The mountain's quiet embrace, the starry sky, and the gentle birdsong created an atmosphere where he could pour out his grievances to the universe, a place to come to terms with the past and find inner peace.
Lucien answered the phone when he heard it ringing, a hint of curiosity coloring his features. The voice on the other end immediately captured his attention, and he couldn't hide the surprise that washed over him as he engaged in the conversation. The unexpected nature of the call left him intrigued, eager to learn more about the person on the line.
As Lucien descended the mountain and returned home, the aroma of his aunt's cooking greeted him like an old friend. He couldn't help but take in a deep breath, savoring the familiar and comforting scent. Despite their financial constraints, his aunt's culinary creations had always been a source of delight for him, and he had dearly missed them during his absence.
Upon entering the house, he was pleasantly surprised to see her at the stove, preparing a simple yet delectable breakfast. The tantalizing smell intensified his anticipation. A broad smile crossed his face, a testament to the genuine affection he held for his aunt's culinary talents.
"Ah, Aunt, your cooking is something I've missed so much," he admitted, his eyes sparkling with delight.
She turned to him, initially taken aback by his sudden presence, but soon her surprise transformed into a warm smile. "Lucien, you're back! I'm just making a simple breakfast, trying to use up what's in the fridge since we're moving soon. But I'm glad you're looking forward to it."
She advised him to get ready while his uncle finished up in the bathroom. She also suggested that he check on Lizzie, believing that she was still asleep and would need to wake soon.
Lucien nodded and headed to the living room, his stomach already doing somersaults at the prospect of a home-cooked meal. However, he paused briefly to peek in on Lizzie, his beloved sister who had been the core of his motivation for returning. He gently pushed the door to her room open, finding her nestled in a cocoon of dreams, her face serene and peaceful.
As much as he wanted to wake her and share the delightful news of their reunion and his plans, he couldn't bring himself to disrupt her slumber just yet. With a tender smile, he made a mental note to return and wake her once breakfast was ready.
After quietly leaving Lizzie's room, Lucien went about selecting the right attire for the day. Given his plan for lunch with Sophia, he decided to opt for slightly more formal clothing. After all, he wanted to make a good impression. He quickly freshened up and changed into his chosen outfit.
With his own preparations complete, Lucien then turned his attention to his younger sister, Lizzie. She was still wrapped in the embrace of slumber, and he knew it was time to rouse her gently. Today marked the last day of her school year, and it was essential to get the day started on the right note.
Lucien's voice, soft and reassuring, reached her ears as he tried to coax her into the waking world. "Lizzie, my little princess, it's the final day of school, and breakfast will be ready soon. You wouldn't want to be late on this special day, would you?"
In her semi-conscious state, Lizzie briefly stirred but couldn't quite shake off the last remnants of sleep. Lucien, ever the caring big brother, scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom. Her eyelids fluttered as she reluctantly faced the prospect of morning routines.
Lucien settled her onto the toilet seat, her eyes still half-closed, and then took a gentle measure to expedite her wakefulness by splashing some cool water on her face. She reacted with a hint of irritation, her voice conveying it clearly as she asked, "Did you have to splash me with water?"
Lucien's soft laughter filled the bathroom. "I'm sorry, but you were being quite the sleepyhead, and we don't want to be late today. The last day of school is a big deal, isn't it? So, let's get you ready quickly, and we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast together."
As Lucien entered the kitchen, he was met by the inviting aroma of breakfast prepared by his aunt Fiona. She had cooked a hearty meal to start the day, knowing that they all needed their energy for the busy day ahead. In addition to celebrating Lizzie's last day of school,Lucien's schedule was packed with a lunch date with Sophia, a visit to his company, and a planned shopping outing with Sophia. It was shaping up to be an eventful day.
He couldn't help but smile as he imagined the day's adventures. There was much to do and look forward to, and he was determined to make the most of it with his family. Breakfast was the perfect way to fuel up and prepare for all that lay ahead. While enjoying their meal, they discussed their plans for the day. Lucien, with a hint of mystery, mentioned that he had a busy schedule ahead, but he didn't provide further details.His family respected his privacy and didn't pry, allowing him to keep his matters confidential.
Aidan shared his intention to hand in his resignation letter at the factory today, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The family agreed that starting to pack some of their belongings would be a good idea, even though they had time until Lizzie's graduation. The sooner they got things organized, the smoother the transition would be, and they wanted to get it done even before the graduation.
Lucien's day was filled with a series of tasks and responsibilities. It began by driving Lizzie to school, ensuring that she wouldn't be late on her last day. Her excitement was palpable as she talked about the upcoming graduation, and Lucien couldn't help but share in her joy.
