At eleven o’clock at night, it was not too late for a party. Unfortunately, it was different with this party. Andreas decided to take Vlora to leave the event early. However, something crossed his mind, causing a frown on his forehead.
“What’s wrong?” Vlora asked, looking at Andreas.
Andreas gazed at her. “Actually, there’s one family member I haven’t introduced you to. I just realized I haven’t seen her since earlier.”
“Is it your grandmother?” Vlora asked.
Andreas shook his head. “Of course not. Nana has retired from attending such events since Papa had a mistress. It’s safe to say that Nana has never been at the same event as Papa for the last 36 years.”
A very long time. Even before Andreas was born.
“I heard the story from people, and I’ve seen it for myself. That’s what I’ve witnessed all this time. They are biological mother and son who are genuinely not on good terms.”
There was no hint of sadness in Andreas’ voice. Consequently, Vlora did not hesitate to show her mischievous smile.
“That’s her.”
Vlora’s mischievous smile vanished. Andreas held her hand and invited her to move closer.
Vlora followed the direction of Andreas’ gaze, which landed on a beautiful woman waving at him.
Another woman?
However, the question did not linger in Vlora’s mind for long. She noticed that the woman’s demeanor was different from Nadine’s earlier. So, it was not hard for her to guess that this was the family member Andreas meant.
Moreover, Vlora noticed something intriguing. The woman’s face resembled Andreas.
“I’m sorry, big brother. I only meet you now,” the woman said, hugging Andreas briefly. Then, she turned to Vlora and spontaneously complimented, “Oh, my God. She’s even prettier than the photo I saw in the news.”
Andreas was taken aback. “Has it already spread in the online news?”
“Sure, it has,” Vian replied.
Andreas could not help but be amazed at how fast the netizens spread the news. On the other hand, Vian seemed more interested in greeting her potential sister-in-law.
“Good evening. I’m Vian.”
The introduction was not just a formality. Vian approached Vlora without any awkwardness, hugging her as if they had known each other for a long time.
“I’m Vlora Anderson.”
An unnecessary introduction. If Vian had seen the news online, she undoubtedly knew Vlora’s name.
“She’s the only sibling I have.”
The hug ended, but Vian still held Vlora’s hand. Her eyes sparkled with admiration.
“You’re truly a lucky bastard, big brother. God must be joking to make you find such a beautiful woman.”
Andreas burst into laughter, while Vlora simply smiled softly.
“By the way, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you. We’re going to leave soon,” Andreas said.
Vian sighed. “Actually, I wanted to meet you earlier, but Paul stopped me because Papa ordered it.” She glanced at Vlora briefly before continuing, “He thought I might make the atmosphere even more tense.”
“I already guessed that. It would be strange if Papa didn’t forbid you from meeting Vlora.”
“The good news is, that’s why I could contact Nana.”
Andreas’ eyes sparkled, and Vlora noticed the unusual expression on his face.
“I guess Nana has seen the news too.”
Vian nodded repeatedly. “Right after the news appeared on the online news portal, my phone immediately buzzed. Nana told you to meet her. As soon as possible.”
Andreas turned to Vlora, looking at her meaningfully before asking, “Do you want to attend another dinner party tomorrow?”
Vlora returned Andreas’ gaze with confidence. “Why not?”
*
Andreas’ car came to a stop. Vlora unbuckled her seatbelt and asked, “So, we’re going to Nana’s house tomorrow night?”
Andreas turned and found Vlora looking at him. “Only if you want to. I won’t force you. Besides, tonight has been exhausting for you. I can tell Nana that we’ll visit her next week if you’re tired.”
Not only that, there was another consideration on Andreas’ mind.
“And I’ve realized something. It seems like everything is moving faster than I expected. I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
Vlora took a quick breath. “I don’t mind at all if we go tomorrow night. I’m perfectly fine.”
“Okay, then. I’ll pick you up tomorrow evening.”
Vlora nodded and reached out to open the car door, but Andreas held her other hand, stopping her. She turned and looked at Andreas. “What’s the matter?”
Andreas smirked. “Oh, Darling. Really?” he asked without waiting for Vlora’s response. “You want to leave without giving me a goodnight kiss? Just a formality? Especially after we spent a few hours as a happy couple not too long ago. You’re being a little too much.”
To add a dramatic effect, Andreas even pretended to be hurt.
“Do I have to?”
His shoulders lifted briefly before he leaned toward Vlora. He did not expect anything, just teasing. He thought Vlora would ignore him and simply get out of the car. However, his assumption turned out to be wrong.
Vlora responded. She turned slightly and leaned toward Andreas.
A grin appeared on Andreas’ lips. His hope grew as Vlora’s face moved closer to his. Then…
“Go home. I need some rest.”
