"Since you've already invited me, I guess I'll see you there." Veil responded casually with a smile. As soon as Kai pulled the car around, Veil took Alice by the hand and got in, leaving without another word.
As Kai drove steadily down the road, he couldn't help but ask, "Young Master, was that guy just now really the eldest son of the Don Weiss family? How did he end up like that?"
Three years ago, Visen Don Weiss might not have been able to match Veil in terms of looks, but he was undeniably a handsome man—suave and striking.
Yet now, after just a few short years, he had transformed into a greasy-looking middle-aged man?
"Fallen?" Veil didn't see it that way. "The Don Weiss family holds significant power in Luxhaven. For the eldest direct heir to fall so far—to the point where he speaks to me with such blatant servility—do you really think that's normal?"
Kai nodded instinctively. "Of course it is. The Don Weiss family was never on the same level as yours. And besides, Visen made a mistake and got kicked out of Luxhaven City. He's not like you—his family's sole successor. Groveling in front of you like a dog? That's only natural."
"Go home and read more books when you have time. Stop spending all your days hanging around those clubs. Learn to think—don't get fooled by appearances."
Veil shot him a glance, his tone tinged with irritation. "People have pride and dignity. A young master who once stood in the same social circle as me—no matter how down and out he might be—would never become this submissive. If someone changes this drastically, there's only one explanation: his ambition isn't dead yet."
Kai was startled. "Young Master, you're saying… he still wants to return to Luxhaven?"
Veil didn't continue the conversation. He simply waved a hand dismissively. "Just drive."
Kai didn't need to understand everything. Veil was considering grooming him into a trusted aide, after all.
In terms of raw strength, Kai was more than capable, and his loyalty was unquestionable. His only flaw? He didn't think deeply enough. He lacked discernment.
If Kai learned to sharpen his mind, Veil would shape him into a true confidant. If not… he'd simply follow the family's wishes and let Kai remain a disposable warrior.
By the time they dropped Alice off at the villa, it was already noon—just in time for Veil's appointment with Lisa.
Kai drove him toward Lisa's residence.
As they cruised along, Kai suddenly let out a chuckle. One hand on the wheel, the other scratching his head, he gave Veil a thumbs-up.
"Young Master, you're amazing. Sharp-eyed as ever. To be honest, I didn't think much of Alice yesterday. She looked plain—like some countryside girl. I really couldn't understand why you decided to keep her around."
"But today? Damn! Just one outfit change, and it's like magic—she's a whole new person! Cute, lively, fresh… And sure, she used to be a bit ordinary, but she's obedient, well-mannered, and doesn't cause trouble. She's basically the perfect little kitten to have at home!"
Veil raised an eyebrow. "So, this is your type?"
Kai grinned slyly. "Nah, I prefer older women. Like that club manager—she's mature, sophisticated… and most importantly, she knows how to take care of people."
Veil had been to that club before—more than once. That manager was a front-desk hostess. He often saw Kai walking with her in the back, assuming they were just picking out which girls to book.
Turns out, they were actually fooling around together.
"That manager must be in her thirties… or is she already pushing forty?" Veil mused.
Kai nodded. "Forty-three. Eight years older than me. You know what they say—if a woman's three years older, she's perfect for marriage. Five years older, perfect for having kids. Eight years older? She can keep me as her little toy."
---
Jiangnan No.1 Villa District
In the living room, Lisa sat on the couch, watching her mother bustle around the kitchen in an apron. She pouted, feeling somewhat aggrieved.
"Mom, when I came back to Luxhaven, I didn't even get to see you step into the kitchen once. But for Veil? You're personally cooking? Is he really worth all this effort?"
As a daughter, Lisa couldn't help but feel jealous.
Ruly set down the final dish—a simple yet fragrant mushroom and chicken soup—before wiping her hands on her apron. Then, with the back of her hand, she dabbed at the light sheen of sweat on her forehead, smiling warmly.
"You silly girl, you don't know what's good for you. When your future son-in-law visits, isn't it only right for his future mother-in-law to show some sincerity?"
Lisa's expression soured. "Future son-in-law? What future son-in-law? That guy, Veil—he's a total playboy. Give it a few years, and he'll probably have kids all over the place. Are you expecting me to step in and be a stepmother?"
"Watch your mouth!" Ruly scolded, her face turning serious. "I've told you before—some things you can think about, but don't say them out loud!"
"You think any powerful man is truly clean? The only ones who are, are the ones without ability. Any man with real power—none of them are saints. Even your father had his share of scandals. Or have you conveniently forgotten?"
When Lisa's father passed, it nearly tore the Windsor family apart. She and her mother had almost been kicked out entirely.
Why?
Because the power-hungry wolves in the family had found Lisa's father's illegitimate son.
If the Lancaster family hadn't stepped in to protect them—hadn't paid off that bastard child with a fortune—things wouldn't have been resolved so easily.
"Lisa, you're my only daughter. Do you really think I'd lead you astray?" Ruly sat beside her, her voice softening. "Veil may be a little unruly, a bit domineering… but anyone with eyes can see that he genuinely likes you."
"Unruly? He installed a bug in my office, Mom. Does that sound 'unruly' to you? And every time I try to piss him off by bringing in a new 'boyfriend,' those guys just mysteriously disappear! I don't even know if they're dead or alive! And you're calling him 'domineering'? He's a tyrant! A full-blown villain! If he didn't have a powerful father, he wouldn't be where he is today!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, a figure appeared in the corner of the living room.
