He then took them to the most exclusive section of thedecksuperior: your ownsuitemaster, adjacent to Elara's family suites. Daniel's suite was a veritable penthouse. It began with a spacious private living room, featuring curved sofas and a wall-mounted gas fireplace. A sliding door led to the bedroom, which boasted a bed.king-sizeround, with a futuristic canopy and integrated room controls. The walls were covered in soft, dark leather, contrasting with the white carpet. A massive projection TV retracted from the ceiling.
"This is my suite," Daniel said, with a sweeping gesture. "This is where Elara and I will sleep. It's a space for relaxation and work. There's also a private office here, so I can conduct my business discreetly." He pointed to a design table with multiple built-in monitors.
Next to the room, Daniel showed aspa bathroomthat looked like it belonged in a luxury resort. A round whirlpool tub dominated the center, with chromotherapy and programmable jets. An aromatherapy rain shower and asaunaIntegrated steam showers completed the ambiance. Plush towels and high-quality toiletries were available in every corner.
"And this is our master bathroom," Daniel explained. "A little oasis to relax after long days of travel or work."
Elara looked at him, a mischievous smile.Looks like we'll have a lot of 'long days' to relax here." Daniel blinked at her, a silent acknowledgment.
Finally, Daniel led them to the farthest part of thedecksuperior. There, in a more discreet corridor, were therooms for your support team.
"Here are the rooms of my employees, or as I call them, my extended family," Daniel explained, his voice taking on a tone of genuine respect. "From the chefs and housekeepers to the technicians and part of the security team, everyone has comfortable and private accommodations. I believe that for a team to function at its best, everyone needs to be well cared for and comfortable. Their loyalty and dedication are invaluable, and I treat them like family."
The cabins were smaller than the family suites, but still spacious and well-equipped, with comfortable beds, smalldesktopsand private bathrooms. The lighting was soft and functional, and the environment conveyed a sense of organization and efficiency.
"Everyone has access to high-speed internet, satellite communication and all the tools necessary to perform their duties perfectly," Daniel added, showing his commitment to his team.
Thomas nodded, visibly impressed by Daniel's organization and care for his team. Akemi smiled, touched by the "family" treatment. Kenji was absorbed, trying to decipher the logistics of it all.
"And that," Daniel concluded, gesturing to the interior of the plane, "This is just the surface. Complex navigation, communication, and safety systems operate silently behind the scenes, ensuring our journey is always as safe and efficient as possible. Every detail has been designed to maximize comfort, functionality, and discretion."
He didn't mention the tactical command room, the hidden heavy weapons lockers, or the missile defenses. These were the "Ghost's" secrets, buried beneath layers of luxury and convenience, inaccessible even to his future wife's family. The truth behind the "philanthropist" was multifaceted, and Daniel mastered the art of presenting only the side he wanted to be seen.
As they headed back to theloungeWaiting for takeoff, Elara looked at Daniel, a glint of admiration and a hint of fascination in her eyes. She was beginning to understand the true depth of the world he lived in—a world where luxury and gentility mingled with a layer of power and secrecy few could even imagine. And she was right at the center of it.
The air inside Daniel's A380 was a symphony of hushed luxury. The automatic blinds on the panoramic windows were partially closed, filtering out the harsh afternoon sunlight that bathed New York's private airport.loungeIn the main hall, where the tour had ended, the cream leather sofas invited relaxation. Elara, with a serene smile, leaned back on one of them, watching Daniel with a mixture of admiration and a hint of wonder. His parents, Thomas and Akemi, and his brother Kenji, still seemed to be processing the magnitude of what they had just seen, exchanging looks of amazement as they settled in.
Daniel, with his usual elegant posture, but now with a glint of anticipation in his eyes, turned to the four pilots waiting discreetly near the cockpit. "Gentlemen, we are ready for takeoff as soon as the tower gives us the all-clear. Follow the flight plan and let me know when we're at cruising altitude."
The pilots, former fighter jets with years of experience flying under pressure, responded in unison. "Yes, Mr. Hale. Ready for takeoff."
