Chapter 35 Chapter 35

Chapter 35 Chapter 35
Valentina

I folded another dress carefully and placed it into the box, with my phone wedged between my shoulder and ear as Leah's voice filtered through the line.

"Yes," I said, glancing around the room to be sure I hadn't missed anything. "I have already signed the blue folder on my desk. And the Zurich documents leave those with Mr. Evans. I'll review them when I'm back."

She hummed in acknowledgment, typing away on her end. "Alright, ma. Everything will be handled."

"Thank you, Leah." I paused, then added, "I appreciate you."

"Always," she replied. "Have a safe flight."

The call ended just as I tucked a pair of shoes into the corner of the box. I exhaled, about to drop my phone only for it to buzz.

Family group chat.

Violeta: I swear, if Father is trying to form another alliance, I will lose my mind. He brought guests over like we're part of some exhibition. We had to dress up and sit there making conversation with people we don't even know.

Another message followed quickly.

Violeta: I just hope he's not planning anything ridiculous.

I shook my head, lips pressing together as I continued arranging my things. The flight was in two hours. I didn't really have time to type out a proper response, but I could already imagine Violetta pacing the living room, furious and dramatic as ever.

If Lucien wasn't going on this trip, I would've felt unbearably weak right now. Three days alone with Ambrose in another country... the idea alone made my chest tighten.

But Lucien would be there. That thought steadied me more than I cared to admit.

I finally picked up my phone and typed a quick reply.

Me: Girls, calm down. Father won't do that to you. I'm sure of it.

The reply from Violetta came almost instantly.

Violeta: Oh yes, of course. Just because it happened to you doesn't mean it won't happen to us. If he even tries, I'm eloping. I swear it.

I smiled shaking my head.

Violetta had always been like this fire and defiance wrapped in sharp words. Unlike Viviana who I know won't say a word to father

Me: Calm down, Violetta. Nothing like that will happen. When I get back from my trip, I'll visit. We'll talk to Mom together and see if there's anything Father is planning.

Violeta: Fine. Have a safe journey. And please enjoy yourself. Don't think about the fact that you're married to that old man. Explore.

Viviana: Takecare of yourself sis. 

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head as warmth 
spread through my chest. Typical Viviana. 

I set my phone aside and turned back to my packing, finishing the last few items.

 
My box was being lifted with practiced ease, into the boot by one of Ambrose guards. Everything about it was efficient, controlled. Ambrose's world moving the way it always did, without pause.

I was already outside when Ambrose stepped out of the house, the twins flanking him on either side. He adjusted his cufflinks as he walked, looking every bit the man of authority he liked to be seen as.

"Behave yourselves while I'm gone," he said, glancing between them. "No unnecessary drama."

Ronan chuckled. "We'll try."

Mira stepped forward, smoothing Ambrose's sleeve. "Don't forget your medication," she said. "And the supplements. I put them in your travel case. Please don't skip them."

Ambrose sighed theatrically, then smiled at her. "Alright, alright. I hear you." He leaned in. "And don't get into trouble while I'm away."

Mira grinned. "Yes, Uncle. I'll make sure I don't."

Then her eyes flicked to me. The smile stayed, but it thinned tight at the edges.

Ronan spoke up then. "Dear sister-in-law. Take care of our old man."

I met his gaze and smiled politely. "I will."

The driver opened the door for Ambrose, and he got in. I walked around to the other side, the heels of my shoes clicking softly against the pavement. As I stepped into the car and shut the door, the outside noise dulled.

Only then did I allow myself a breath. As the car pulled away, I turned my head toward the window, eyes drifting back to the house, searching. 

My fingers curled lightly in my lap as the gates slid open and the car rolled forward.

Lucien said he'd be coming. I held on to that as the house disappeared from view.

The drive to the airport was quiet, broken only by the low sound of the engine and the occasional call Ambrose took on his phone. I kept my gaze trained on the passing scenery. 
Lucien said he'd be coming.

When the car finally slowed, the private terminal came into view discreet, guarded, worlds away from the chaos of commercial travel. Ambrose stepped out first, already mid-conversation as staff hurried forward. A few moments later, I followed, the cool air brushing my skin as the tarmac stretched ahead.

The jet waited for us, sleek and imposing. Inside, everything smelled of leather and quiet luxury. Ambrose moved ahead, settling into his seat, already immersed in another discussion with the air hostess who had joined us.

I stepped in after him and then I saw Lucien.

He was already seated, jacket off, sleeves rolled just enough to look effortless. Calm. Collected. As if my heart hadn't just skipped violently in my chest.

There it was that familiar rush. Something lighter, brighter, blooming in my chest before I could stop it. The kind of peace that only came when he was near. The kind that made everything else fade into background noise.

