Aristocracy 101

Chapter 21 & 22

Stepping into the house she now called home, Lilian couldn't shake the strange feeling that washed over her. Instead of comfort, she felt out of place, like she was a stranger living in someone else's world.

Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and shouted, "I'm home!"

If only a simple shout like this could clear away my insecurities.

"Madam, you're back!"

Charlotte rushed toward her, her hands trembling slightly. Her eyes were filled with worry and guilt, making Lilian immediately notice her nervous state.

"Are you okay, Madam? You haven't come back since then, and the whole house has been worried. Are you in pain? Should I ask the chef to prepare something for you to eat?"

Lilian couldn't help but chuckle at Charlotte's worried expression. The woman had always been overly caring, and somehow, it made her feel a little lighter.

"No, I'm fine. It was just something I ate."

Even though Lilian knew that explanation wasn't enough to convince Charlotte, she had no choice but to leave it there. She had already taken the cup of juice for testing, and nothing suspicious was found. She had also checked the surveillance footage, but there was nothing unusual.

At this point, she could only believe that it had been something she ate.

"Madam..."

Charlotte's worried voice pulled her back from her thoughts.

"Could you tell the chef to prepare some snacks?" Lilian asked. "My husband and I will be going out soon, and we would like to have something small before we leave."

"Mr. Oliver is coming?"

Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth slightly open.

It wasn't surprising. After all, she had never actually met him before.

"Yes, he is," Lilian answered patiently. "So please inform the chef. I need to take a shower and get ready."

"O-okay... I mean, yes, Madam."

Charlotte hurried away to complete the task, humming softly to herself. She was unusually happy.

It had been such a long time since Mr. Oliver had actually visited the house, and she knew Lilian missed him. Her mind immediately began creating countless possibilities about their outing.

Maybe they were going to watch a movie together, have lunch at a nice restaurant, or even spend a fun day at an amusement park.

Giggling to herself, Charlotte didn't even notice when she bumped her head against the kitchen door.

Lilian, who had watched the entire thing, simply shook her head.

She knew exactly what Charlotte was thinking, but she didn't bother correcting her.

"Let her think," she murmured.

With that, she walked upstairs to her room to get ready.

Oliver was visibly nervous as he stepped into his grandfather's compound.

The place was nothing like the grand mansions associated with the Johnson family name. Instead, it was a simple bungalow surrounded by beauty. Hibiscus flowers decorated the front of the house, while a small, well-maintained garden stretched out behind it.

His grandfather had always loved hibiscus flowers, despite the fact that his grandmother despised them.

Back when she was still alive, everyone knew that even seeing a picture of a hibiscus flower was enough to ruin her mood. She wouldn't rest until it was removed from her sight.

Oliver had never truly understood the reason behind her hatred.

It was just a flower, after all.

But he never got the chance to ask her before she passed away from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Stepping onto the doormat with Lilian beside him, Oliver pressed the doorbell. He wasn't surprised when his grandfather opened the door himself, wearing a gardener's hat and carrying a bright smile.

No one who saw this cheerful old man would believe that he was once one of the most feared businessmen in the world, a man who had built the Johnson Empire from nothing and ruled the business world with an iron fist.

Without him, the Johnson Empire would not exist today.

"You're here! Welcome!" Grandpa Johnson greeted happily. "I was just tending to my pineapples."

Lilian and Oliver entered the house, both silently agreeing not to bring up any unnecessary topics that might upset or worry the old man.

The house carried a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Grandpa Johnson had a maid and a butler who helped take care of his needs while also keeping him company. Perhaps that was the reason he chose to live in a small bungalow instead of a large mansion.

Big houses had a way of becoming cold, dusty, and lonely.

Lilian had dressed carefully for the occasion. She wore a knee-length skirt paired with a blue long-sleeved blouse and black heels, with her hair neatly tied up.

Since this was her first time meeting Oliver's grandfather after their marriage, she wanted to make a good impression. She had always heard that older people loved sweet and youthful-looking girls, so she decided to present herself in the best way possible.

She and Oliver sat together on the long couch, both remembering the agreement they had made before coming.

They had to appear like a happy couple.

Especially because of the rumors surrounding them.

Rumors that claimed Oliver had a first love and had only married Lilian because of a business alliance.

"So, how is married life treating you two?" Grandpa Johnson asked, his eyes moving between them. "You didn't even bother visiting me. I had to personally tell you to come, and even then, it took you two whole weeks. Two weeks before you finally decided to honor my invitation."

