Chapter25
As the Chinook cruised through the air, Rebecca leaned back, relaxing for the first time in what felt like days. The rhythmic hum of the rotors and the breathtaking view of the landscape below made for a surreal atmosphere. She turned to her brother, Samuel, who was seated next to her, and nudged him lightly.
"So," she began, a teasing lilt in her voice, "is it really Grandpa who wanted to meet Ethan's friends and me, or are you just making this up to get me to visit?"
Samuel smirked but didn't dodge the question. "It's Grandpa," he admitted. "He's been asking about you—and your new 'allies.' He's curious."
Rebecca's smile widened. "It'll be good to see him. It's been too long."
Samuel's demeanor shifted slightly, his usual lightheartedness giving way to a more serious tone. "Rebecca," he said, his voice low, "is Ethan really going after his father this soon?"
Rebecca nodded without hesitation. "Yes. He's determined, and he has all of us backing him up."
Samuel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Then Grandpa must be very worried. You know how he gets when he thinks someone he cares about is walking into danger."
Rebecca frowned. "Worried how?"
Samuel leaned in slightly, lowering his voice further, even though they were alone in their section of the helicopter. "He's probably going to suggest increasing your security. And not just for you—he'll want to extend it to Leo and Emma too. You know how thorough he is."
Rebecca groaned, rolling her eyes. "Not this again. I don't need a small army following me everywhere."
Samuel chuckled, but his expression remained serious. "You say that, but Ethan's father isn't just a normal problem. He has resources, influence, and a very questionable moral compass. Grandpa knows what's at stake, and he'll do whatever he can to protect you."
Rebecca crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "I appreciate his concern, but I don't need a security detail breathing down my neck every second. I've managed just fine so far."
Samuel shrugged. "We'll see what Grandpa says. You know he has a way of convincing people."
Rebecca sighed, leaning her head against the window. "Let's just hope he doesn't go overboard."
Meanwhile, Leo and Emma, seated nearby, were too engrossed in the aerial view to pay much attention to the siblings' conversation. Leo, still wide-eyed with excitement, muttered something about how he'd never seen anything like this.
Emma, on the other hand, had a thoughtful look on her face. She glanced back at Rebecca and Samuel, catching snippets of their conversation. "Do you think her grandpa's really as protective as she says?"
Leo shrugged, a small smirk playing on his lips. "If he's anything like Samuel, I'm betting he's got a whole bunker ready somewhere just in case."
Emma giggled, though a hint of nervousness remained. "This is starting to feel a lot bigger than we thought."
Leo glanced at her, his expression softening. "We'll handle it. Ethan's not alone, and neither are you. Rebecca's grandpa sounds like someone who knows what he's doing. Let's trust him for now."
Emma nodded, comforted by Leo's calm assurance.
As the helicopter continued its journey, Rebecca glanced at her brother again. "So, what's the plan once we land? Straight to Grandpa's?"
Samuel nodded. "Yep. He's expecting us."
Rebecca smiled faintly, the thought of seeing her grandfather easing some of her tension. But in the back of her mind.
The helicopter descended onto the sprawling estate, its twin rotors kicking up a whirlwind of dust and leaves. As they touched down, Leo and Emma couldn't help but gape at the sight before them. The mansion looked like something out of a mafia movie—grand, imposing, and surrounded by a sea of heavily armed guards.
Men in black suits stood at strategic points, assault rifles in hand, their expressions cold and unyielding. The air seemed to hum with tension, and Leo glanced at Emma, who appeared just as overwhelmed.
"Are we... about to meet a final boss?" Leo whispered, half-joking.
Emma bit her lip, her nervousness evident. "It feels like we're walking into a movie."
Rebecca led the way, completely unfazed by the intimidating atmosphere. Samuel followed close behind, smirking at Leo and Emma's wide-eyed reactions.
They were quickly ushered through the mansion, its lavish interior no less overwhelming than its exterior. Grand chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and every corner seemed to glisten with opulence. Yet, the heavily armed guards lining the halls kept the atmosphere far from welcoming.
Finally, they were brought to a grand hall. The tension in the air thickened as the doors creaked open, revealing an old man standing by a large window. He leaned on a cane, his posture upright and dignified. He was bald, with no hair but a pristine white mustache that added an air of wisdom.
Leo braced himself. This was it—the big reveal. The hardened war hero. The tactical mastermind.
But the moment the man turned and saw Rebecca, his entire demeanor changed. His stern expression melted into a warm smile, and his cane clattered to the ground as he opened his arms wide.
"Rebecca, my little princess!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with affection.
Leo blinked, his mental image of a cold and calculated war hero shattering instantly. Rebecca rushed forward, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment as the old man enveloped her in a bear hug.
Emma, standing beside Leo, clasped her hands together. "This is... so wholesome," she whispered, her nerves dissipating into a soft smile.
Leo, on the other hand, felt like the rug had been pulled out from under him. The larger-than-life war hero he'd imagined was now a doting grandfather, squeezing Rebecca with all the love in the world.
Samuel, ever the opportunist, had his phone out in a flash. "This is gold," he muttered, snapping picture after picture. "Rebecca, you're going to owe me for this."
Rebecca pulled away, her face flushed. "Samuel!" she hissed, her eyes narrowing as she lunged for his phone.
The old man, oblivious to the chaos, turned to Samuel with the same warm smile. "And my boy! Come here, Samuel."
Before Samuel could react, he was pulled into a hug. Rebecca grinned as she whipped out her own phone, quickly taking her revenge.
"Smile for the camera, Sammy," she teased, earning a groan from her brother.
Once the family antics settled, the old man turned his attention to Leo and Emma. "Ah, you must be the friends I've heard so much about!" he said, his voice welcoming. "I'm Arthur, Rebecca and Samuel's grandfather. Please, make yourselves at home."
Leo and Emma nodded, still trying to process the whirlwind of emotions.
Arthur's demeanor shifted slightly as he gestured for Samuel and Rebecca to follow him. "I'd like a word with my grandchildren first. You two relax; we'll talk more soon."
Rebecca shot Leo and Emma a reassuring glance before following her grandfather. Samuel trailed behind, muttering something about how he'd never hear the end of this.
As they disappeared into another room, Leo and Emma sank into the plush couches.
"Well," Leo said after a moment, "that wasn't what I was expecting."
Emma smiled. "Me neither, but I think I like this version of a war hero."