choke.
If Elder Guilliano was surprised, Mrs. Guilliano was stunned, she had realized before that Astrid ate quite a bit. But never did she expect such a perfect woman to have such a ferocious appetite...
With the appearance of two people she didn't know, Anya started a little reserved. But when she learned that they would be her family, she immediately warmed up to the visitors...
Elder Guilliano was given a breath of new life when with Anya. He only had one son, he had raised him many years ago and at that time he was so busy with business he wasn't the most amazing parent...
But with such an intelligent and smart young child, Elder Guilliano was given a new reason to live longer. To watch such a cute child grow. And give her guidance only someone as old as he could give her...
Mrs. Guilliano was also in the same situation, so tonight Anya was given a lot of attention. Because of this, Astrid was left to her own devices... To eat in relative peace.
"I... I'm going outside for a bit." Astrid said, as she rubbed her poor stomach. She was so hungry during the banquet, all the food she couldn't eat... She now felt redeemed. But she paid the price for it.
Mrs. Tuhs just sighed, what could she do about her gluttonous daughter? And now she was going outside to smoke at least 8 cigarettes...
"She must have used a lot of energy this time." Mr. Tuhs blankly commented while having a heavy gaze on Lewis. He knew his daughter's habits, she ate a lot to regain her burnt energy...
Lewis kept a poker face as he then took two cups and stood up. "I'll be right back." He announced, suspiciously going the same direction that Astrid went...
*Sigh* "It seems old age takes it out of you." Elder Guilliano commented, in which everyone apart from Anya nodded.
"Well... There doesn't need to be any formalities, especially after what Astrid announced earlier. If there is anything the Guilliano family will need in the future, you have our full support." Veronica said as she elegantly placed her cup down.
Elder Guilliano shook his head. "There is no need for such a thing. We aren't interested in anything with the family anymore. Any distant relatives have already betrayed us one too many times... I'm sure Astrid and Lewis can sort out any issues easily."
"... Since we will be all family soon, shall we have a toast?" Mr. Tuhs raised his cup with a smile.
Elder Guilliano followed, in which a toast was made over the partnership of the two families.
.......
"Your team member made a grave mistake on her mission. I am severely dissapointed. Any information leading to you will be kept in the dark, but do remember, that anything related to Astrid Urzhokovic is dangerous. I highly recommend staying far away from her. Do not make her your enemy." Astrid spoke into a phone while having a cigarette in her other hand.
Lewis smiled knowing that Astrid was playing another game, he sat down on the bench and settled the cups down beside them.
Astrid then put away her phone, she had sent her message over to Brad. Of course, her voice was heavily encrypted.
"Do you think he will accept it?" Lewis asked, in which Astrid took a deep inhale of smoke.
"I'm not sure. As much as I know the facts, the human heart is difficult when it comes to terms about something so personal." Astrid blankly said, in which Lewis just smiled.
"Maybe. You have the best-laid plans, and can read people based on their subtle actions. Yet sometimes the human heart can be hard to read." Lewis commented as he kept his eyes on the side features of Astrid's face.
Astrid turned, only to see a frontal view of Lewis's face. "It's a deal that will benefit him, he will know that. But I'm still surprised that Winoa suggested the idea. But if that is what she wants then it will happen." Astrid said, as she fell entrapped in Lewis's eyes.
Lewis smiled, "Mmm, having a child huh? Should we work on that?" Lewis asked, as he pulled in Astrid for a kiss...