The penthouse was a storm of fabrics and indecision. Noah stood before a wall of mirrors, buttoning and unbuttoning his third suit, turning under the light to inspect the fit.
Cassian glanced up from his phone. "That's the fourth one. Big meeting?"
Noah adjusted his collar, studying the reflection. "Something like that."
Theo leaned casually on the counter, watching with a knowing smirk. "You never overthink clothes. Must be important."
"It is," Noah said simply, tugging at his cuffs again.
Luca chuckled from across the room. "Right. The man who doesn't flinch before a sold-out arena is nervous about this. Whoever it is—good luck."
Noah only gave a small, quiet smile. "Thanks."
He didn't elaborate. If the others knew where he was going, they'd never let him live it down. Because this wasn't just dinner. He was going home.
The Terania Estate shimmered softly beneath the dusk sky, its gardens immaculate, fountains whispering under the last streaks of light. The moment Noah stepped from his car, nostalgia swept through him—the faint scent of cedar, the familiar hush of cicadas.
He told himself it was a long-overdue visit. Gideon and Elara had been inviting him for months, always warmly, never demanding. Each time, he'd declined. He wanted to return only when he had something to show for himself—when he could stand before them as proof that their faith in him had been justified. That the boy they had once taken in had become the man worthy of their trust.
Now, with EON's worldwide success and the quiet certainty in his heart that he was their daughter's fiancé, the visit carried a new weight. Gratitude, yes—but also duty. He wanted to prove he had earned both their investment and his place in their family. Deep down, he couldn't help but think of it as a test.
The butler guided him through familiar corridors to the grand dining hall. The long table gleamed under candlelight, silverware polished to a mirror shine. Gideon and Elara were already waiting, their faces warm with pride.
"Noah!" Elara rose instantly, her expression glowing. "Look at you—it's been far too long." She pulled him into a soft embrace.
Gideon clasped his hand firmly. "Fame hasn't gone to your head, has it?"
Noah smiled modestly. "I hope not. I've missed this place—and both of you."
Elara's eyes softened. "We've missed you too, dear. You've made us so proud."
Dinner flowed with easy laughter. They asked about the tours, his bandmates and the whirlwind of fame. Noah answered with practiced composure, sharing stories of backstage chaos and long rehearsals that drew smiles and gentle laughter from them both.
Elara refilled his glass. "You've always been hardworking. I can only imagine how much effort this all takes."
"It's busy," Noah admitted, "but fulfilling. Every success feels earned."
Gideon leaned back with quiet satisfaction. "You've exceeded every expectation we ever had for you."
The praise landed warmly. "I only managed because of you," Noah said earnestly. "You gave me every opportunity. I'll never forget that."
Elara waved her hand as if to dismiss the sentiment, but she was clearly touched. "We only gave you a start. The rest was all you."
Still, Noah's voice was steady. "Even so, I want to make sure I never take it for granted. I want to do right by everything that matters to this family."
Elara smiled, assuming he meant the Terania company. "That's very thoughtful, dear. You already have."
"I don't know," Noah said thoughtfully. "Some things require extra care. It's not just about responsibility—it's about respect. Some things are too important to neglect."
Gideon chuckled, mistaking the meaning. "Spoken like a man ready to lead."
Noah smiled faintly. "Let's just say I want to build something that lasts. I know it takes patience."
Elara nodded approvingly. "You've always had that. It's one of your greatest strengths."
"I try," he said quietly. Patience. That's what Belle deserves. No rushing.
Gideon raised his glass, pleased. "Then to patience—and to lasting success."
Noah lifted his own. "To commitments worth keeping."
Their glasses clinked softly, the sound warm and certain—each of them convinced they understood the conversation, and yet entirely mistaken.
And when Noah left the estate later that night, the air cool and fragrant around him, his heart felt unexpectedly light. He truly believed he had just received the warm blessing of his future in-laws.