As Elena walked into Mr Lucien's house, she was greeted with a warm smile . "Elena, lovely to see you." He said, kipping her cheeks.
Elena smiled politely, playing along. "Good evening, Father." She addressed him just as he had asked her to.
As Elena walked into the living room, she saw Jason, seated on a couch beside the dining area, going through a file. His laptop was open on the centre table, papers spread out. He looked up briefly, caught her eye, nodded slightly, then went back to his work.
Mr. Lucien led her to the dining table. "Dinner's about to be served. Join us when you're ready, Jason," he called out to his son.
Elena soon understood that Mr Lucien was a man who didn't like to interfere much as long as the main course had been executed, he just let the young man do as he pleased.
Elena sat down, and Mr. Lucien started making conversation about business and the upcoming family event. Jason looked up from his file, closed his laptop, and got up from the couch. He walked over to the dining table, taking a seat across from Elena. His expression was neutral, focused on the food being served.
The dinner conversation was mostly led by Mr. Lucien, talking about business deals and plans for the family's companies. Elena answered politely when needed. Jason ate quietly, speaking only when spoken to.
As dinner wrapped up, Mr. Lucien leaned back. "Elena, I think it's time we discussed the details of the... arrangement between our families."
Elena's expression stayed composed. "I'd like that, Mr. Lucien."
Jason looked up at this, his eyes flicking between Elena and his father with no little or no interest to discuss the topic.
Mr. Lucien's expression turned stern as he gestured to his study. "Elena, Jason, let's discuss the marriage arrangements. Now."
He led them to the spacious study, walls lined with old books and a massive mahogany desk. "Sit down."
Elena took a seat, eyes hopeful. Jason hesitated, then sat beside her.
Mr. Lucien leaned forward. "Jason, you understand the...arrangement I'm proposing. You'll marry Elena. It's a good match."
Jason's jaw tightened. "Dad—"
"No arguments, Jason." Mr. Lucien cut him off. "Elena's a lovely girl. You'll do your duty."
Elena looked at Jason, her eyes shining brightly.
Mr. Lucien leaned back in his chair, a calculated smile on his face. "Before we finalize this, there's something you should know, Elena."
Elena looked curious. "What is it?"
"I've transferred all my shares of Lucien Enterprises to you, Elena."
Elena's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"
Jason's expression turned bitter, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Mr. Lucien continued, "You're the heir now, Elena. With Jason marrying you, he'll manage the company...as your husband and my son."
Elena looked stunned, processing the sudden weight of it all.
Elena's shock lingered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But...why give it all to me?"
Mr. Lucien's smile grew wider. "Business decision, Elena. With Jason marrying you, the company's in safe hands...together."
Jason's bitter expression twisted into suspicion - he thought Elena had played her cards perfectly, manipulating his father into giving her control.
Elena looked like she'd hit a whirlwind. "I...I don't know what to say."
Mr. Lucien leaned forward, his voice firm. "You don't need to say anything, Elena. Just get ready to be my daughter in-law"
Elena's eyes darted to Jason, confusion clouding her face - she hadn't expected this twist.
Jason's gaze locked on hers, his expression unreadable, suspicion still simmering.
Mr. Lucien stood, signaling the discussion's end. "You'll go to the Registrar's Office next week .Make it official. I would have really liked a grand celebration, but since this is you choice, I'd just have to give my blessings." He sighed.
Jason's jaw cliked shut, his anger simmering beneath the surface.Got it.
Mr. Lucien clapped Jason on the back. "Jason, drive Elena home. Make sure she's safe."
Jason's expression didn't change, but he nodded curtly. "Sure."
Elena, still processing everything, just nodded. "Okay..."
As they headed to Jason's car, the tension between them was palpable.
The drive was silent, thick with unspoken words. Jason gripped the steering wheel tight, his eyes on the road. Elena stared out the window, her mind racing.
As they approached her home, Elena broke the silence. "Jason, I had no idea your dad was gonna do that."
Jason's gaze flicked to hers, his expression still guarded. "Doesn't matter now."
Elena's eyes narrowed slightly. "It matters to me."
Jason's jaw cliked. "Just...let it go, Elena."
He pulled up at her father's villa after verifying with the security guards outside and inside the gate.
Elena's eyes held Jason's, a spark of frustration igniting. "I don't just let things go, Jason. Not when I don't understand them."
Jason's gaze locked on hers, a mix of anger and something else swirling in his eyes. "You got what you wanted, didn't you?"
Elena's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Jason's voice dropped low. "You heard my dad. The company's yours now. Guess I owe you one."
Elena's expression turned icy. "You think I manipulated your dad?"
Jason's jaw cliked shut again. He didn't answer, just looked away.
Elena opened the car door. "Forget it. Thanks for the ride." She quickly hopped down as she literally run inside the house feeling both adventurous and frustrated at the same time.