With Lizzie safely at school, Lucien turned his attention to his uncle's plans. Aidan had decided to hand in his resignation letter at the factory today, marking the beginning of a significant life transition. Lucien offered to drive him to work, making it a more comfortable journey than a taxi ride. Aidan was visibly surprised by the luxurious interior of the Maybach as he entered the car. The comfortable, plush seats and the opulent design of the vehicle were a testament to Lucien's success, and Aidan couldn't help but be impressed by his nephew's achievements.
Lucien's sleek Maybach turned heads as he pulled up to the factory. They parted ways as Aidan entered the factory to deliver the letter. Lucien knew that his uncle wouldn't need to work today, and they'd soon reunite to start the process of packing up their belongings in preparation for their move.
Lucien then headed towards LuxeUniverse Couture, the company he had taken over, with his own plans for the day. Lizzie still had about three hours of school remaining, and he intended to make the most of this time by getting acquainted with the company and its employees. With so much on his plate, including the upcoming move and Lizzie's graduation, today was the only opportunity to focus on his work.
As Lucien continued on his way to LuxeUniverse Couture, he couldn't shake off the invitation they had received to a party hosted by a group whose name he couldn't quite recall. The decision about whether to attend the party still lingered in his thoughts. On one hand, he could sense Lizzie's excitement, and he wanted to make her happy, but on the other, he couldn't help but be cautious, especially with the recent developments.
With the safety and well-being of his family at the forefront of his mind, Lucien decided that they would attend the party, but with a heightened sense of security and vigilance. He was determined to ensure that nothing would happen to Lizzie, and he would take the necessary precautions to keep her safe.
Lucien made his way to the LuxeUniverse Couture company through the early morning emptiness of the shopping district. The district's streets were still sparsely populated as many were at work. As he approached the company's building, he admired its sleek glass and elegant stone facades. Above the entrance, a brightly lit sign displayed the name "LuxeUniverse Couture," welcoming him to the establishment.
Stepping inside, Lucien was immediately impressed by the interior design. The company's interior was tastefully designed with a predominantly white or light color scheme. The layout and structure of the space were thoughtfully arranged and distinct from other establishments he had seen. He couldn't help but chuckle at his own somewhat rustic perspective, realizing he needed to adapt to this more cosmopolitan world of international business.
Lucien went to the counter and introduced himself to the receptionist. Upon hearing his name, she excused herself and promptly called the manager. After a brief wait, he heard the sound of high heels approaching. A young woman, appearing to be in her early thirties, emerged from an office and introduced herself.
"Hello, Mr. Wilson," she began with a warm smile. "I'm Isabella Sterling, the former CEO of LuxeUniverse Couture, which you have purchased. It's my pleasure to meet you." She extended her hand for a handshake, and Lucien greeted her with a firm handshake in return.
Lucien responded with a polite but confident tone, "The pleasure is mine, Ms. Sterling. I've heard great things about this company, and I look forward to working together."
Lucien and Isabella took a brief tour of the LuxeUniverse Couture premises. As they moved through the various departments, Lucien introduced himself to some employees and showed a keen interest in the company's day-to-day operations.
They briefly stopped by the design department, where Lucien admired a stunning evening gown design and offered words of praise to the talented designer. In the production area, he asked a few questions about the manufacturing process and showed appreciation for the craftsmanship.
The marketing department presented their ideas for upcoming ad campaigns and promotions, and Lucien encouraged them to think creatively and promised his full support.
n the finance and administrative departments, they discussed the company's financial health and administrative procedures.
Finally, they entered Isabella's office, where Lucien addressed her concerns about the office space. He reassured her that she was welcome to keep the office if she preferred and explained that he would primarily be residing in Starcity but would visit occasionally to offer his support while allowing her to run the company autonomously. Isabella visibly relaxed at his words, relieved about the transition of ownership.
Lucien handed the sketchbook to Isabella, interested in her unbiased assessment of the designs created by the talented artist. Without disclosing that the designer was his aunt, he wanted to hear Isabella's unfiltered opinion. As she perused the sketches, Isabella's initial surprise gave way to genuine enthusiasm. She spent a considerable amount of time carefully examining the drawings and eventually shared her perspective.
"The designer is really good," Isabella remarked. "Although the designs are somewhat old and not really in trend right now, you can still see that this designer was really talented and has an eye for fashion. If we could get her, that would be really good. Her talent is something that you don't see often, at least that's what I would say based on what I have in front of me. I can't give an assurance, but if she is still this good, she would be a big asset for us." Her excitement and genuine admiration for the talent were apparent.
Lucien was pleased that Isabella recognized his aunt's talent, and he made a mental note to discuss it further with his aunt after the move was completed. To shift the conversation, he decided to address a topic that had been bothering him for some time.