Verena had chosen a dress with care, hoping to make a good impression as she prepared to meet Louis's family. When she emerged from her room, ready to go, she found Louis waiting at the side.
"You're here. Can we go?" he asked, but his tone lacked the warmth and enthusiasm she had hoped for.
Verena's disappointment was evident as she looked down, feeling his indifference keenly. Louis was absorbed in his phone, typing away, and he didn't even spare her a glance as he waited for her response.
Verena's heart sank as she wondered when Louis had become so distant.
Verena reluctantly replied with a simple "Sure," her heart sinking further as Louis walked out of the room without so much as a glance in her direction.
As she started following him, she abruptly stopped, and her eyes locked onto a familiar face in the corner of the lounge.
It was Anna, the maid, who had once intentionally given her the wrong directions, leading her to the wrong room on her previous visit to the mansion.
Verena couldn't help but notice the smug smile on Anna's face, as if she had achieved some kind of victory. It hurt her and made someone happy.
Verena silently followed Louis to the car, where he seemed engrossed in a conversation over the phone. She could hear snippets of the conversation, and her eyes widened when she realised the nature of it.
"What is the result? Have you gotten hold of the issue?" Louis asked, his voice low and commanding. Verena listened in as he discussed plans to make a company, Vimax, go bankrupt for a week.
Verena was taken aback by the ruthless conversation she had just witnessed. She watched as Louis ended the call and nodded at her. It was as if a different side of him had emerged, one that she had never seen before.
Once the car started moving, Verena finally found the courage to speak. "Y-You made them bankrupt in just a few hours?"
Louis turned to her with a smile that seemed to hold a touch of amusement. "Yes, Verena," he replied calmly, the air of authority returning. "Sometimes, one has to take swift and decisive action to protect
what's important."
Silence filled the car as Verena absorbed Louis' words. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and fear, realizing the immense power and influence he possessed.
"Do you dislike what I did?" Louis inquired, wanting to gauge Verena's opinion on his recent actions. He was testing the waters for what he had in mind for Vincent.
Verena didn't hesitate in her response. "No. Give him the hardest time," she replied with a steely determination that surprised Louis.
Louis couldn't help but burst into laughter at her boldness. He leaned in closer, their faces inches apart. "Trust me, I will," he assured her, his amusement evident.
Verena playfully pushed his face back onto his seat and chided him, "Focus."
Louis grinned at her before changing the topic. "Have you learned everything about my family?" he asked.
Verena nodded, recalling the details she had gathered. "Your grandfather is Grandpa Cian, the eldest, and I've heard that you got married because of him. Everyone seems to fear him. Just thinking about him gives me goosebumps."
Louis chuckled at her reaction. "Don't worry, Verena. Just be yourself, and prove that you're worthy of the title of Mrs. Heisenberg."
Verena blushed at his words, feeling a mix of flattery and embarrassment. She took a deep breath and decided to ask a question of her own. "Why is your relationship with Alexander so strained?"
Louis's expression darkened, and instead of answering, he posed a counter-question. "Why is your relationship with Ariana so bad?"
Verena frowned, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. After a pause, she replied, "I'm sure it can't be as bad as what I have with her."
Louis's smile turned bitter, and he uttered a sombre admission. "Perhaps it's even worse than you can imagine."
In a big room, Grandpa Cian sat in contemplation, a cup of tea held in his hands. The door swung open, and Liam, his trusted aide, entered, presenting an iPad to him.
Grandpa Cian's brows furrowed as he read through the contents displayed on the screen, his expression shifting from curiosity to deep thought.
"Young Master Louis has gone to great lengths to marry this woman," Liam commented, his voice reflecting concern.
Grandpa Cian didn't appreciate the judgement and responded, "Don't speak in such a manner. There must be something remarkable about her for my grandson to choose her."
Liam persisted, voicing his doubts: "But Grandpa Cian, besides having a missing brother, she seems to have no family. What if she's an agent sent by our enemies?"
Grandpa Cian maintained his stance, his determination unwavering. "I will meet her and assess her character. The final decision will be mine. I have faith that Louis's choice will be a good one. We should not jump to conclusions."
Liam conceded, but the possibility of hidden dangers weighed heavily on his mind. "I recall that the Vanduluers have been pursuing Young Master Louis for some time," he added cautiously.
Grandpa Cian leaned in closer, his voice hushed. "Would you like to invite them?" he inquired, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Liam chuckled and replied, "Why not?"
The two shared a hearty laugh, their bond stronger than ever. "Everyone is waiting in the lounge for Verena and Louis to arrive."
Liam informed Grandpa Cian, who nodded in agreement. With a renewed sense of purpose, he stood up, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and to welcome the newest addition to the family, Verena, into their world.
Louis parked the car in front of an immense mansion that dwarfed their own residence. Verena couldn't hide her astonishment at the sheer size and grandeur of the place.
As Louis approached her, he asked, "Everyone is watching us. May I have permission to touch you?"
Verena craned her neck to look at him, considering his request carefully. After a moment of deep thought, she nodded. She understood the importance of this moment and the need to maintain appearances.
He took her hand, and as his warm palm enveloped hers, Verena couldn't help but be surprised by the contrast in their skin. Hers was dry and calloused because the time she had spent in the prison, while his was impeccably smooth.
She glanced down at their entwined hands as they began to walk towards the massive, open door.