So he kept his word. Our eyes met briefly. Just a fraction too long to be accidental, too short to be reckless. No smile. No greeting. Just a look that said everything he couldn't.

I felt steadier instantly, like the ground beneath me had finally stopped shifting.

But reality rushed back just as quickly. Ambrose was here.

This wasn't our space. Not our time. Not our rules.

I forced my expression into something neutral, polite, as I took my seat across from Ambrose. To anyone watching, we were nothing more than family sharing a flight.

The jet began to move, engines humming as we taxied forward. And as the aircraft lifted into the sky, I leaned my head back slightly, eyes closing for just a moment.

He was here. That was enough to get me through the next three days.

The cabin settled once we were airborne. The city disappeared beneath the clouds, replaced by an endless stretch of white and blue.

Across the aisle, Ambrose had already turned toward Lucien. They slipped easily into business. Watching them together was strange father and son, so alike in presence yet divided by so much more beneath the surface.

I stayed quiet, listening without really listening.

Every now and then, I felt it. A glance. Quick. Careful. Lucien's eyes would flick to me when Ambrose wasn't looking, and I'd catch it just in time before looking away. Each stolen look sent a small, reckless flutter through my chest. A silent reminder that despite the distance, despite the pretence, we were still there. Still connected.

The air hostess moved around the cabin, offering drinks, checking on comfort. She lingered longer near Lucien, laughing softly at something he said, leaning in just a little too close.

I hated that I noticed.

A tight, unfamiliar sensation curled in my stomach as I watched her brush her fingers lightly against his arm while handing him a glass. Lucien remained polite, but I could see it. The ease with which people were drawn to him. The way attention followed him naturally.

Jealousy crept in. Irrational. Annoying. I shifted in my seat, eyes returning to the window, silently scolding myself. I had no right. None at all. And yet, the feeling refused to go away.

When I looked back, his gaze met mine again. The smallest arch of his brow, like he could read me too easily. The air hostess eventually moved on, and only then did I realize how tense I'd been.

The rest of the flight passed in a strange limbo. Conversation. Silence. Glances. Thoughts left unspoken.

When the plane finally began its descent, Amsterdam spread out below us canals threading through the city like veins, rooftops packed close together. My pulse picked up, not from the landing, but from the sense of arrival. A new setting. A pause from routine.

The jet touched down smoothly. On the tarmac, a car was already waiting.

We stepped out, and before I could fully take in my surroundings, the staff approached, lined up neatly.

"Welcome, Chairman," they said in unison, bowing deeply to Ambrose.

Ambrose accepted it like it was second nature, nodding once as he moved forward. 

The hotel rose before us like something out of a glossy magazine tall, elegant, all glass and muted gold accents. Inside, everything smelled of polish and fresh flowers. The staff straightened the moment Ambrose stepped in.

"Welcome, Chairman," they said again, bows neat and synchronized.

I followed closely as we were led down a quiet corridor, plush carpet swallowing the sound of our footsteps. The man escorting us stopped in front of three rooms positioned close together.

He handed the room card to Lucien and I then unlocked the other door which was a darker shade, richer, more imposing. Mine and Lucien's were identical. Same color. Same finish. The detail felt oddly intentional, though I didn't know why my mind latched onto it.

"Have a good night's rest, sir," the man said politely.

"Thank you, Pieter," Ambrose replied smoothly. By tomorrow, I want all staff and members gathered. We'll be having a meeting."

I blinked, confusion flickering through me. A meeting? Here?

This was a hotel, not headquarters. How exactly was that supposed to work?

Ambrose turned to me. "Take a rest. We'll talk tomorrow."

Then he looked at Lucien. "You too, son."

With that, he unlocked his door and stepped inside, the door closing firmly behind him.

Silence settled over the corridor. I stood there, key cool in my palm, questions piling up in my head.

I felt Lucien behind me and I turned slightly. He was leaning casually against the wall, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable but eyes very much on me.

"So....Are you going straight to bed... or do you want to have a drink?"

I hesitated for half a second too long.

“I should probably rest,” I said, the sensible answer slipping out. “It’s been a long day.”

Lucien’s gaze lingered on me. The corner of his mouth twitched, not quite a smile.

“Of course. Tomorrow’s going to be… busy.”

Busy. That was one word for it.

I nodded and turned toward my door, sliding the keycard through the reader. The lock clicked open. Before I stepped inside, I paused, my hand still on the handle.

“Lucien,” 

He straightened from the wall. “Yeah?”

I searched his face, wanting to say a hundred things I couldn’t. About Amsterdam. About how seeing him on that jet had grounded me in a way nothing else could.

Instead, all I said was, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Something softened in his eyes and he let out a smile. “Me too.”