Chapter 231 Meeting the Parents?
The black Aether Motors pulled smoothly out of The Hensley Mansion, leaving the brightly lit yet cold and oppressive mansion far behind.
The atmosphere inside the car was completely different from when they arrived.
Cecilia leaned back in her seat, watching the night scenery flying backward past the window. The frustration that had been stuck in her chest because of Dione had finally been released quite a bit.
Just now in the living room, watching Dione wanting to blow up but having to hold it in—that was really satisfying.
Cecilia turned her head to look at Stefan beside her.
He had one hand on the steering wheel, driving with focused attention. The contours of his profile looked especially sharp under the light and shadow of the streetlamps.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Cecilia spoke up, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Stefan kept his eyes on the road, but the corners of his lips curved up slightly. "What?"
"You deliberately used Vincent's words to silence your mother." Cecilia called him out without hesitation. "You put her in an impossible position where she could only swallow her anger and accept Vincent's invitation."
"I was just stating facts," Stefan said matter-of-factly. "Vincent did invite you, and he did say he'd be disappointed if you didn't go. As for what my mother thinks, that's her business."
Cecilia pursed her lips, not buying his explanation.
Stefan was really calculating—when he schemed against people, he didn't even spare Dione.
But, I like it.
The car was quiet for a while, then Cecilia suddenly remembered something and sat up straight.
"Oh right, there's something I need to remind you about."
"What is it?"
"You proposed to me today and said you'd give me a grand wedding." Cecilia looked at him, her expression becoming serious. "But you seem to have forgotten the most important step."
Hearing this, Stefan's foot on the brake hesitated for a moment, and the car stopped steadily at a red light.
He turned his head, his eyes showing a hint of inquiry. "Which step?"
"You haven't formally met my parents as my fiancé yet." Cecilia said each word clearly.
Although last time at the hospital, he had visited them as Cecilia's boss, that was completely different from the current situation.
Before, it was polite concern between superior and subordinate, but now, it was a serious meeting that would determine Cecilia's happiness for the rest of her life.
For old-fashioned people like Robert and Mabel, this process was more important than anything else.
Stefan was obviously stunned.
His mind quickly ran through everything that had happened recently, from the design competition to Anna's assassination attempt, to today's confrontation with Dione... He had indeed forgotten this most crucial step.
Watching the rare look of chagrin and embarrassment on his face, Cecilia found it somewhat amusing.
This Stefan, who could manipulate the business world at will and negotiate billion-dollar contracts without batting an eye, was actually troubled by something like "meeting the parents."
"What's wrong, Mr. Hensley?" She deliberately drew out her tone, teasing him. "Getting scared now?"
The light turned green, and Stefan restarted the car, but didn't answer immediately. He pressed his lips tightly together, his brow slightly furrowed. That serious look made it seem like he was thinking about a hundred-billion-dollar merger.
After a long while, he finally spoke with some uncertainty: "What do Mr. Martinez and Mrs. Martinez like?"
Cecilia almost laughed out loud.
"Didn't you meet them last time?"
"Last time was a boss meeting an employee's family. This time is meeting my girlfriend's parents—it's different." Stefan said as if it were obvious. "The gifts need to be prepared differently. My outfit... Was that suit too formal last time? Would it seem too distant? Should I change to something more casual? But if I dress too casually, wouldn't that seem like I'm not taking it seriously enough?"
As he spoke, he actually began to think it through carefully.
"Also, when we meet, what should I say first? Would it be too abrupt to directly say I want to marry you? Should I start with small talk and wait for the right moment?"
Cecilia was completely speechless.
She leaned back in her seat, watching Stefan's conflicted expression, feeling both exasperated and amused.
"Stefan, are you this nervous when you hold board meetings?"
"That's different." Stefan immediately retorted. "Those old guys at board meetings—I could handle them with my eyes closed. But Mr. Martinez and Mrs. Martinez... they're the people you care about most."
The implication was that Stefan was afraid of doing something wrong that would make Robert and Mabel dissatisfied and unwilling to entrust Cecilia to him.
Hearing this, Cecilia's teasing mood instantly disappeared.
In its place was a warm feeling, tinged with a bit of bittersweetness.
She knew Stefan was really taking this seriously.
"My parents are very down-to-earth people," she softened her voice and gave him sincere advice. "You don't need to prepare expensive gifts—they'd feel uncomfortable seeing those. Just bring something they can actually use, like good tea or a comfortable massage device. That's better than anything."
"As for clothes, just wear what you're comfortable in. Don't wear a suit and tie—that's too intimidating. When my parents see someone in a suit, they always feel like it's someone coming to investigate them."
Stefan listened intently, nodding from time to time with a very humble attitude.
"So... what should I say when we meet?"
"Don't say anything." Cecilia looked at him, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Just sit there and wait for my parents to ask you questions. Whatever they ask, you answer. Be honest, and don't use those tricks you use in business negotiations."
"That simple?" Stefan was somewhat doubtful.
"That simple." Cecilia nodded affirmatively. "My parents judge people not by what they say, but by what they do and their attitude. If you show enough sincerity and respect, that's more useful than ten thousand sweet words."
Stefan fell into thought.
The car drove all the way to Cecilia's apartment building.
Before getting out, Stefan suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Tomorrow." He looked at her, his eyes serious. "Tomorrow I'll visit Mr. Martinez and Mrs. Martinez."
"So soon?" Cecilia was somewhat surprised.
"I've already proposed to you, can't keep you waiting too long." Stefan said.
Cecilia was amused by his words, and the gloom in her heart dissipated completely.
She looked at Stefan before her, at the seriousness in his eyes and that barely concealed nervousness, and couldn't help but feel that perhaps, being reborn and meeting someone like this was... a blessing in disguise after all.