Chapter 197: Chapter 197

Don Leon got the call from Lucien that he was heading to see the old Michaelson with Anna for late morning tea that day. But before Lucien dialed his grandpa's number, Leandro already had something to discuss with Anna. So the septuagenarian man did not dally to welcome the youngsters even over the phone. He was excited to know more about what he saw on the security footage that assured him Lucien was safe last night, although they could not find a vision of him inside Anna's place; alas, Leandro's joy could not be in full expression as he was worried about something that bothered his heart so much.

Yet again, Don Leon did not let his disquietude show as he cheerfully waited for Lucien and Anna by his door, standing with his walking stick a few inches forward from his toes and his hands left over right above its handle. At the same time, his face was as bright and warm as the early spring morning sun.

"Well, this is one of the loveliest mornings I have ever had in a while, right, Enzo?" Don Leon laughed aloud as he embraced Lucien and winked at Brianna.

Enzo nodded with a gentle smile sporting his face as well but did not say anything.

"Grandpa, I might have good news for you," Lucien pulled Brianna to his side as they walked into the mansion.

"I am hoping to hear you say the wedding bells are soon ringing," Leandro playfully answered as they got seated on the elegant chairs in his living room where the tea set was prepared as per Lucien's announcement that they wanted to have with the old Michaelson.

"Wow! Grandpa, are you a psychic now?" Lucien burst a hoot of cheerful laughter at his grandfather's words.

Leandro was astonished to hear his grandson's joyous laughter.

"Hey…." the elderly stared at his grandson with widened eyes; blinking, and his surprised mien could not be hidden. "It's been a while since I heard this loud sound of joyfulness."

Leandro was inwardly happy. He forgot that worry his heart was holding before Lucien arrived with Anna. Then he turned to look at the girl who seemed to be the very source of Lucien's felicity. Leandro could not help his eyes from becoming misty as his tears threatened to cloud them with sentimental satisfaction that his only young man was finally with someone he adored and dearly loved.

Leandro had been the witness of every effort and sacrificed Lucien had to go through in order to be right by Anna's side all this time. He had seen how he had eagerly trained his combat skills, shooting, fighting tactics, and even the skills in the kitchen, which Lucien had never given up no matter how tired he may be from all the other tasks he had to balance his time with while never neglecting his duties in the LM Realtors Group. A business Lucien Michaelson is proud to say he did not create out of the shadow of his parents and grandfather's ability, but by and through his own talents and perseverance.

Of course, as a corporation, it means to say there are other shareholders to whom Lucien will have to explain and answer queries if they ever have anything they do not understand or agree with. But because Lucien is a responsible leader, he has never had any conflicts with the company's boards of directors or any one of the shareholders.

Something that had been more applaudable about Lucien is the fact that his shares in the company had started to boost only after a year of his business venture. He began with a twenty percent share like everyone else of the pioneer shareholders, but after a year, two of them had given up and sold their share at a price doubled than how they had invested.

The other shareholders did not want to buy the shares unless the price was lowered, but as if the two shareholders had no choice, they could not lower the cost. They had financial issues they had to settle, and the amount they declared was according to their need. There was no way they would or could change their declared price.

Lucien tried to estimate the possibilities of his money returning to him. He checked how long he would gain back his money and let the business roll to his profit. He asked for ideas from professionals that showed compassion for him as he started this venture, even before he went to college. And he gathered essential insights as well as helpful advice and like every investment. He gave himself a decent margin on his possible losses. Then, he decided to buy the shares from two of the shareholders, and it made him own the most significant share. Thus, he became the CEO.

It's only been four years, yet Lucien had established himself as a well-cultivated businessman, and in his own earnings, he can be considered a self-made millionaire. But to add up all his possessions, by his earnings and by birth, Lucien is a Billionaire.

Brianna noticed the silence in the older Michaelson's reaction despite his serene smile. She waited for the Don to say something as her assurance that he was back to his senses and with them, body and mind.

"Thank you…." Don Leon spoke softly to Brianna when Lucien's laughter calmed down, and only a silent smile was left on his still jolly face. "I am quite sure my boy's happiness is mostly because of you. Since I am still hoping we, as his biological family, could still make him happy somehow, especially an old and useless man like me."

The older Michaelson stated with obvious playfulness to brighten the mood even more. He decided to let the youngsters feel comfortable during their whole visit, so he thought about discussing the matter with Anna a little later. If not that day, maybe another.

"You know everything about me, Don Leon," Brianna did not conceal her honest thoughts about the matter, so she did not let Lucien's chirpy mood stop her from speaking everything her mind deemed necessary to be said. "Lucien promised to marry me. But I am giving you the chance to decide. If you are against this marriage, I will not hold Lucien responsible for whatever happened between us. But I will have to leave and start a new life on my own. I believe I have avenged my parents' and grandparents' deaths. The man behind the tragedy my family had to go through is already in the hands of the authority, but I will keep an eye on him; just in case he escapes and does not get the conviction and judgment he is supposed to, I will not hesitate to collect. In my terms, no law-abiding stupidity and sort of chances that would keep this evil man on the loose."

Brianna spoke calmly and confidently. Lucien was trying to butt in, but Brianna gave him a sharp glance, and Lucien bit his tongue not to interrupt.

"I will not bear any grudge against you if you believe I don't fit or belong to your grandson's side as a lifetime companion, and since I demand a marriage without divorce, it will be a till death do us part kind of vows."

"Do you love my boy, Anna?"

Leandro asked with an expectant heart. He tried to hide it, and Leandro was not sure if he was successful enough not to be known by the people around him. There were Brianna, Lucien, and Enzo. Leandro was not worried about his assistant finding out his honest emotions, but he was trying to look nonchalant in the young couples' eyes to avoid awkwardness or being cautious in their answers.

Brianna may be witty and quick to read people's subtle movements and facial expressions, but this time, she did not get to care about how the old Michaelson looked after hearing his short and simple question, because Brianna was not ready for what to say as her answer. She paused, and her eyes found Lucien, who was staring right back at her.

Lucien was more than eager to hear the woman's answer. More than his grandpa, Lucien knew in his heart that he was dying to know how Anna was going to respond to such a bold and direct question.

"I am sure, without even the slightest doubt, that he loves you more than anything in this world. He is even willing to lose his life just to save you, although I am also aware you had saved him many times from the claws of death. Still, we both know they happened for different reasons. One was merely doing its job while the other was doing it out of intense love. But let me be clear, I do not disagree with any of those reasons. It even made me proud that one can love someone so much, intentional or not. I am proud of both of you."

Brianna inhaled deeply.

"As you know, I don't really know much about love. But just as Luci is willing to give his life for me, in return, I am willing to give my life not only for him but for everyone he loves. His family will be mine. And his enemies will definitely be mine as well."

Brianna spoke with his eyes to the Old Michaelson, but her hands were in the holds of Lucien, gently squeezing her hand as his way to tell her he was right beside her.