Vlora’s forward movement was not to kiss Andreas, but to whisper in his ear. Ugh! She was so cruel.
Andreas’ grin turned into a mischievous smile. Vlora got out of the car, and he shook his head in amazement.
“She’s really… captivating.”
The next day, Andreas kept his promise to pick up Vlora. They arrived at Andreas’ grandmother’s house after a forty-minute drive, and the whole household warmly welcomed them.
Andreas politely led Vlora inside. They walked past the line of servants and entered the living room.
An elderly woman had been eagerly waiting for their arrival. She stepped forward and could not contain herself from approaching them.
“Nana.”
It was Noelle Seraphina Hughes. Andreas’ grandmother, who had patiently waited since yesterday after reading the news about her first grandchild.
“Finally, you’ve come, Reas.”
Andreas embraced Noelle with love and care. He slightly bowed and gently patted her back. Then he concluded the greeting with a kiss on her cheek.
“I was sure you wouldn’t come here unless you found a potential wife.”
The hug ended, and Andreas turned to see where Noelle ‘s gaze was directed. He smiled and introduced them.
“Allow me to introduce, Nana. Her name is Vlora Anderson.”
Vlora smiled and greeted Noelle politely. They shook hands and exchanged a brief hug. It was clear that Noelle ‘s eyes were sparkling.
“She’s even prettier than what I saw in the morning news.”
Andreas laughed. “Just like Vian’s comment.”
“Of course,” Noelle said, glancing briefly at Andreas. “We have the same eyes.”
Speaking of eyes, Noelle would not waste her limited opportunity to assess Vlora. She examined Vlora’s appearance and nodded a few times.
“I have prepared your favorite food, Reas. How about having dinner now?”
Andreas, Vlora, and Noelle sat down at the dining table five minutes later. The servants came to serve and present the dishes.
“I heard that you’re Lucas’ secretary,” Noelle started the conversation at the dining table.
Vlora raised her head and glanced briefly at Andreas, who looked relaxed.
“That’s right, Nana,” Vlora replied, nodding once. “This is my third year working as Mr. Hernandez’ secretary.”
Noelle turned to Andreas. “Well, then, of course, you should marry Vlora, Reas. I didn’t think you could find such a good woman. Unlike your father.”
Andreas had to pause his eating. He could not hold back his laughter due to Noelle ‘s satirical remark.
“Of course, Nana. I learned from the experiences of the people around me.”
One thing that intrigued Vlora. She received two very different reactions to her status as Lucas’ secretary.
“Nana is clearly very different from Papa, Vlo.”
Andreas’ remark made Vlora turn her head. It seemed that the man could read Vlora’s mind.
“For Papa, everyone is an enemy. For us, everyone is a rival. Those are two different things.”
Noelle took a sip before speaking. “You’re lucky to work for Lucas. Not everyone can get close to him. Including Andreas.”
“Oh, don’t be mistaken, Nana,” Andreas retorted with a faint laugh. “We’ve been friends since high school.”
Noelle was aware of that, and it was a plus for Andreas in her eyes.
“You’re not only smart in finding a potential wife, but also smart in finding friends. You remained friends with him even when Bryan was angry because Lucas embarrassed Jonas. That’s what makes I love you even more.”
Vlora furrowed her brow slightly. “You weren’t angry about that?”
“Lucas snatching the tender?” Noelle asked playfully. “Oh, not at all. He won it fairly. His proposal was much better than what Jonas could offer. Just like Andreas said. In the eyes of shallow-minded people, they would see him as an enemy. In the eyes of smart people, they would see him as a rival. From people like them, we learn and then raise our standards.”
Of course, that was not the only reason. Noelle’s meaningful glance was followed by another sentence.
“Besides, it’s a bit enjoyable to see Lucas outshine Jonas.”
That was a bonus that Noelle-and Andreas-could not deny. However, that would not change one valid fact.
“Papa may be Nana’s biological son, but unfortunately, he has a different way of thinking from us. The fact that you’re Lucas’ secretary won’t be a problem for Nana, on the contrary.”
“Who wouldn’t want to work with Lucas? Everyone desires it. So, if you managed to become his right-hand person, it’s a guarantee that you’re smart and reliable. Isn’t that a good thing?”
Vlora smiled. “Thank you, Nana.”
“I should be the one thanking you. At least your presence makes Andreas avoid making the mistake of choosing a future wife.”
There was an implicit meaning in Noelle’s statement. Something that made Andreas’ eyes sparkle instantly.
“So, you agree with my choice?”
“I’m not sure you’ve ever made a better decision than this, Reas. So, of course, I agree,” Noelle replied matter-of-factly. “So, when are you planning to get married?”
Without immediately answering the question, Andreas turned to Vlora. They exchanged glances while Noelle observed them alternately.
“Do you want a specific date, Darling?” Andreas asked.
*