His voice carried a playful sense of disappointment.

However, Lilian immediately panicked, thinking he was genuinely upset.

"No... It wasn't like that," she quickly explained. "We were just... emmm... busy. Yes, busy! That's the word."

Grandpa Johnson burst into laughter, a playful grin appearing on his face.

"I know what you mean. Don't rub it in my face just because I don't have your grandmother here anymore. It's all the fault of those jobless journalists who keep writing nonsense."

"Don't worry," he added, his expression softening. "I've already handled them. They won't dare write anything out of context again."

Lilian blinked in surprise.

"Oh..."

Was he concerned about her?

A strange warmth spread through her chest.

"Go to the guest room, Lilian," Grandpa Johnson instructed. "I bought some gifts for you for marrying this stupid grandson of mine."

Lilian understood immediately.

He was sending her away because he wanted to speak privately with Oliver.

Without questioning it, she stood up and headed toward the guest room.

As soon as the door closed and she was out of earshot, Grandpa Johnson's cheerful expression disappeared.

The warmth vanished.

The playful grandfather was replaced by the intimidating businessman Oliver had known all his life.

"Do you love her?"

Oliver froze.

"W-Who?" he asked, swallowing nervously.

Deep down, he already knew who his grandfather was referring to.

But he had always been afraid of this man.

Maybe it was because Grandpa Johnson had never treated him like other grandparents treated their grandchildren.

While other children received gifts and affection, Oliver received questions.

Questions about government, mathematics, linguistics, business, and countless other subjects.

And no matter how hard he studied, his grandfather was never satisfied.

It always felt like he was chasing something impossible.

Something he could never achieve.

For heaven's sake, he had only been a child.

Only human.

But his grandfather never seemed to understand that.

Grandpa Johnson would always take him into his study and continue testing him, reminding him that he wasn't the only heir to the Johnson family.

And that was the truth.

The Johnson family had their own secrets — secrets the media could never uncover.

Because if they did, the consequences would be disastrous for the company's reputation and stock prices.

Oliver had a younger uncle.

A child his grandfather had fathered outside of his marriage.

An illegitimate son.

His parents had never accepted the existence of another heir. His father hated having another brother, while his mother refused to allow the family fortune to fall into the hands of a "bastard."

Maybe that was part of the reason Oliver became the notorious playboy everyone knew him as.

He wanted to prove to his father and grandfather that he didn't care about being the heir.

He wanted to show them that he wasn't just a carefully groomed successor carrying the weight of the Johnson name.

He was a person.

Someone who wanted to be seen beyond the titles, responsibilities, and expectations placed on him.

But nobody ever understood that.

Nobody ever would.

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"I'm talking about Lilian. Do you love her?"

Oliver stared at his grandfather, unsure whether this was a trap.

What if he answered honestly?

What if saying no made his grandfather interfere with Bella's life just to force him to remain married to Lilian?

He couldn't risk it.

So he gave the answer he believed his grandfather wanted to hear.

"Yes, I do," Oliver replied. "We may have been suddenly pushed into marriage, but Lilian has been my best friend since childhood and I lo—"

He paused.

"Like her."

Grandpa Johnson didn't look convinced, but he didn't challenge him.

It wasn't like he could tell Oliver to simply follow his heart and stay with his true love.

Bella wasn't right for him.

Not emotionally.

Not practically.

She couldn't help Oliver carry the responsibility of leading the Johnson Empire. If anything, their relationship might destroy everything he had worked to protect.

And when it came to emotional pressure, Bella wasn't strong enough. She was the type who could easily break under difficult circumstances and run away when things became too overwhelming.

Unlike Lilian.

Lilian was calm.

Steady.

She had the patience and strength needed to stand beside someone like Oliver.

Grandpa Johnson believed Oliver needed to cut off the liability before it became impossible to handle.

But then again...

Who was he to give such advice?

When he himself had failed to control his own heart.

He couldn't forget the woman who wasn't his wife.

The woman he truly loved.

Luna.

A painful sigh escaped him as memories flooded his mind.

Maybe if he had never allowed himself to fall in love with Luna, things would have been different.

Maybe she wouldn't have died unfairly.

Maybe their child wouldn't have been separated from their mother and grown up resenting him.

He should have stopped himself from the beginning.

He should have focused only on his responsibilities.

But the heart was never something that could be easily controlled.

"I see..." Grandpa Johnson finally said, studying Oliver carefully.

"Then focus on her, kiddo. Don't mistake a stone for a diamond and realize its value too late. Lilian is a good girl."

