Chapter 196 Coming Home

Chapter 196 Coming Home
The grand study in the Sterling mansion smelled faintly of cedar and the faint smell of whiskey. The study was huge, and the walls boasted shelves of books from all disciplines, but mostly of history, business, and philosophy.

Sir Howard Sterling paced the length of the room, his polished shoes clicking against the hardwood floor. Despite his age, his movements were sharp, his posture upright, his presence commanding.

Seated were his grandsons, Adam, Xander, and Caleb. They watched the whole man pace; he had been like this since the moment they showed him a picture of Brie and the DNA report after it came out. It was confirmed. She was their long-lost sister, Adeline. If not for their constant reminder for him to stay calm, warning that Brie might find the whole information overwhelming and it was better she was told everything here, in the home that has always been hers, did he maintain his cool. But knowing that she was soon to arrive, Sir Howard couldn’t remain still any longer.

“Grandpa, if you keep pacing like this, you will exhaust yourself. What happens then when Adeline comes and you can’t welcome your granddaughter properly?” Adam asked. Sir Howard paused, turning back to face his eldest grandson, Adam. His voice carried the weight of years, tinged with impatience. “Are you sure she’s coming? Are you certain Adeline is finally coming home?”

Adam sighed, his shoulders rising and falling with quiet reassurance. “Grandpa, she is. Alex is coming with her too. Don’t be too anxious.”

But Howard continued pacing, his hands clasped behind his back. His eyes, though lined with age, gleamed with anticipation. “It’s been so long. I never thought a day like this would come. I would have gone to New York myself to meet her, if not for your insistence.”

Sir Howard stopped, his chest rising with a deep sigh. He nodded slowly. “You’re right. I should just wait for her to arrive. My granddaughter is finally coming home.” His gaze shifted back to Adam, sharp and expectant. “Do you have the gifts ready? The property deeds to the houses at the estates at the Rivera?”

Adam chuckled, exchanging a glance with Xander and Caleb. “Grandpa, don’t fret too much. We’ve sorted everything out.” He reached for Howard’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Everything is prepared.”

Howard’s eyes softened, but then a spark of urgency returned. “I need to speak to Alex. When are they getting married? I need to see my great‑grandchildren soon. I already have the Central Park permit drafted to be handed over to Adeline’s firstborn.”

Adam laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, alright. Go and take your rest. They’ll be arriving in a few hours, and you need your strength. The party is tonight.”

Howard exhaled, finally allowing his grandsons to walk him to his room to rest.

Meanwhile, high above the clouds, Brie’s gaze fluttered open gently, her lashes brushing against her cheeks as she stirred awake. She blinked, adjusting to the soft cabin light, and found Alex staring at her lovingly.

“We’ve arrived,” he said, his voice warm, his smile tender.

Brie let out a gasp, sitting upright suddenly as she looked around. “I slept through the entire trip? Why didn’t you wake me?”

Alex reached for her hand, his thumb brushing against her knuckles. “You seemed tired, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Her lips curved into a smile, her heart swelling. She squeezed his hand, her voice playful yet earnest. “Thank you, babe. I can’t believe I slept throughout the flight,” she yawned.

Adrian offered her a glass of water as she sat up. But then she suddenly felt nauseous and rushed towards the bathroom. By the time she stepped out, Alex was waiting outside the door, worried. “Is everything alright? You look tired. Maybe we should have cancelled the trip.”

Brie smiled, cupping his face before planting a soft kiss on his lips. “I’m fine. Maybe it was something I ate before the flight.”

Alex then wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, and kissed her softly. “Come, let’s get strapped in for landing.”

Brie shivered slightly the moment she stepped out of the plane. It was colder than she expected. Luckily, the Sterling brothers already made transport arrangements. Sleek black cars were lined up in a row with men clad in black suits, with the same air of professionalism as Lewis standing outside. The moment Brie and Alex got closer, the door was smartly opened for them. The trip was quiet, as Brie snuggled into Alex’s arms, with the side of her face resting on his chest. Her focus was on the scenery; she watched the snow cascade like blankets over the moving cars, streetlights, and buildings. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

Alex hummed beside her, slowly caressing her back. This trip he knew was bound to change something for her. A few days after the summit, he had asked Lewis to take Brie’s and Adam’s samples to the lab. Getting Adam’s sample had been fairly easy. They had shared business dinners and lunches together these past months. So, the brothers had readily agreed when he asked them to join him for a celebratory dinner.

They arrived at their hotel, where Brie wore the blue dress. One of the outfits, Amber had shopped with her on the day of her surprise engagement, and the diamond necklace from that night. Apparently, they were real diamonds, and Alex had paid for everything. She wore light make-up as she was aiming for a more natural look, coupled with the fact that she didn’t think an event in a family with old money like the Sterlings needed anything extravagant. Simple and classy would do the magic.

“You look—breath-taking.” Alex stopped short the moment he stepped out of the adjoining suit, while he adjusted his tie. Brie smiled, and color crept up her cheeks like a flower in bloom.

“And you look roguishly handsome if you’re going for that look.” She stood up, her gaze dropping to his tie. Alex smiled and watched her while she adjusted his tie perfectly.

“Let’s get married,” he murmured. Brie pressed her hands softly against his chest and kissed him. “Amber is going to have my head if I deny her dream of maid of honor.” They both chuckled just as Lewis knocked briefly before stepping in.

“Sir, Miss, it’s time.”