Chapter 250

Saturday night, the Mitchell family mansion was ablaze with lights. We'd sent Grace to stay overnight with Isabella so we could focus entirely on the family meeting.

"Ready?" I asked Louis, who was adjusting his tie, looking slightly nervous.

"Not sure," he answered honestly. "Discussing the future in a formal family meeting... it feels so official."

"That's the Mitchell way," I said with a light laugh. "Formal decisions for formal matters."

When we arrived, the others were already waiting in the dining room. Daisy greeted us enthusiastically, hugging Louis tightly as if he might disappear again at any moment. Daniel and Sophia sat together, while Emma occupied an armchair by the fireplace. The atmosphere was both expectant and tense.

Dinner was pleasant with light conversation, but we all knew the real discussion would happen afterward. When we moved to the study, Richard cleared his throat and officially began the meeting.

"We're here tonight," he started, "to discuss the future of the Mitchell family. Louis has expressed his desire to reduce his involvement in family business and focus on family life."

All eyes turned to Louis, but there were no surprised expressions. It seemed everyone had somehow anticipated this.

"I support Louis's decision," Richard continued. "In fact, I plan to significantly reduce my own role. Daniel has effectively been managing most day-to-day operations. It's time to formalize this transition while rethinking the nature of our family enterprise."

Daniel sat up straighter and cleared his throat. "I'm honored to accept greater responsibility," he said, "but I also understand Louis and Father's desire for change. Actually, Sophia and I have been considering similar things."

He looked at his wife, who nodded encouragingly.

"We want Lily to have a different upbringing," Daniel explained. "Safer, more... normal. We've been researching ways to separate legitimate businesses from other interests, creating clearer boundaries."

I watched Louis, knowing he was processing this information. Daniel's words meant the entire family had already been thinking along the lines we hoped for.

"I have a proposal," Richard said. "We could create two separate entities. The first, led by Daniel, focusing on existing core business. The second could be a legitimate holding company dedicated to charitable work and community investment, overseen by Louis and Jasmine, if they're willing."

Louis turned to me, raising an eyebrow to ask my thoughts. I nodded my support. We'd talked about something similar before—a way to be involved with family affairs but far from the darker side.

"I like that idea," Louis said. "If we could use the Mitchell name's influence to do some good, fund art projects, community development, educational programs..."

"Exactly that," Daisy chimed in, her eyes sparkling. "I've always hoped we could give back more. This would be the perfect way."

For the next few hours, we discussed details—legal structures, financial arrangements, staffing. Emma expressed interest in working for the newly established foundation, which was a surprise but a welcome one. She'd been searching for her place, and this might be the opportunity she needed.

As the discussion was winding down, Richard brought up another topic. "There's also the matter of Eva."

The atmosphere in the room instantly changed. Louis sat up straighter, his expression turning serious.

"I've already started making arrangements," he said. "New identity documents are being prepared. I think the Florida Keys might be a good choice—far enough away but still within the US. Small community, people don't ask too many questions."

"When do you plan to tell her?" Daisy asked, caution in her voice.

"Tomorrow," Louis answered. "She's been in the medical facility long enough. It's time for her to move on."

"Do you want me to come with you?" I asked, though I wasn't particularly eager to see Eva, I felt I should offer.

Louis shook his head. "No, this is something I need to do myself. A final goodbye, in a way."

I nodded in understanding, though I felt a twinge of unease. Eva still loved Louis, that much was obvious. Even knowing she helped save his life, I still struggled to fully accept the role she played in his life.

After the meeting, we stayed overnight at the mansion, in Louis's old room. Lying in bed, I could feel him still thinking about something.

"Want to share?" I asked softly, my fingers tracing lightly over his chest.

"I'm thinking about Eva," he admitted. "Not in that way," he quickly added, "just... what she did for me, and what I'm about to do."

"Send her away?"

"Yeah. I know it's the right thing, best for everyone. But I owe her my life, Jasmine. Without her, I wouldn't be here now."

I understood his feelings, even if I didn't entirely agree. "She's also the person who kept you separated from your family for four years," I gently reminded him.

"I know. Trust me, I haven't forgotten that. But in the end, she chose to do the right thing. She risked her life to help me, betrayed her father."

I was silent for a moment, thinking. "Maybe that's what you need to show her—gratitude, not love. Let her know you recognize the sacrifice she made, but also be clear about the boundaries for the future."

Louis turned to me, seeking my eyes in the darkness. "You always see to the heart of things, don't you?"

"That's why we're good together," I smiled. "Complementary."

He kissed me, gentle and sweet. "After tomorrow, Eva will be part of the past. Then we can really start our new life."