As the evening progressed, the conversations remained polite and businesslike, though the air between the four of them crackled with something more—something hidden beneath the surface. Anastasia could tell that Vincent was not entirely comfortable with this situation. His usual calm demeanor was still present, but there was a quiet tension around him that hadn't been there before. Perhaps it was because he knew he was no longer just the son of the second richest man in the world—he was now something more to her, something her family would need to reckon with.
At some point, after the dinner had drawn to a close and the servants had cleared the table, her father leaned forward, his voice low and serious.
"Vincent," Lucian began, his tone shifting from casual to deliberate, "You've known about the Vasiliev family's power, and the stakes involved. The position of heir is never given lightly. It's more than just titles and wealth. It's about responsibility. Legacy."
Vincent met his gaze, unflinching. "I understand."
Her mother, who had been silent up to this point, now spoke, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded Vincent. "Your family has built a formidable empire, Vincent. One that could rival ours, should you decide to take on the mantle. But you and Anastasia... you both know that there are things at play beyond our families' control. Things we've kept hidden for years."
Anastasia's pulse quickened, the weight of the words sinking in. She knew where this was headed. Her parents were not just testing Vincent—they were offering him something far more dangerous than a simple alliance.
Her father continued, his gaze now on both her and Vincent. "We've lived with our decisions—our love, our alliance—and the consequences of defying the rules. But for you two, things must be handled differently. This... this relationship you've formed, it has the potential to shake the foundations of everything we've built. If the world finds out what's really going on between you, it could destroy us all."
Vincent's eyes hardened, but he nodded. "I understand the stakes, Mr. Vasiliev. And I assure you, my relationship with Anastasia will not jeopardize your family's legacy."
Her mother's voice grew cold, her sharp gaze never leaving Vincent. "I hope you understand that Anastasia is not just your partner in some personal romance. She is the future of the Vasiliev empire. She is everything we have built—and I trust that you understand that responsibility. If you truly want to be with her, you will respect the power of the Vasiliev name. You will respect this family."
Anastasia's heart skipped a beat. She could see Vincent's jaw tighten, the words spoken by her mother not just as a warning, but as a challenge.
Vincent remained composed, but his eyes flicked briefly to Anastasia. For the first time that evening, he allowed a faint smile to break through his usual stoic expression.
"I have no intention of undermining the Vasiliev legacy," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "I've always respected what you've built. But I'm also not the type to bend to tradition, to simply accept things because they're expected."
Lucian's eyes narrowed. "That may be true, but if you are to become part of this family, there are things you must understand. Things that go beyond power and wealth."
Anastasia felt her chest tighten. She wanted to speak, to say something—anything—but she knew this wasn't her moment. This conversation was about Vincent proving himself to her family, to the Vasilievs, in ways that only Vincent could.
After a moment of silence, her father broke the tension, standing up from the table.
"Tonight, we don't expect any more answers. This is just the beginning," Lucian said, his voice firm. "But I will say this—if you wish to remain close to Anastasia, if you want her by your side, you will respect the legacy we've built. And you will keep this... private. For now."
Vincent stood as well, his stance unwavering, yet with a look of acknowledgment in his eyes.
"I understand," he replied, his voice steady.
Anastasia could feel the weight of the room pressing in on her. Her parents had laid out the rules. They had shown Vincent their power, their control. And now, it was up to them both to decide what came next.