As Luna's private jet descended into the picturesque city of Verona, she felt a familiar mix of excitement and anticipation. The city was known for its breathtaking views and rich history, making it the perfect location for her Dreamland project. Luna had poured her heart into this venture, and as she stepped off the plane, she could feel the energy of the city welcoming her.
Verona was not just another city for Luna; it held a deep personal connection. Her grandmother had often spoken of the city with a fondness that had always intrigued Luna. It was where her mother had been born and raised, a place where nature and luxury coexisted in perfect. Luna felt a sense of closeness to her mother here, a woman whose face was not in her memory.
Her team, ever efficient and professional, was ready and waiting for her. They quickly loaded into the sleek SUVs that would take them to the site where Dreamland would become a reality. As they drove through the winding streets of Verona, Luna gazed out at the stunning landscape, the hills rolling gently into the distance, the sunlight casting a golden hue over everything.
Upon arriving at the site, Luna felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her. The land was even more beautiful than she remembered. It was the ideal canvas for Dreamland.
Today, she was meeting Mr. Northan, the current owner of the vast land she intended to purchase. The deal was monumental, not just for Luna, but for Northan too, as it was the end of a long lineage of ownership.Upon arriving at the estate, Luna took a deep breath as her car pulled into the driveway of a grand, old-fashioned villa perched on the edge of the hills. The place spoke of history—every stone of the villa seemed to hold a story. Mr. Northan greeted her at the entrance, his features reflecting a life deeply entwined with the land around him.Mr. Northan was an older man, perhaps in his late sixties, with a slight stoop in his posture but an undeniable vitality in his eyes. His face was lined with wrinkles that only deepened when he smiled, a warm but shrewd expression that hinted at years of experience. His neatly trimmed white beard added an air of elegance to his otherwise casual appearance. He wore a tailored suit, though a bit worn from years of use, and a small, gold pocket watch chain peeked out from his vest pocket. His salt-and-pepper hair was carefully combed back, and despite his age, there was a sharpness in his gaze that Luna immediately noticed."Ms. Ross, welcome to Verona," Mr. Northan said with an extended hand. His voice was gravelly but warm, carrying the authority of a man who had lived a full life. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. My family has been anticipating this day."Luna smiled gracefully and shook his hand, her grip firm but polite. "Thank you, Mr. Northan. The pleasure is mine. Your land is truly remarkable, and I can see why it has been such an important part of your family for generations."Northan beamed at her words, clearly pleased by her recognition of the land's value beyond just its monetary worth. "Ah, yes. This land has been in my family for centuries. We've always believed it to be our fortune—our legacy. It's not easy to let it go, but knowing it will be in capable hands like yours, Ms. Ross, eases the heart."As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. Northan was more than just a businessman; he was a man deeply connected to the soil beneath his feet. His ancestors had protected this land, nurtured it, and now, he was preparing to part with it.Luna, always tactful in such moments, nodded, acknowledging the weight of his words. "I assure you, Mr. Northan, this land will be treated with the same care and respect your family has given it for so long. We have big plans for Dreamland, but we aim to preserve the natural beauty that makes it so unique."Northan's smile widened. "I'm sure of that. I wouldn't have agreed to this deal if I wasn't convinced of your vision. You're paying a heavy sum for this land, Ms. Ross. It's only fair that I make sure everything is in order."Luna wasn't surprised by his enthusiasm. The sum she was paying for the land was indeed substantial, more than enough to set Northan and his future generations up for life. But for her, it was a necessary investment. Dreamland would be a project that would redefine luxury, and for that, only the best land would do.After exchanging pleasantries, Luna decided it was time to get to the heart of the matter. "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Northan. I'd like to finalize the deal before the evening's celebration, but before we proceed, I would love to get a tour of the land."There was a slight pause in Northan's demeanor at her request. Though still smiling, his eyes flickered with hesitation. Luna noticed it immediately."Ah," Northan began, choosing his words carefully. "Of course, Ms. Ross. A tour would be most appropriate. Though I must admit, the land... well, it's not just a simple piece of property. It holds many secrets, and it's more than just hills and fields. But if you're sure, I'll have my butler take you and your team."Luna's curiosity was piqued by his cryptic tone, but she remained calm, offering him another polite nod. "I'd appreciate that, Mr. Northan. I believe a firsthand experience will only solidify the deal."Northan turned and gestured to an older man standing nearby—his butler, who was dressed in traditional livery, complete with a bow tie. "Carter," Northan said, "please escort Ms. Ross and her team on a tour of the estate. Make sure they see everything."Carter, with his silver hair and dignified posture, nodded silently and motioned for Luna and her executives to follow. As they walked, Luna took in her surroundings. The estate was sprawling, but it wasn't just a vast stretch of land. It was a blend of nature's finest offerings—a hill that overlooked a pristine lake, dense woods that created a natural barrier, and meadows where wildflowers bloomed in abundance.Luna's footsteps were light as she moved through the property, her eyes taking in every detail. The land wasn't just beautiful—it was magical. The combination of nature's raw beauty and the history behind it made it a perfect setting for Dreamland. The estate wasn't merely a place to build a luxury resort; it was a canvas on which Luna could paint her vision. As they walked, Carter remained quiet, only offering the occasional comment about the history of certain areas. Luna appreciated the silence, using the time to imagine what Dreamland could become. The lake, with its crystal-clear waters, could be transformed into a serene retreat, while the rolling hills would be perfect for high-end villas and private estates. After nearly an hour of walking, they reached the highest point of the estate—a hill that offered a breathtaking view of the entire property. Luna stood there for a moment, letting the wind whip through her hair as she looked out at what could soon be hers. She smiled to herself, satisfied with what she had seen. The tour had only confirmed what she already knew: this land was perfect. Turning to Carter, she thanked him for the tour, her mind already racing with ideas for the development. As they made their way back to the villa, Luna felt a sense of triumph. This land, with its natural beauty and deep history, would soon be part of her legacy.
