"Grandpa, thank you. I thought you wouldn't come here," Louis exclaimed with a mix of surprise and gratitude as they stepped out into the empty corridor.
As soon as they found themselves alone in the dimly lit hallway, Louis couldn't contain his shock. He had secretly feared that his beloved grandfather, Cian, might not make it today, and the thought had been gnawing at him for hours.
He'd been keeping his emotions in check for many years, but if he let them surface now, he'd feel utterly foolish.
Grandpa Cian chuckled warmly, ruffling Louis's hair affectionately. "How can I let things go astray without my interference?"
Louis managed a slight grin before he voiced his concern. "Then why didn't you answer our calls, both mine and Joshua's? We were really worried about you."
Grandpa Cian patted Louis on the shoulder reassuringly and replied, "I wanted to surprise you."
His admission brought a genuine smile to Louis's face, turning an already special day into something truly extraordinary. Not only had Louis become the CEO, but he had also triumphed over his rival today.
As they walked down the corridor, he couldn't help but ask, "How is your girlfriend doing?"
"She's fine, but a bit upset with me," Louis admitted. A smile broke on his face, which Grandpa Cian noticed.
Grandpa Cian raised an eyebrow playfully. "You should make your girl happy, Louis. I'd love to meet her soon."
Louis hesitated before cautiously inquiring, "Are you planning to stay here, Grandpa?"
Grandpa Cian's eyes twinkled with warmth as he nodded. "Yes, at least until your marriage is done."
Louis couldn't hide his excitement. "Well, it's fantastic to have you here, Grandpa. I can't wait for you to meet everyone and be a part of the celebrations."
Grandpa Cian's eyes gleamed with pride. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Louis. Now, tell me more about this girlfriend of yours. What's her name?"
"Her name is Verena," Louis replied, a soft smile playing on his lips. "She's an incredible woman, Grandpa. Smart, beautiful, and caring."
Grandpa Cian chuckled. "Sounds like quite the catch. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better."
As they continued down the corridor, Louis couldn't help but reminisce. "You know, Grandpa, I still remember all those stories you used to tell me when I was a kid. They've shaped who I am today."
Grandpa Cian nodded with a nostalgic glint in his eyes. "Ah, those were the days. I always knew you'd grow up to be someone special, Louis. Now, it's time for you to carry on the family legacy."
Louis nodded thoughtfully. "I'll do my best, Grandpa. But I could never fill your shoes."
Grandpa Cian placed a hand on Louis's shoulder, his voice filled with wisdom. "You don't have to fill my shoes, Louis. Just be the best version of yourself, and everything will fall into place."
Louis smiled warmly at his grandfather. "Grandpa, it's been too long. How about we grab some coffee or tea and catch up?"
Grandpa Cian's eyes twinkled with affection, but he shook his head regretfully. "I'd love to, Louis, but I need to meet with your father, Remy, right now. It's important."
Louis's face showed a hint of disappointment, but he understood the priorities. "I get it, Grandpa. Family business can't wait, I suppose."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sight of Louis's father, Remy, approaching them. Grandpa Cian smiled warmly at Louis and said, "It looks like your father is here. I'll catch up with you later, my boy."
Louis hugged his grandfather tightly, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I'm really glad you're here, Grandpa."
With a pat on Louis's back, Grandpa Cian replied, "I wouldn't have missed this for anything. Now, go and have that meeting with your work. We'll have plenty of time to catch up."
Verena heaved a sigh as silence enveloped them. "Verena?" Juliette called out softly.
Verena hummed and waited for her friend to continue, but Juliette remained quiet, her expression mirroring one Verena had seen four years ago—a mix of curiosity, concern, and a touch of disbelief.
"Why don't you take revenge on her?" Juliette finally broke the silence, her voice carrying a tone of frustration.
She added, "Why is she living a good life? But you—look at you. You're not as beautiful as you used to be. Have you noticed how your skin has gone dull? You're alive, but why didn't she get even the least bit affected by what she did while you haven't recovered?"
Verena lowered her gaze for a moment, feeling the weight of Juliette's words. The unfairness of it all often haunted her thoughts during her time in prison.
"I want to... take revenge on the Vandeleurs for what they did to us," Verena finally admitted, determination glinting in her eyes.
Juliette leaned in, her interest piqued. "Do you have a plan?"
Verena nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Yes, I do. But I can't do it alone. That's where you come in."
Juliette's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Me? What do you need from me?"
Verena leaned closer, her voice low but filled with conviction. "You told me you're a fashion designer now, right? I need your help to get revenge."
Juliette leaned back in her chair, studying Verena intently. "Revenge is a heavy word, Verena. Are you sure about this? What exactly do you have in mind?"
Verena sighed, her gaze never leaving Juliette's. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, Juliette. I want to expose the Vandeleurs for the manipulative, corrupt people they are. I want to reveal the truth about what they did to us and to so many others. And I want to do it in a way that hits them where it hurts the most—public perception."
Juliette nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of Verena's plan. "So, you want to use fashion as a means to expose them?"
Verena nodded, a determined gleam in her eyes. "Yes, exactly. Fashion is a powerful tool, Juliette." Verena took a sip of her coffee and continued.
"It can shape opinions, challenge norms, and bring about change. I want to create a collection that tells our story and shines a light on the injustices we've suffered and the lives they've ruined. And I want it to be a sensation, something that captures the attention of the media, the public, and even the Vandeleurs themselves."
Juliette was silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then she looked at Verena with a resolute expression.
"I'm in, Verena. I'll help you with this. But remember, revenge can be a double-edged sword. It can consume you as much as it can consume your enemies. Are you prepared for what comes next?"
Verena smiled gratefully at her friend. "Thank you, Juliette. And yes, I'm prepared. I've spent four long years in prison, and during that time, I've learned patience, resilience, and the value of fighting for justice. I won't let revenge consume me. I'll use it as a driving force to bring about change and expose the Vandeleurs for what they truly are."