"Have you lost your mind, Mom?" Roderick snapped, his frustration boiling over. "I told you—I won’t have any relationship with Orabela. She’s not the only rich woman in the country who can help secure an early succession as chairman." His grip tightened on the file in his hand, his knuckles whitening.
Fiona, visibly upset, shook her head in disbelief. "But you’ve been with Orabela for months, Roderick. Why are you suddenly acting like this? She’s been nothing but good to you and to . She takes care of even though you two aren’t even married yet. Orabela calls every night before bed—where will I ever find such a well-mannered daughter-in-law?"
Roderick clenched his jaw, refusing to continue the conversation. Arguing with his mother would only make him angrier, so he stord out of the room, leaving her in a stunned silence. As he walked downstairs, he spotted his grandfather, Alekis, engrossed in conversation with Jas Cooper, the family’s long-trusted secretary.
"Good morning, Grandpa!" Roderick greeted warmly, stepping forward to hug him. He then turned to Jas, nodding politely. "Good to see you, Jas."
Alekis returned the hug with a chuckle, stepping back to look at his grandson. "Why do you look so cheerful today?" he asked, amused.
Roderick’s smile broadened. "I’m going back to work. My wrist has healed, and the doctor said I just need to avoid too much stress on it. But don’t worry, I’ll manage."
"That’s wonderful news," Alekis said, clearly pleased. Just then, Fiona appeared at the foot of the stairs, her smile bright but strained.
"Let’s have breakfast," Alekis suggested, leading them to the dining room. Roderick and Fiona followed, settling down at the table.
As they began eating, Roderick cleared his throat, his tone turning more serious. "Grandpa, I’ve been thinking about expanding the research division of our pharmaceutical company. There’s a big plot of land coming up for bid soon, and I’m planning to participate. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to move forward with the acquisition."
Alekis listened thoughtfully before nodding. "If you believe it’s the right decision for the company, then go ahead. You don’t need my permission anymore, Roderick. It’s your company now."
"Thank you, Grandpa," Roderick said, smiling gratefully. His confidence in his future plans was clear.
However, Alekis wasn’t finished. "Roderick, you’re going to be 25 soon. I think it’s ti you start thinking seriously about marriage. You’ve been dating Orabela Rosenzweig for quite a while now. Do you think she’s the right choice to beco a part of this family?"
Before Roderick could respond, Fiona eagerly jumped in. "Father, Orabela is perfect for him. She’s kind, well-mannered, and she fits into our family. She would make an excellent daughter-in-law."
But Roderick shook his head firmly. "No. I broke up with her."
Both Alekis and Fiona were taken aback by his sudden declaration. "What?" Fiona gasped. "Why? She’s perfect for you, Roderick!"
"I just... I can’t marry her," Roderick said flatly, his thoughts drifting back to the night everything spiraled out of control. He still couldn’t figure out how he ended up in that drunken ss when he was supposed to plan sothing with Layla. If anyone should’ve been his wife, it would’ve been her. But now that Layla was with his uncle, the chances were slim. And after what happened, she wouldn’t even spare him another glance.
Alekis watched his grandson carefully. "You must still be processing the breakup," he said, trying to offer understanding.
Roderick shook his head, his voice cold. "I’m already over her."
Alekis humd thoughtfully, but his gaze shifted toward Fiona, whose disappointnt was palpable. She still desperately clung to the idea of Orabela being her son’s wife, but it was clear that Roderick had made up his mind.
"Fine. I’ll look for a suitable proposal for my grandson," Alekis said with a smile and resud eating.
~~~~~
Layla shifted slightly, the soft silk of the sheets brushing against her skin as she fully woke up. The gentle morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.
She blinked a few tis, her gaze falling on Lucius, who lay peacefully beside her, his chest bare and his entire one-sided dragon tattoo was revealed to her eyes.
How did they end up here? The mory of last night slowly ca back to her—the stargazing, the endless conversations, the laughter. She couldn’t rember the last ti she had felt so at ease with soone.
Layla had never shared so many thoughts with any man before, but with Lucius, everything felt natural. She must have drifted off to sleep under the stars, unaware of when Lucius had gently carried her inside.
"It was a lovely night," she whispered to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips as she admired him.
The peaceful mont filled her with warmth, and a sudden urge blood inside her—a desire to close the distance between them, to kiss him. She had never felt sothing so strong, so unrestrained before. Her heart raced at the thought.
Layla’s gaze lingered on Lucius’s face, her hand subconsciously reaching toward him, hovering just above his skin, as if testing the waters of her own feelings.
’Since he’s asleep, he won’t notice,’ Layla thought, leaning in to plant a soft, delicate kiss on Lucius’s lips.
His eyelids fluttered slightly, but he didn’t wake.
With a smile, Layla quietly slipped out of bed, feeling a strange mix of both exhilaration and peace. After a warm shower, she wrapped herself in a bathrobe and returned to the room, only to find Lucius was no longer on the bed.
She glanced at the door, noticing it was still closed, then her eyes caught the open balcony door. Curiosity led her outside, where Lucius stood by the balustrade, gazing out at the vast ocean.
As the morning breeze swept through, Lucius tilted his head, catching the familiar scent of Layla. A soft smile spread across his face as he turned to her. "Good morning," he greeted her warmly.
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