Chapter 339: Protect you at all costs!!
The dining room at Pearl Villa was very lively that morning.
The aroma of freshly prepared breakfast filled the air.
Miles was eating much faster than usual.
Every few seconds he glanced at the clock without even realizing it.
Elena watched him for a while before smiling.
"Eat slowly."
"Breakfast is not running away."
Hope looked at Miles carefully.
"Big bro, your cheeks are swollen."
Asher immediately stuffed another bite into his own mouth until both of his cheeks puffed out.
"Look at me."
"Mine too."
Daniel burst into laughter.
"Look at these brothers."
"Are you two having a competition?"
Monica rested her chin on one hand while watching Miles finish another bite.
"She isn’t running away, Boss."
"Slow down."
Miles nearly choked and immediately reached for the glass.
"Cough..."
Elena quickly poured more water into it before handing it over.
"There."
She smiled warmly.
"Good luck, son."
"I hope you bring her home soon."
Daniel nodded with complete sincerity.
"Our blessings are with you, son."
Hope and Asher froze.
Both of them slowly looked toward Miles with sparkling eyes.
"Asher whispered."
"Big bro..."
"Are you going to..."
Hope could no longer contain herself.
"Big bro!"
"Really?"
Miles looked at both of them and laughed.
"You two look happier than I am."
Elena chuckled softly.
Hope and Asher answered together without hesitation.
"We will get to see Big Sis Chloe making art every day."
Daniel blinked.
"That’s what you two are excited about?"
The twins nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes!"
Monica smiled while watching the family.
"It is very rare to see you this happy, Boss."
"Good luck today."
Elena’s eyes then shifted toward Monica.
She smiled knowingly.
"You are the elder one now, girl."
"Is there someone in your heart too?"
"Tell Aunt."
"I want to know."
Miles slowly turned toward Monica as well.
Monica smiled helplessly before pretending to sigh dramatically.
"Well..."
"Looks like I am getting older."
"Who is even going to marry me?"
Elena immediately reached over and gently pulled her ear.
"You girl."
"Don’t say nonsense."
Monica laughed.
"Well..."
"Today belongs to my brother."
"We’ll talk about me some other day."
Everyone laughed.
Even Miles could not hide his smile anymore.
...
Breakfast eventually came to an end.
Daniel took Hope and Asher to school.
The twins happily waved from the car until they disappeared beyond the villa gate.
Monica also picked up her handbag.
"I should leave too."
"Good luck again, Boss."
"Don’t embarrass yourself."
Miles looked at her helplessly.
"You really enjoy teasing me."
Monica laughed while walking toward her car.
"I learned from the best."
Within a few minutes she drove away.
The villa gradually became quiet again.
...
Miles finished getting ready before walking downstairs.
Elena had been waiting near the entrance.
The moment she saw him...
She became completely still.
Today...
Her son looked completely different.
Instead of his usual casual clothes, he wore a perfectly tailored charcoal black suit that fit him flawlessly.
Underneath was a crisp white dress shirt with a subtle silver gray tie.
A luxury watch rested comfortably around his wrist.
His polished black shoes reflected the morning sunlight.
His neatly styled hair gave him an even sharper appearance.
Every detail was simple.
Elegant.
Powerful.
He no longer looked like the quiet young man who preferred hoodies and simple shirts.
He carried himself with the confidence of a man who led one of the largest business empires in the world.
A chairman.
A billionaire.
Someone people naturally respected the moment he entered a room.
Elena quietly looked at him from head to toe.
A gentle smile slowly appeared on her face.
"You look just like your father today."
Her eyes gradually became moist.
"You will always be my pride, son."
Miles smiled awkwardly.
"Mom..."
"Why are you getting emotional?"
"It’s not my wedding day."
Elena laughed while wiping the corner of her eyes.
"Oh right."
Then she gently reminded him.
"Go meet your grandpa before leaving."
Miles nodded softly.
"Right."
...
He quietly walked to the familiar room which remained peaceful as always.
Timothy lay asleep on the bed.
The gentle rhythm of the medical equipment continued without interruption.
Miles slowly walked over before sitting beside him.
He gently held the old man’s hand.
