“Have you planned all of this, Reas?”
Bryan’s accusation elicited a smirk from Andreas. He raised his glass and took a sip with a relaxed demeanor, as if he were enjoying an international opera performance.
“Of course, I had planned it,” replied Andreas nonchalantly. He then turned to Vlora by his side, reaching out his hand and gently squeezing her slender fingers. “It would be impossible for me not to consider the possibility that you would reject Vlora. I didn’t want to take any risks, and you can’t do anything about it now. It’s already too late.”
Andreas did not exaggerate what he said. And as for Bryan’s helplessness now, it would only take a short amount of time for the sensational news to spread across the country. There was no need to wait for tomorrow’s printed newspapers or even internet-based media outlets to start working as expected.
A delighted expression adorned Andreas’ handsome face. Just imagining it made him so ecstatic, let alone when he would return from the event and browse through the news sites one by one. It seemed like he would go to sleep feeling elated that night.
Andreas expressed his joy by giving a deep kiss on the back of Vlora’s hand. She held her breath, trying to withstand the gaze of Andreas’ parents, who were undoubtedly observing them at that moment.
“Do you want to know something, Ma?”
Andreas cautiously released Vlora’s hand. His gaze then shifted to his mother, who was sitting across the table.
“Vlora is Lucas’ secretary. You could say she is his right-hand woman.”
Amanda did not have a chance to respond when Bryan’s voice immediately followed.
“Lucas?”
Andreas glanced at Bryan. His father looked shocked.
“The one who snatched the Elysian Gardens hotel tender away from Jonas?”
Andreas laughed. “That was the first billion-dollar tender that Jonas failed to secure. Ah! I just remembered that at the time, Jonas nearly lost half of his shares due to his hidden talents.” He chuckled briefly and nodded meaningfully. “It certainly lived up to everyone’s expectations and predictions.”
“That’s all because of Lucas. You know that well, Reas.”
“Of course, it’s because of Lucas. If only Papa knew. He had only held HD Realty for eight months. Luckily, Lucas decided to take over Greatech. Just imagine if he had competed with Jonas. Jonas would have become unemployed.”
Bryan’s face turned even paler; his hands clenched tightly in his bag. It seemed his already limited patience was being further tested.
Bryan took a deep breath, trying to suppress his emotions with a single thought that filled his mind. Not only did Andreas intentionally provoke the media by bringing them there, but he also orchestrated a scenario where the four of them could sit at the same table.
“How can you be friends with your own brother’s enemy, Reas?” Bryan asked.
Andreas retorted immediately, “Jonas and I have never considered each other as brothers. In fact, we see each other as enemies, and the enemy of my enemy is, of course, my friend.”
Bryan decided to seal his lips tightly. He chose not to respond to Andreas’ words, fearing that it would not be words that would escape his mouth, but rather a string of curses.
It seemed the night had been eventful enough. Andreas concluded his jests before Bryan slammed all the glasses and flipped the table.
“Alright. I suppose it’s time to introduce Vlora to the others,” Andreas said as he stood up. He reached out his hand to Vlora while scanning the room. “I haven’t seen Vian. Where is she?”
Vian was perhaps the only family member Andreas was eagerly anticipating that night. At the very least, he wanted to see his younger sister’s reaction when meeting her prospective sister-in-law. “We’ll excuse ourselves,” Andreas said.
Vlora gave a polite smile to Bryan and Amanda, then followed Andreas as he led the way.
“How did it go? Did your adaptability come in handy?”
During their time at the table, Vlora did not say much. She chose to remain silent, as if she was trying to get a sense of the environment she would soon be entering.
“I think it came in handy,” Vlora nodded. “Your family is different from most families I know. It made me quite nervous.”
Andreas glanced at her. “Is your adrenaline rushing?”
“Yes.”
“Do you like it?”
Vlora let out a breath, her expression helpless. “It’s quite challenging.”
“I knew we would be a good match.”
“Because in reality, all of this is not more thrilling than the sudden announcement of our plans to marry soon.”
“Do you mind?”
Vlora blinked. Unfortunately, she did not have a chance to answer as Andreas spoke again, gently squeezing her hand.
“Your boss is here.”
Vlora looked in the direction of Andreas’ gaze. There was a married couple walking towards them.
The four of them met in the middle of the room, shaking hands with each other.
“How have you been, Ve?”
Velia Angelica Howell, who felt comfortable in Lucas’ embrace, smiled. An elegant and calming impression radiated, bringing back Andreas’ long-standing question to the surface. How could a gentle woman like Velia fall in love with a man like Lucas?
Andreas did not mean to say that Lucas was unfeeling. It was just that he could see the difference here. While he and Vlora were drawn together because of their similarities, it was different for Lucas and Velia. They were bound to each other precisely because of their differences.
“Good evening, Vlo,” Velia greeted Vlora with a soft voice. In return, she received an equally warm response.
“Good evening, Ma’am.”
The pleasantries ended, and the conversation continued when Lucas interjected without any preamble.
“It seems like I’ve missed an important show.”
Andreas chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll find out tomorrow morning or maybe even sooner on the internet, I suppose.”
“You’re truly crazy.”
“Believe me. Compared to me…” Andreas raised his hand and gestured towards all the guests at the party. “… the people at this party must realize that my parents are even crazier.”
Lucas simply sighed and shook his head. Especially when Andreas spoke again.
“Besides, we’re all crazy. It’s just that our methods differ.”
Lucas did not need any further explanation. At the same time, Vlora touched Andreas’ hand and whispered in his ear.
“I need to go to the restroom for a moment.”
Andreas turned. “Do you want me to accompany you?”
“Thank you, but it’s not necessary.”
Vlora excused herself and headed to the restroom. It did not take long, and she made sure to check her appearance.
Everything still looked in order. Vlora quickly exited and intended to return to where she was supposed to be, but a woman blocked her path.
“Hi.”
*