It was none other than Veil himself.
He stood there, his expression calm and indifferent, eyes fixed on Lisa's stunning, yet furious face.
"Veil, dear, why didn't you call ahead before coming in?" Ruly jumped slightly, hurriedly trying to smooth things over. "Lisa is still young—she speaks without thinking. Don't take it to heart."
Veil acted as if he hadn't heard her. Instead, a devilish smirk curled at his lips as he locked eyes with Lisa.
"Go on. Say that again."
Lisa, still fuming, refused to back down. She crossed her arms and huffed. "Why wouldn't I? Am I wrong? Without a powerful family and a good father, you wouldn't be where you are today!"
Veil's smirk deepened. He nodded approvingly.
"Now that's a good line. Sounds damn nice. If you're so good at talking, why don't you keep going?"
Lisa had expected Veil to be furious—at the very least, his expression should have darkened.
Yet, to her surprise, not only did her angry outburst fail to enrage him, but he even seemed… pleased?
How could someone be this shameless?
Calling him out for relying on his family was basically saying he was nothing without them. And instead of getting offended, this guy actually accepted it so readily?
"You—!" She jabbed a finger at Veil's nose. "I've never met anyone as shameless as you!"
"Lisa! Watch your words! Apologize to Veil this instant!" Ruly finally lost her patience.
Insulting Veil like this again and again—she, as Lisa's mother, felt uncomfortable just listening to it. How much worse must it be for an outsider?
Lisa stubbornly turned her head away. "I won't! I didn't say anything wrong, so why should I apologize?"
She instinctively glanced at Veil to gauge his reaction. Seeing that he showed no sign of anger, she became even more puzzled.
What was going on today?
From the moment she saw Veil, she had felt something was off. It had only been a day since they last met, but somehow, he seemed even more striking, more charismatic than before.
And strangely enough, he looked more pleasing to the eye.
Besides, with Veil's usual hot-tempered nature, even the slightest provocation would have sent him into a rage—if not by yelling, then by smashing things. But now? He was just standing there, completely unfazed. It was… unsettling.
Veil's emotions were unclear, but Ruly's frustration was evident. She was practically fuming, her chest heaving with anger.
"Lisa Windsor! I told you to apologize! Did you hear me? Or are you ignoring your own mother now?!"
"Mom…"
Lisa clenched her jaw, her frustration building. Seeing her mother so furious made her instinctively shrink back.
No matter how strong-willed she was, she had grown up under her mother's care. In front of Ruly, she would always be the little girl who never quite grew up.
Being scolded like this—for the first time in her life, no less—left her feeling both scared and wronged. Her eyes turned red with unshed tears.
Veil, seeing this, finally stepped forward. He reached for Lisa's delicate hand, gently squeezing it. Soft and warm.
Smiling, he said, "Auntie, don't be so angry. Look, you've scared Lisa."
"You might not know this, but Lisa and I are actually dating," he added with a casual chuckle. "This is just how we get along. We tease each other all the time, but we never take it to heart. Just a young couple keeping up with modern trends."
"Is that true?" Ruly raised an eyebrow.
Lisa hesitated for a split second before reaching behind Veil's back and pinching him hard. Then, gritting her teeth, she forced herself to nod. "If you don't believe me, you can ask Vicker."
Vicker was Lisa's personal bodyguard, always by her side. If anything happened, he would know.
Hearing this, Ruly finally let go of her anger. As she studied Veil, her expression softened. The more she looked at him, the more satisfied she became. Smiling, she said, "Looks like I'm getting old. I can't keep up with you youngsters anymore. As long as you two are happy, that's all that matters."
Veil put on a serious expression. "Auntie, what are you saying? Getting old? If you and Lisa walked down the street together, people would think you were sisters."
It was partly flattery, but not entirely untrue. Ruly, despite being in her early forties, had taken such good care of herself that she still had the radiance of youth.
She wore a pale pink long-sleeved top—slightly sheer, subtly revealing her slender waistline. Paired with form-fitting blue jeans that accentuated her long, graceful legs, she was a sight to behold.
Compared to Lisa, she might lack a bit of youthful charm, but in exchange, she carried a mature allure that was equally captivating.
Ruly's smile deepened, clearly pleased. "You little rascal. It's only been a short while since I last saw you, and you've already learned how to sweet-talk people." She playfully chided, "I'm old, dear. Nowhere near as young as you two. Even this outfit—I borrowed it from Lisa. But I suppose it fits me well enough."
Ah. Understood.
Veil immediately played along, raising his eyebrows in exaggerated admiration. "Wait, this is Lisa's outfit? I've never seen her wear it before! And I know her figure—it's practically model-perfect. But Auntie, you fit into her clothes just as well? Your figure is honestly too enviable!"
"Oh, stop it!" Ruly laughed, unable to hide her delight. "You really have a silver tongue. You're making me blush!" She affectionately took Veil's hand. "You came at the perfect time. I cooked a homemade meal just for you. Come, try it and see if it suits your taste."
"Then I'm in for a real treat today."
As Veil walked hand-in-hand with Ruly toward the dining room, Lisa stood off to the side, her lips twitching.
She felt like a neglected child.