.................................................
Kiad's arrival at the Ross estate was unplanned, but he needed to gather himself before he could proceed with his long-term plan. As he walked up the steps to the imposing mansion, the grandeur of it all didn't faze him. He had been here numerous times before, but today, something felt different perhaps it was the nagging uncertainty in his mind regarding his arrangement with Luna.
He wasn't sure how to approach her. Their interactions were always cold, and though they were set to be tied together, the mere thought of it made him uneasy. The partnership, a calculated move on his part, was far from romantic. For Kiad, it was strictly business. He had to secure his family's interests, and marrying into the Ross family would ensure that. Yet, the thought of spending his life entangled in this web of corporate alliances was hard on him.
As he entered the lavish foyer of the estate, he was greeted by Vivienne, who appeared almost instantly, her usual poised and elegant demeanor firmly in place. Her sharp eyes gleamed as they settled on Kiad, recognizing an opportunity in his visit. She knew exactly who he was a man of immense power, and if played right, he's an asset for her own schemes.
"Kiad," Vivienne said smoothly, her voice dripping with warmth as she welcomed him. "What a pleasant surprise. To what do we owe this visit?" She was all smiles, generous with her gestures, but her eyes held a calculating glint. She was always working angles, and today was no different. She didn't trust easily, but she knew Kiad's influence could work to her advantage, especially when it came to positioning her daughter Camille.
Kiad gave her a tight smile in response, acknowledging her with a curt nod. "Mrs. Ross , I wasn't expecting to stay long. I just needed to speak with Luna."
Before Vivienne could respond, Camille appeared, her excitement barely concealed. The moment her eyes landed on Kiad, they lit up like a schoolgirl with a crush. Her presence was palpable, the eagerness in her movements as she walked toward him was painfully obvious. Kiad noticed her but didn't react, too focused on his task.
"Would you like some water, Kiad?" Camille asked, a bit too enthusiastically. It was an odd request, considering that several servants were present, more than capable of handling such a task. But Camille clearly wanted to be the one to offer him something, anything, to get his attention.
Kiad's patience was wearing thin, and though he tried to remain civil, his frustration began to show in the sharpness of his voice. "No, Miss Ross. I'm fine. Thank you."
The response was brief, bordering on cold, but Camille seemed unfazed. Her infatuation with him blinded her to his disinterest. She hovered nearby, unable to take her eyes off him, while Kiad redirected his attention to Vivienne.
"I need to speak with Luna," Kiad said again, more firmly this time. "Is she here?"
Vivienne, always quick to detect a shift in tone, maintained her composed smile. She didn't miss a beat before responding, her voice as sweet as ever. "Oh, Kiad, how do you not know? Luna is away on a tour for her project. Has she not informed you?"
Her words, though laced with innocence, carried an underlying jab. She was subtly suggesting that Luna didn't care enough to keep him in the loop. Kiad's jaw clenched, his tight smile becoming more strained. He could feel the tension bubbling within him, but he had to keep his emotions in check. Vivienne was testing him, as she always did, but he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing she had gotten under his skin.
"Right," he muttered, nodding stiffly. "I must've missed that." His response was short, and though his smile was still in place, it no longer reached his eyes.
Camille, who had been watching the entire exchange like a hawk, felt a pang of jealousy. She hated how Kiad seemed to only care about Luna. It was as if she didn't exist in his world. She wanted his attention so badly, yet he remained distant, almost indifferent to her presence. She could feel the burn of rejection simmering inside her, but she tried to mask it with a forced smile, continuing to act like nothing was wrong.
"Well" Kiad finally said, straightening his jacket as he prepared to leave, "I won't take up any more of your time. Thank you, Mrs. Ross, for the... information."
Vivienne's smile faltered for just a second before she quickly recovered. "Anytime, Kiad," she purred, watching him closely as he turned to leave.
As Kiad walked outside, the cool air hit him, offering a brief respite from the suffocating atmosphere inside the estate. He could feel the weight of Vivienne's and Camille's gazes on him even as he left. Pulling out his phone, he dialed his secretary.
"Find out exactly where Luna is.." Kiad said, his tone sharp and to the point. "I don't want to be caught off guard again."
His secretary responded immediately, "I'll get on it, sir."
Kiad ended the call and sighed, leaning against the side of his car. This entire situation was becoming more complicated than he had anticipated. His plan was straightforward marry Luna, secure the empire, and solidify his family's future. But now, with so many people involved, this all doesn't seem to be easy to him.
Camille's childish obsession with him, Of course this was not Vivienne's obvious manipulation, and Luna's distant behavior it was all becoming too much.
For now, he would focus on finding Luna. She was the key to everything. If he could just get her to cooperate, everything else would fall into place. He couldn't afford to let his emotions get in the way.