For several moments...
He simply sat there.
Then he smiled.
"Grandpa..."
"I am finally ready to add another member to the beautiful family you created."
"I’ll bring her to meet you soon."
"I hope..."
"You’ll like her."
He squeezed Timothy’s hand gently.
"Wish me luck."
"Bless me..."
"So I can be as brave as you."
Silence answered him.
Yet somehow...
The room still felt warm.
Miles smiled once more before quietly standing up.
He gave one last respectful glance toward his grandfather.
Then he slowly walked out.
...
Outside the villa...
A special car had already been prepared.
Its deep metallic black paint shimmered under the morning sun.
The elegant luxury sedan perfectly matched today’s occasion.
Miles stepped inside.
The engine started almost silently.
As the gates of Pearl Villa opened...
The car smoothly entered the city traffic.
Despite the morning rush...
The drive remained calm.
Within a short while...
He arrived outside Mars Residencies.
He parked near the entrance before stepping out.
Instead of waiting inside...
He walked around the vehicle.
Opened the door.
Then patiently stood beside it.
A few moments later... from the apartment entrance .
Chloe slowly walked outside.
The instant her eyes landed on Miles...
She completely stopped walking.
For several long seconds...
She simply stared.
She almost forgot to breathe.
Today’s Miles looked so different that she found herself speechless.
He stood there with one hand resting on the open car door.
The morning breeze gently moved a few strands of his hair.
His composed smile only made him look even more handsome.
Chloe finally managed to whisper.
"I never knew..."
"You could be this handsome."
Miles smiled.
His own eyes had never left her either.
She wore a simple pastel colored dress that moved gently with the breeze.
Her soft makeup highlighted her natural beauty without making it look excessive.
Her hair rested loosely over her shoulders.
She looked elegant.
Gentle.
Beautiful.
Miles smiled warmly.
"Do we really have to buy a dress for you?"
Chloe slowly walked closer until only a step separated them.
She gently placed both hands on his chest.
"Of course."
She looked into his eyes.
"Otherwise..."
"Some other girls might steal you if I’m not pretty enough."
Miles softly brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.
"What are you talking about?"
Chloe smiled shyly.
"It isn’t every day..."
"That you ask me on a proper date instead of just coffee."
"I want every one of our dates to become a beautiful memory."
She looked at him again.
"You look very handsome today, Chairman."
"I can’t let myself fall behind."
Miles smiled helplessly.
"Looks like..."
"My knees are going to feel it."
Chloe giggled.
"So..."
"Where are you taking me shopping, Chairman?"
Miles looked at her quietly before answering.
"A place..."
"Where you will always receive the very best."
"A place reserved for you."
Chloe narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"You own the place, don’t you?"
Miles only smiled.
That smile answered everything.
Chloe shook her head while laughing.
"Don’t lose your business because of your girlfriend, Mr. Chairman."
Miles looked at her calmly.
"I may not be the best businessman."
"But I do know..."
"Which risks are worth taking"
Chloe’s cheeks immediately turned pink.
She looked away to hide her smile.
"Let’s go."
"Otherwise we’ll spend the whole day just shopping."
Miles laughed softly.
He gently helped her into the passenger seat before carefully closing the door.
Walking around the front of the car, he entered the driver’s seat.
The luxurious sedan quietly pulled away from Mars Residencies.
Its destination was already decided.
Star Central Mall.
The luxury sedan slowly stopped at the private entrance of Star Central Mall.
The security personnel standing at the entrance immediately recognized the car.
The gate opened without delay.
Every guard straightened their posture before bowing respectfully with warm smiles.
"Good morning, Mr. Sterling."
Miles lowered the window slightly and nodded.
"Good morning."
Waiting there was the General Manager of the mall.
The elegant woman smiled the moment she saw them.
"Good morning, Mr. Sterling."
She then looked toward Chloe.
"Good morning, Miss Chloe."
He smiled at the manager.
"Long time no see, Miss Lumine."
"Looks like Monica told you we were coming."
Lumine smiled warmly.
"I transferred here when the headquarters moved to Star Harbor."
"I’ve grown to like this city."
"My children love it here too."
