Chapter 105: Meeting The Family!
Luca Hale and Vivienne stepped into the apartment lobby where they happened to run into Oscar, the manager of East Mountain Pass Racetrack.
"Uncle Oscar."
"Uncle Oscar."
The two greeted him in unison.
Oscar’s face immediately lit up with a warm smile.
"Vivienne, Luca. Heading out already?"
Ever since yesterday’s phone call, when he learned that Vivienne had finally found someone she loved, Oscar had been in an exceptionally good mood.
After meeting Luca Hale in person today, the smile on his face had hardly faded once. Even the employees at East Mountain Pass had been whispering among themselves about how cheerful Manager Oscar seemed.
Vivienne nodded.
"Yes. I’m taking Luca home to meet my stepmother."
Realization dawned on Oscar.
"I see..."
His expression softened before he let out a quiet sigh.
"Valerie has had a difficult life..."
He stopped himself from saying more.
Instead, he turned to Luca, his gaze becoming serious.
"Luca."
"You must treat Vivienne well."
"No matter what happens in the future, don’t ever hurt her."
His tone carried unquestionable sincerity.
Oscar understood that relationships between young people could be unpredictable. People fell in love, drifted apart, and sometimes separated because they simply weren’t meant for each other.
He couldn’t interfere with that.
But if things ever reached that point, he hoped Vivienne wouldn’t be the one left heartbroken.
Luca met his eyes and nodded solemnly.
"Don’t worry, Uncle Oscar."
"I’ll cherish her."
"Ever since I met Vivienne, I’ve realized the world is still a beautiful place."
He wasn’t exaggerating.
If that chance encounter hadn’t bound him to the system...
He never would have lived the life he had today.
He wouldn’t have met Sophie Kennedy.
He wouldn’t have met Naomi Monroe.
He wouldn’t have met Arabella Windsor.
He wouldn’t have met Amelia Grant.
And he certainly would never have met the woman standing beside him...
His angel.
A gentle smile appeared on Vivienne’s lips.
Her beautiful eyes curved slightly as she looked at Luca, warmth shimmering in pupils as bright as peach blossoms.
Oscar nodded repeatedly, satisfaction written all over his face.
"Good."
"I’m relieved to hear that."
He gave Luca’s shoulder a firm pat.
Then, after habitually checking his watch, he smiled.
"It’s getting late."
"You two should get going."
Looking at Vivienne, he added warmly,
"And don’t forget to say hello to Valerie for me."
"I will."
Vivienne waved.
"Goodbye, Uncle Oscar."
...
By the time they reached the parking lot, quite a few cars had already left.
Austin Silva and the others were nowhere to be seen. They had most likely gone off to celebrate after racing.
Vivienne casually tossed the Koenigsegg’s keys to Luca.
"You drive."
Only then did Luca realize something.
According to Vivienne, her family home wasn’t far from his villa in the Elvis Muskov Villa Complex. Both properties were located within the same prestigious residential district.
After thinking about it, it made perfect sense.
This area had been developed by one of the country’s premier real estate companies. Luxury villa communities stretched across the district, making it one of San Fierro’s favorite neighborhoods for wealthy entrepreneurs and prominent families.
With Vivienne’s background, owning a residence here was only natural.
...
Unlike the modern architectural style of the Elvis Muskov Villa Complex, Vivienne’s home resembled a classic colonial courtyard estate.
Although the buildings themselves weren’t particularly tall, the property occupied an enormous amount of land.
Stone pathways wound through elegant gardens.
Small bridges crossed gently flowing streams.
Traditional pavilions overlooked quiet ponds, while covered terraces reflected beautifully upon the water.
The entire estate radiated elegance and tranquility.
Looking around, Luca couldn’t help thinking,
’Buying a place like this wouldn’t be a bad idea.’
As soon as they pushed open the courtyard gate, footsteps echoed from the main hall.
A graceful woman, dressed simply with her hair neatly tied up, walked out with a delighted smile.
She looked to be around thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old.
The moment she saw Vivienne, her face lit up.
"Vivienne!"
"You’re finally home!"
Since taking over Octaveo Pharmaceutical, Vivienne had become incredibly busy. Most days she stayed in the executive residence near the company, returning home only during holidays or on rare occasions.
Valerie had barely taken two steps before she noticed the handsome young man standing beside Vivienne.
Her expression immediately filled with curiosity.
Before she could ask, Vivienne gently hooked Luca’s arm.
"Mom."
"This is Luca Hale."
"My boyfriend."
As she spoke, she secretly pinched Luca’s waist, reminding him to greet her properly.
Luca instantly understood.
He handed over the carefully prepared gift with both hands.
"Hello, Aunt Valerie."
"My name is Luca Hale."
"I’m Vivienne’s boyfriend."
"You can just call me Luca."
Truthfully, under normal circumstances, Luca would never have called Valerie "Aunt."
She was only a little over ten years older than him, so "big sister" would have felt far more natural.
Unfortunately...
She happened to be Vivienne’s stepmother.
Generations mattered.
Valerie stood frozen for several seconds.
Only after noticing the gift in Luca’s hands did she finally snap back to reality.
Her eyes widened in complete disbelief.
"Vivienne..."
"You actually have a boyfriend?!"
Luca blinked in confusion.
’Is her reaction really that exaggerated?’
’Even if Vivienne is an untouchable ice queen... surely finding a boyfriend isn’t that shocking.’
’Besides... I’m this handsome.’
’Isn’t it perfectly normal for her to fall for me?’
Realizing she had lost her composure, Valerie laughed awkwardly.
"I’m sorry, Luca."
"Did Auntie scare you just now?"
She accepted the gift while brushing a few loose strands of hair behind her ear.
Luca smiled and shook his head.
"Not at all."
"Vivienne has such a commanding presence that most men don’t even dare approach her."
Valerie couldn’t help giving Luca another careful look.
Then she opened the gift bag.
Inside lay an elegant silk scarf.
Her eyes immediately brightened.
"I love it."
"Thank you, Luca."
"This gift is wonderful."
[Ding!]
[The host spent $2,600 on Valerie.]
[Critical hit triggered!]
[Reward obtained: Imperium Financial Center, New Orleans.]
’A financial center... in New Orleans?’
Luca’s eyes lit up.
Although he didn’t know exactly where the Imperium Financial Center was located, anything bearing the words "New Orleans" certainly wasn’t an ordinary asset.
Coincidentally, he would soon be accompanying Naomi Monroe to New Orleans for Twitch’s upcoming livestream event.
’Perfect.’
’When the time comes, I can drop by and take a look at one of my own skyscrapers.’
Come to think of it...
He also owned a luxury villa there.