Lorraine felt some of her anxiety ease from Lancey’s infectious warmth.]
Following her into the living room, she immediately noticed two distinguished gentlemen seated on the elegant sofa
One was Cassian’s father, Ian Rhodes–a commanding presence in his perfectly tailored navy suit. His expression was serious but not unwelcoming as he studied her with sharp, assessing eyes]
The other was Cassian’s grandfather, a silver haired patriarch whose advanced age couldn’t diminish his obvious vitality. His eyes sparkled with kindness as he smiled warmly at her.]]
Casian stepped forward respectfully “Dad, Grandfather, this is Lorraine, my wife.”
Lorraine moved closer, offering a gracefull nod. “Mr. Rhodes, it’s wonderful to meet you both. I’m Lorraine.”
She presented the carefully chosen gifts she’d brought–premium Scottish whiskey for the men and elegant silk scarves for Lancey
Their approving smiles indicated she’d chosen well
Good–this girl understood proper etiquette []
Jan’s voice was measured and authoritative. “Please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable.”
Grandfather Rhodes beckoned her closer with twinkling eyes. “Come here, dear. Let me get a proper look at you“]
Lorraine approached him obediently.
After studying her thoughtfully, the old man nodded with obvious satisfaction. “Excellent choice, Cass. You’ve got good taste.“]
He reached into his jacket and withdrew an elegant velvet jewelry box. “My dear, this is a little welcome gift. I hope you’ll like it
Lorraine opened the box carefully and gasped. Inside was a stunning emerald and diamond tennis bracelet that looked like it belonged in a museum.
Having worked in jewelry design, she could immediately tell this piece was worth millions–probably an antique from a famous house like Cartier or Van Cleef
“Sir, this is absolutely gorgeous, but I couldn’t possibly accept something so valuable, she protested genuinely
Everyone exchanged pleased glances. This girl had character–not grasping or materialistic despite clearly recognizing the bracelet’s worth
“Nonsense, dear. Once I give a gift, it’s given. This is just a small token of my affection,” Grandfather Rhodes insisted warmly
Cassian moved closer, his voice gentle but firm. “Ana, please accept it. Grandfather chose it especially for you.
Then lan and Lancey produced their own welcome gifts.
A stunning pearl necklace from Lancey, keys to a new Mercedes from, lan, and–most shocking of all–deeds to a penthouse apartment in SoHo
The pile of gifts in front of Lorraine was overwhelming.
This was absolutely insane. These weren’t gifts–they were investments.
Her hands actually trembled holding the property deeds
She couldn’t help remembering her first meeting with Megan Hale, who’d looked her up and down with obvious disdain and given her exactly nothing except attitude
“This is.. this is incredibly generous, but it’s far too much…” Lorraine’s voice caught with emotion
What had started as a marriage of convenience was beginning to feel like she’d won the family lottery
Cassian moved to her side, gently taking the papers from her shaking hands and placing them on the coffee table
“When my family gives gifts, they’re given with love. You don’t need to feel guilty about accepting them–we’re your family now too.“]
Looking up at him, Lorraine felt her eyes misting with unexpected tears
“But these things are worth more than most people make in a lifetime. I can’t…“)]
0100