As the pilots made their way to the cockpit, Daniel pondered the true capabilities of that A380 in his mind."I would never say that this A380 is superior to the President of the United States' Air Force One. Much less that it carries more missiles than a state-of-the-art American fighter jet. This information is for my world, not hers. She doesn't need to carry that weight."The duality of his persona – the charming philanthropist and the ruthless "Ghost" – was a fine line he mastered.
He then turned his attention to Henry, who was supervising one of the chambermaids arranging the decorative pillows on the sofas. "Henry, since Elara's family will be occupying two of the suites upstairs, you and Mr. Antony can occupy the adjacent suite. I'm sure it will be comfortable for you both."
Henry, with his usual efficiency and a subtle smile, nodded. "Thank you very much, Daniel. It will be a pleasure and an honor."
Daniel then called over Antony, the private chef, who was reviewing some notes on a clipboard. "Antony, please help the kitchen staff. You know exactly what Elara and I like." Antony was a culinary master, and his presence on board ensured that Daniel and Elara's palates would always be perfectly catered to, without the need for detailed instructions. He had an almost photographic memory for his employers' preferences.
Antony, a man of medium height and gentle features, wearing a spotless white apron over his uniform, responded with a respectful nod. "My pleasure, Daniel. I'm already in touch with the team to prepare dinner. Something light to start the journey, perhaps?"
"Perfect, Antony," Daniel said, before turning to Elara's family, a thoughtful look on his face. Akemi and Thomas sat in adjacent armchairs, while Kenji, wearing a headset, was still exploring the screen of one of the built-in entertainment devices.
"Mr. and Mrs. Reed, Kenji," Daniel began, his voice soft but clear enough for Kenji to lower his headphones. "I have an important question about cuisine. Since I know many cultures have their traditions and sometimes some food taboos, I would like to know if there is anything specific you avoid eating, or if you have any particular preferences?" Daniel quickly thought of a past experience, specifically a trip to China, where the last-minute discovery of certain food taboos had caused minor diplomatic setbacks. He wanted to ensure everything was perfect for them, with no surprises.
Thomas smiled, a little surprised by Daniel's thoughtfulness. "Very thoughtful of you, Daniel. No, for us, there are no religious or cultural taboos that prevent us from eating anything in particular. We are quite open to experimenting. Perhaps, Akemi, you have something in mind?"
Akemi, a slight blush on her cheeks, thought for a moment, her brown eyes roaming the luxurious surroundings. "Well, it's not taboo, but I really enjoy fresh fish, and Kenji loves it."ramenauthentic, if that's possible." She laughed softly, a delicate sound that spread through thelounge.
Kenji, who was listening attentively now, nodded vigorously. "Yes!Ramenwould be amazing! Those with thick broth and freshly made noodles!"
Daniel smiled warmly, the promise in his eyes almost palpable. "Consider it done. Fresh fish and the bestramenon board. Antony is a master of Asian cuisine, among many others. I'm sure he will exceed your expectations." He gestured to Antony, who was returning to the galley, and the chef nodded in acknowledgment.
The comfortable silence was filled with the gentle hum of the engines as the A380 prepared for takeoff. A slight, almost imperceptible push indicated the plane was beginning to roll down the runway.
"After dinner, if everyone's up for it," Daniel said, his voice inviting, "we can watch a movie. We have a private theater on this floor, with adjustable seats and a impeccable sound system. What do you think?"
Elara turned to her family, her eyes shining with anticipation. "It would be great, wouldn't it? A movie night in heaven!"
Thomas and Akemi nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Daniel," Thomas said, already imagining the scene.
Kenji, for his part, was already mentally listing the movies he wanted to see, his lips moving silently.
The plane began to accelerate down the runway. It felt more like a high-speed train than a conventional aircraft. The runway lights passed faster and faster past the windows, until, with surprising smoothness, the ground receded. The imposing black aircraft rose into the sky, leaving behind the shimmering carpet of New York City lights, which were rapidly diminishing in scale.