Deep down, Oliver didn't agree with his grandfather.

He couldn't just abandon Bella.

Bella was different.

She never treated him like someone important because of his status. She didn't bow down to him or act like he was untouchable.

She scolded him.

She argued with him.

She treated him like an ordinary person.

And somehow, that was what made him feel free.

Still, he thanked his grandfather.

"Now that we're done with that, how is your job as your father's personal secretary's assistant going?"

"Fine, sir... I mean, Grandfather."

Grandpa Johnson's eyebrows immediately knitted together.

The look alone was enough to make Oliver nervous.

"Work harder, kid. From what I've heard, you're slacking off and making others do your work for you."

Oliver froze.

His eyes widened.

"H-How did you know? I thought—"

"I still own thirty percent of the shares, kid. Don't underestimate me."

His grandfather's voice turned cold.

"Study harder and stop slacking off, or else..."

"I know," Oliver interrupted.

"You'll give the shares to my younger uncle."

The room immediately became silent.

Oliver realized his mistake.

Interrupting Grandpa Johnson had always been a serious offense.

Before he could even apologize, the old man raised his walking stick and hit him on the head.

"You scoundrel!"

"If you actually studied and did what you were supposed to do, I wouldn't have to keep reminding you about your uncle!" Grandpa Johnson scolded, his voice rising.

"Do you think it's good to constantly have rumors flying around that you're going to the movies or having candlelight dinners with that woman?"

Oliver lowered his gaze, unable to respond.

"You are the next person who will lead the Johnson Empire. But the way you're acting now, you'll destroy it before you even take your seat."

Grandpa Johnson's expression was serious.

"Do you know how many competitors are waiting for you to make a mistake?"

The words struck Oliver harder than the hit from the walking stick.

Before he could respond, a voice suddenly interrupted them.

"Grandpa, please don't shout anymore. It's not good for your health."

Both men turned to see Lilian standing at the doorway, her face filled with worry.

"I'm sure Oliver is doing the best he can," she continued gently. "And I'm also to blame. I'm not always there when he needs me, and I keep troubling him with problems at home whenever he returns. I'm sorry."

She bowed deeply, almost a perfect ninety degrees.

Oliver stared at her.

For some reason, instead of feeling grateful, irritation rose inside him.

Why did she always have to do that?

Why did she always make herself look like the one at fault?

But he remained silent.

Especially when he noticed the satisfied smile appearing on Grandpa Johnson's face.

The old man was pleased.

"You'll join him in the company starting next week," Grandpa Johnson announced. "I'll give you a position there so the two of you can spend more time together and strengthen your relationship."

"What?!"

Both Oliver and Lilian exclaimed at the same time.

The difference was obvious.

While Lilian looked shocked but excited, Oliver looked like someone had just received terrible news.

"What? You don't agree?" Grandpa Johnson asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No!" Lilian quickly replied. "I love it!"

Her excitement was genuine.

For years, she had wanted the opportunity to learn more about the business world. Despite studying Business Administration and graduating with first-class honors, her father had never allowed her to properly participate in the family company.

She had always wanted his recognition.

And she had never wanted to become someone who only stayed at home as a housewife.

Grandpa Johnson smiled warmly at her reaction.

Who wouldn't want a granddaughter-in-law like Lilian?

A woman with intelligence, patience, and ambition.

She was far more suitable to handle Oliver's chaos than he was.

Not that he cared about degrees.

A person's worth was never determined by a certificate.

But Lilian had proven she had qualities that could help protect the future of the Johnson Empire.

Unlike his grandson, who had graduated with a second-class lower in the same course.

Not that he would admit it.

"Show-off," Oliver muttered under his breath.

Unfortunately for him, everyone heard it.

Cough.

Grandpa Johnson cleared his throat.

"This old man has had enough excitement for today. I'm tired and need to rest. You two can see yourselves out."

He called his butler over, allowing the older man to help him toward his room.

Before leaving, he turned back to them.

"Don't forget what we talked about, Oliver. I want to see improvement."

"Bye-bye, Grandpa!" Lilian waved cheerfully.

Grandpa Johnson's face immediately softened.

"Oh, my dear. Next time, call me Paps."

With that, he walked away with the help of his butler, his cheerful grandfatherly personality returning once again.

Oliver watched him leave with a complicated expression.

His grandfather was always like this.

A man who could switch between warmth and intimidation in the blink of an eye.

And somehow, that made him even harder to understand.