Victoria laughed softly, shaking her head at Ivy's playful response. "Well, my dear, I suppose 'subtly nudging fate' has led us to this moment. Let's hope it leads to a positive outcome."Meanwhile, Edward and Adele found themselves in a luxurious limousine, on their way to the Hurley family residence. Edward and Adele were immersed in the splendor of Regnon, the capital of Aria.Regnon, the pulsating heart of the nation, served as both the seat of government and the thriving economic center of Aria. It stood as a testament to progress and power, its sprawling infrastructure a testament to the ambitions of a prosperous society. For Edward and Adele, who hailed from the tranquil town of York, the contrast between their hometown and Regnon was striking. York, with its quaint charm and close-knit community, seemed worlds away from the vibrant energy that permeated every inch of the capital city. It was a city where dreams were born and realized, where fortunes were made and lost, and wh
As the limousine pulled up to the grand estate of the Hurley family, Adele straightened her posture, preparing herself to face whatever awaited them inside. With Edward's hand gently guiding her, they stepped out of the car and made their way toward the imposing front doors. The estate, surrounded by manicured gardens and statuesque architecture, exuded an air of prestige and history.Despite the grandeur of the estate, there was an air of quietude that hung in the atmosphere. Adele observed that there were only a handful of cars parked in the driveway, less than fifty in total. However, each vehicle exuded an aura of luxury, displaying prestigious brands and sleek designs. It was evident that the Hurley family gathering in Regnon was an exclusive and intimate affair.As Adele and Edward approached the entrance, a group of attendants stood ready to receive the guests. They appeared both eager and slightly puzzled as they had just witnessed two unfamiliar individuals stepping out of a
The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned to the woman whom Brandon addressed. Adele, taken aback by the unexpected inquiry, exchanged a bewildered glance with Edward.Composing herself, she replied with a touch of hesitation, "My name is Adele, sir. I assure you, I am not familiar with anyone by the name of Madam Yolanda."Brandon's brows furrowed in confusion, his mind grappling with the situation before him. Memories and emotions intertwined, forming a complex web in his mind. Gradually, his gaze shifted from Adele to Edward, a flicker of recognition crossing his eyes."Edward Windsor, you say? The grandchild of Xavier?" Edward nodded respectfully. "I am."Brandon's expression softened as memories resurfaced. He let out a deep sigh and extended a hand towards Edward. "Please forgive me for my delayed greeting. It seems the years have clouded my recollection. But I must ask for proof, Edward. Can you provide any evidence of your connection to Xavier?"retrieved his pho
Adele felt a pang of sadness and sympathy for her ancestor Yolanda. The weight of responsibility and the sacrifices she had made were becoming clearer with each word.Edward spoke up, his voice gentle yet determined. "Mr. Hurley, Adele never knew of this debt until now. She came here seeking her roots, not realizing the complexity of the situation. Can't we find a way to...?"Brandon gazed at Adele once again, the internal struggle evident in his eyes. After a long pause, he let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his years. "I am afraid, my dear, that I am too old to concern myself with such matters. Even though I remain the head of the Hurley family, I dare not cancel the agreement made between Yolanda and Hanson. It is a pact that has been upheld for generations, and it is not within my power to undo it."Adele's heart sank further, realizing the magnitude of the situation she found herself in. The disappointment in Brandon's voice and his inability to inter
While it might appear arrogant for someone to present such a gift, it carried a different weight when it came from a member of the prestigious Windsor family. The Windsors were known for their immense wealth and the ability to accomplish nearly anything they set their minds to.It was a rare opportunity, and Brandon knew he had to carefully weigh the potential benefits and consequences. Ultimately, he decided to accept Edward's gift. He believed that the Windsor family, with their resources and connections, could provide the assistance the Hurleys needed.After accepting Edward's gift and expressing his gratitude, Brandon realized how risky it was to have a guest of Edward's stature. Entertaining a member of the esteemed Windsor family carried its own set of expectations, and Brandon knew that the way they were received would be closely scrutinized by both their families and society.Understanding the possible consequences, Brandon turned to Jonathan and whispered, "Jonathan, it is ve
Adele's heart skipped a beat, and her mind raced with thoughts. She hadn't expected such a direct question, and the weight of her family history suddenly felt heavier. She was proud of her roots, but the complexities surrounding her family name was at its peak right now.Edward, ever observant, sensed Adele's unease. He gently placed a reassuring hand on her lower back and spoke, redirecting Leith's attention. "It is a topic that she prefers to keep private for now. I hope you understand."Leith's expression softened, and he quickly nodded in understanding. "Of course, Mr. Windsor. I apologize if I overstepped any boundaries. Please forgive my curiosity."Adele managed a grateful smile, grateful for Edward's quick intervention. "Thank you, Leith. I appreciate your understanding."Leith's smile remained on his face, but within his heart, a nagging familiarity tugged at his memory. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen Adele's face before, but the details eluded him. He tried t
Edward turned his gaze towards the woman and offered a warm smile, understanding her frustration. However, instead of apologizing or making a counter-offer, he decided to address her concerns in another way. "To be honest, today is a special day for this woman beside me, and I want to make it memorable for her. So, here's what I propose instead. Let's put an end to the bidding war and any hard feelings. Please name your price, and I'll pay whatever amount necessary to compensate you. This way, none of us will incur any losses."The room fell into a brief silence, and the other couples exchanged glances, processing Edward's unexpected offer. It was a generous gesture that caught them off guard, considering the escalating bidding war they had been engaged in.The woman from the older couple, her features softening, looked at Edward and Adele, contemplating their proposition. After a moment, she spoke with a hint of appreciation in her voice, "That's a generous offer, young man. We appre
Adele felt a wave of fear wash over her as she realized the potential consequences of Edward's true identity. She knew that Edward, the man standing beside her, was not only immensely wealthy but also a member of the powerful Windsor family. However, they were currently in the city of Regnon, where the influence of the Windsor family might not hold the same weight as it did in York. Adele's mind raced with worry, especially about the potential consequences if any trouble arose, particularly if it was because of her.On the other hand, Edward's face broke into a sly, confident smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. He had faced such challenges before, where people tried to use his wealth and status against him. Yet, he knew that revealing his full identity in this context could lead to unnecessary complications."My name is Edward, and that's all you need to know," he replied calmly, his voice carrying an air of authority that seemed to unnerve the younger man even more.His face tur