Louis stirred and slowly opened his eyes, staring at a ceiling he didn't recognize.
Confused, he looked around the unfamiliar room. Something felt off, he had never been here before.
As he sat up, his eyes fell on a figure sprawled awkwardly on the bed, half-covered and without a blanket. Questions raced through his mind: Why was he here? Why was she in that state?
Bits of memory from the previous night returned. He had invited Verena over, and she had come to the wine cellar. Regret hit him as he replayed the events, the tension, and her refusal to let him kiss her.
He wanted to leave to put distance between them. But his gaze drifted back to Verena in her white and pink floral dress, and he remembered how she had cared for him all night.
Time and responsibilities tugged at Louis's mind. He had a board meeting at 9:50, an important one, missing it could cost him the CEO seat to his step brother, Alexander.
Yet he couldn't focus. His thoughts were with Verena. He longed for just a few more moments to watch her sleep peacefully.
Verena stirred, waking to an unfamiliar room.
Her eyes fell on Louis, still asleep. Despite her uncertainty, she felt drawn to him, though something invisible kept her at a distance.
Clutching the towel, she hesitated, then gently touched his forehead. The fever from last night seemed gone.
She let out a small, frustrated sigh. "You owe me for this… making me take care of you," she muttered, her words mixing irritation with concern.
Louis stopped pretending to sleep and opened his eyes to see Verena taking the towels beside his head.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked, noticing his gaze on the towel.
"You were sick, so I stayed to help with your fever," she explained. "After you got drunk last night, I tried to get you to your room, but your mansion turned into a maze. The maid gave me wrong directions, and your room was locked, so we ended up here."
Louis's eyes softened. "I can't thank you enough for taking care of me."
Verena gave a playful glare. "Don't think you're off the hook. You owe me big time."
He rose from the bed, noticing the bandage on his hand. The bleeding had stopped, a clear sign of her care.
As he approached, Verena's heart raced. She stepped aside, and he stilled.
"Thank you for your care. I have a big day today. I can't afford to be sick." He said with pressed lips.
What was he going to do was he going to hug her? He felt like hugging her after he realised how caring she was.
"It's nothing I was just worried that your fever will go to Little Benny. He is young so he shouldn't be sick." Verena made an excuse. "Anyways, best of luck with your day!" She showed him her thumps up and walked away hurriedly.
Louis couldn't help but laugh watching her flushed expressions.
…
Louis left the house with a serious face. He was nervous, but also determined. Today's board meeting could change everything for him. At least he was on time.
He wore a black coat over a white shirt, sharp and proper for the occasion.
When he reached his office, he called for Joshua.
"Did you confirm the board members? And… have you reached my grandfather yet?"
Joshua shook his head. "No answer. I've called and left messages. It's like he's gone silent."
Louis's expression darkened. He leaned against the desk, thinking aloud.
"If he's given everything to Alexander, then I'll be left with nothing. How will I provide for my mother?"
Joshua stopped typing, giving him a steady look.
"Don't jump to conclusions, Sir. There could be another reason for his silence. We'll keep trying."
Louis sighed, rubbing his temples. Joshua was right, but the worry didn't leave him. His mother's future depended on him.
What if something had happened to his grandfather?
"You're right," Louis said at last. "I need to stay calm. But if things go wrong, I'll need a backup plan. For my mother's sake."
"We'll be ready. For now, let's focus on the meeting." Joshua nodded firmly.
Louis gave him a faint smile. Joshua wasn't just his assistant, he was someone Louis respected.
"And one more thing," Louis added suddenly. "Keep the marriage certificate with you."
Joshua frowned in confusion but agreed. He didn't ask why, though the thought lingered in his mind.
…
The meeting room was already full when Louis walked in. Board members and shareholders sat around the long table. Their eyes followed him as he moved through the room, shaking hands and offering polite smiles. He could feel the doubt in their stares.
Louis sat down next to his father's chair. Across the table was an empty seat, for Alexander.
Louis tapped his fingers on the table, waiting.
Finally, the door opened. Alexander walked in, confident as always, his suit sharp, his smile charming. He greeted members warmly, some even hugging him.
Louis clenched his jaw. He's bought them all.
When Alexander sat down beside him, he smirked.
"Oh, younger brother," he said lightly. "I didn't expect you to show up."
Louis forced a calm reply. "Of course I'm here. I need to make sure the company's future is secure."
"Backup plans are always useful, don't you think?" Alexander leaned back, mocking.
"Let's focus on the meeting." Louis ignored the bait.
The room felt tense as both brothers exchanged subtle jabs during the discussions.
Their rivalry was obvious, though both tried to keep a civil front.
Then, the doors opened again. Their father, President Remy, walked in. Everyone rose, including Louis and Alexander.
Louis looked at his father, hoping for support, but Remy didn't even glance his way. His eyes were fixed only on the shareholders. Louis's chest sank with disappointment.