She looked genuinely happy.
"It is good to see you again, sir."
Miles nodded appreciatively.
"I am glad to hear that."
Then he smiled helplessly.
"Miss Lumine."
"We are actually on a date today."
"So..."
"I really don’t want to spend the entire day shopping."
Lumine looked at Chloe before smiling knowingly.
"Don’t worry, sir."
"It won’t take long."
Her smile became slightly playful.
"But..."
She looked back at Miles.
"Be prepared."
"She might weaken your knees."
Miles looked toward Chloe.
A smile appeared on his face.
"I am already falling."
Chloe instantly lowered her head.
Her cheeks became bright red again.
Lumine quietly laughed.
She gently extended her hand toward Chloe.
"Come with me, Miss Chloe."
"Let me show you some special collections."
Chloe instinctively looked toward Miles.
As if asking for permission.
Miles smiled reassuringly before nodding.
"I’ll wait."
Chloe smiled softly.
"I won’t take long."
She then followed Lumine deeper into the private fashion lounge.
...
Miles quietly walked into the executive lounge nearby.
Several executives who happened to be there respectfully greeted him.
For a short while they discussed a few things about the operations in the mall..
Nothing complicated.
Nothing urgent.
Just enough to pass the waiting time.
Eventually...
The executives stood up one after another.
"Have a wonderful day, Mr. Sterling."
Miles smiled politely.
"Thank you."
As they quietly left...
The lounge became silent again.
Only moments later...
The door slowly opened.
Miles instinctively looked up.
Then...
He completely froze.
Chloe slowly stepped inside.
She had changed into a graceful ivory white midi dress that reached just below her knees.
The soft fabric flowed naturally with every step, giving her an elegant yet effortless charm.
The dress featured delicate floral embroidery around the neckline and sleeves, adding a subtle artistic touch without being extravagant.
A slim pearl colored belt gently highlighted her waist.
Instead of high heels, she wore comfortable nude colored low heels that suited a day date perfectly.
Her long hair had been softly curled at the ends and partially pinned behind one side with a delicate pearl hair clip shaped like tiny flowers.
Small pearl earrings shimmered whenever she turned her head.
A simple silver bracelet rested around her wrist.
Around her neck was a fine necklace with a tiny sapphire pendant.
Her makeup remained natural.
Soft pink lips.
Light blush.
Bright eyes.
Nothing excessive.
Everything simply enhanced the beauty she already possessed.
She looked...
Elegant.
Gentle.
Warm.
Like someone who belonged in every beautiful memory he wanted to create.
Miles forgot to blink.
Forgot to breathe.
His eyes never left her.
Chloe became slightly nervous under his silent gaze.
She gently held the sides of her dress.
"What do you think?"
Miles slowly stood up.
Without saying a single word...
He walked toward her.
Step after step.
Until only inches remained between them.
His eyes carefully admired every little detail.
Then...
He gently wrapped both arms around her.
Pulling her into a warm embrace.
He lowered his head and softly kissed her forehead.
His voice carried complete sincerity.
"I cannot compare you to anything."
"You are..."
He smiled.
"Someone I want to protect at all costs."
"Someone I never want to let go."
Chloe’s heartbeat instantly became chaotic.
She hid her face against his chest.
"If you keep saying things like that..."
"I might stay red for the whole day."
Miles laughed quietly.
He slowly loosened his embrace.
Only so he could look at her once more.
As if seeing her wasn’t enough.
"I’ve prepared something for today’s date."
"So..."
"Let’s not ruin it by making you blush before we even begin."
Chloe tilted her head.
A curious smile appeared on her face.
"What exactly are you planning today, Mr. Chairman?"
Miles smiled mysteriously.
"You’ll see."
He gently offered his hand.
"But first..."
"I want you to meet someone."
Chloe blinked.
"Who?"
Miles looked at her quietly.
"I want you to know the parts of my life..."
"The ones you don’t know yet."
"You wanted that, didn’t you?"
Chloe slowly intertwined her fingers with his.
Her smile became brighter.
"So this really is a date..."
"Where you’re finally going to reveal your secrets to me?"
She laughed softly.
"It’s getting more exciting already."