Chapter 221: Chapter 221
Brianna and Lucien arrived earlier than Sandra and Levi. It was because Sandra wanted to buy something for Anna, Sandra’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and also something for her father-in-law, Leandro Michaelson. There was nothing to worry bout since the war had already subsided and there were more than enough men to assist the couple with security or anything they would ever need.
Enzo welcomed the young couple, Brianna and Lucien, as soon as they arrived at the mansion. Leandro sent the helicopter to fetch Enzo right after Leandro and Andy were dropped off at his yard. Lucien did not say anything, but Enzo understood the curious look on his young Master’s face as to why it was not the same as usual. Leandro would always wait for Lucien and Brianna by the door whenever the patriarch knew of their arrival.
“The Master has a guest. They are in the study room and he is asking for your presence as well,” Enzo answered as he led the couple to where Leandro, Andy, and their guest were at the moment.
“I see,” Lucien answered.
“Is there anything you would like to have for dinner?” Enzo asked again. “Young Madame? Young Master?”
Brianna smiled awkwardly. She was not used to the way Enzo would address her ever since she started dating Lucien, but Enzo would not comply with Brianna’s wishes, no matter if she pretends to be angry and insist to be called by her first name just the way Enzo would do before.
“Babe?” Lucien asked Brianna. But the latter just shook her head.
“I am good with whatever will be on the table. Thanks, Enzo!” Brianna answered with a simple smile.
Enzo held the door open for the young couple as soon as they arrived at the study room door, and as his response to Brianna’s expressed gratitude, Enzo curtly nodded and left. He needed to guide the kitchen staff and watch out for the other Michaelson couple coming and meet them at the door instead of the Master of the house.
“Come in! Come in, you two!” Leandro jovially greeted Brianna and Lucien as soon as he heard the soft knock on the door and the two entered soon after.
There were three men seated on the old Michaelson’s study room’s receiving lounge. Leandro was facing the door, while Andy was to Leandro’s right, and the guest had his back to the door.
“Mom said she needed to buy something on the way here, so we arrived sooner than them despite us coming from a distance compared to their location,” Lucien reported.
“It’s okay. We aren’t in a hurry, although I am excited to have all my dear ones join me for a splendid meal, it is also good that we could find a moment to discuss important matters with this man,” Leandro replied.
As soon as Don Leon gestured his hand at the guest, Roger Clayton stood from his seat and turn to formally greet the newly arrived Brianna and Lucien.
“Nice to finally meet you, both. Roger Clayton,” he spoke politely and humbly.
“Aren’t you Terrence Clayton’s official lawyer?” Brianna casually asked while shaking hands with the man after Lucien did the same.
“I was. But it was only because I had no choice. Now that he is finally reaping the fruits of his deeds, just like every victim, I and my family can also breathe freely and enjoy the freedom of life that we deserve. Especially my mom,” Roger Clayton answered solemnly.
Brianna did not say anything. She silently observed the exchange of conversation between the four men with her in the study. Lucien was also doing the same, he was silently observing Brianna’s every expression even from his peripheral vision. Lucien saw Brianna fish her phone out of her pocket and then sent a message to Jack Foster.
“Jack, are you online, right now?”
Was the message he saw Brianna typing and then sent. As soon as Lucien saw the other person answer Brianna’s text, Lucien dialed Jack Foster’s direct line. The latter received the call and the next words Lucien said already made Jack understand what he was supposed to do.
“I hope you don’t mind if I try to confirm the authenticity of your words,” Lucien stated. “I am connecting to a friend, he is listening to this conversation we have now and checking the truth of every word you say.”
“I have nothing to hide. Please do as you wish, I came here to ask for Don Leon’s help to prove me, my mother, and my siblings’ innocence despite the crimes that man had done,” Roger answered calmly.
“He is the one who tipped us about the attempt of Terrence’s loyal men to take him out of prison,” Leandro stated to inform Brianna and Lucien.
“Roger Clayton, right?” Lucien asked as if giving Jack the name of the person he needed to work on.
“Yes,” Roger responded firmly.
The conversation continued until the other couple, Levi and Sandra arrived at the mansion. Leandro told Roger Clayton that his answer will be ready by the morning. So, the young Clayton will only have to wait.
“Don’t you think that is too soon?” Andy asked Leandro as they walked to the dining area.
“Nah. With all the resources that we have. I am confident we will get to confirm whether this young man’s words and intentions are as pure as he managed to convince me today,” Leandro chuckled as he answered with a carefree mind.
“I might have to agree with you on that,” Andy joined his friend’s cheerfulness and snorted.
“Besides, the possibility of Terrence Clayton’s family being the first victims of his cruelty but they did not have any way to express their odium towards the man due to his power which now has tumbled down, is too potent to ignore,” Leandro continued.
“Well, considering none of Terrence Clayton’s children seemed to follow him in politics, not even in the army, or anything that would seem to show as if they are riding on the cloak of the father’s power and success, you might just be right to think they are oppressed even as a family, immediate family to that tyrant,” Andy said after a short thought.
“That is one of the reasons why I am willing to give this young man a chance to start anew. We cannot choose who to be born from, we arrive in this world according to how fate had it all planned, but we don’t have to let others suffer more than how they already did if we can do something about it, right Anna?” Leandro asked casually as they take their seats at the dining table. “What do you think about my idea?”
“We can only find out if you were right or wrong after that decision’s result comes out. But I do not disagree with your kindness. I am sure we will handle the consequences of that mistake if there are any. Having faith in others doesn’t make us wrong, even if we fail, because if we choose not to believe and we turn out to be wrong, the regret is more unbearable,” Brianna answered suppliantly.
“I can’t find any words to disagree with her statement,” Andy chimed in, smiling widely.
“Sorry, we’re late,” Sandra lively greeted as she and Levi also took their seats at the table. “And as for the present, they will be ready within a few days to one week. The courier will send it right to your door, dad,” she added apologetically and sweetly smiling at Leandro.
“I can’t wait to see and get whatever precious is about to land in my hands. Don’t be too charming, my daughter-in-law, my poor heart might not withstand it,” Leandro replied.
The old Michaelson’s words might have sounded like he was reprimanding Sandra not to spoil him too much, but his mien and laughter reflected the most honest content of his heart.
“Believe me, that is what he says when he actually meant to say “keep them coming!” Lucien whispered to Brianna who seemed to have taken Lucien’s words seriously although Lucien was just making fun of his grandfather.
“Don’t make her think negatively bout me, young man!” Leandro feigned displeased when Sandra, Levi, Lucien, and Andy burst into a gleeful peal of laughter.
“Dad, calm down. Don’t worry, I am sure Anna is not the kind of person to rely on what others would say about someone. She can easily tell one’s character and personality when she gets to see that person,” Levi cleared his throat to comfort his dad. “Let us know whatever you have in mind to discuss with all of us here tonight, right Uncle Andy?” the son added.
Leandro sheepishly smiled, then he also cleared his throat before making his answer known to everyone around him.
“Well, it’s just that, when we were supposed to discuss important matters with you before, our Anna and Lucien had to rescue you at the hospital from people who wanted to harm everyone in our family,” Leandro paused speaking while his eyes slowly looked around to gaze at every one of his loved ones. “Now that we have them all dealt with, including claiming justice for our Anna’s parents’ untimely death, I wished to discuss another wedding plan for our Anna and Luci with all of you,” Leandro softly stated.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Leandro waited for anyone who would say anything in response to his words; dispute or otherwise, the old Michaelson was ready. But when no one said anything, he continued.