Chapter4
748 Words
The Laurent's estate was precisely what Ruby had envisioned.
Massive.
Cold.
Imposing.
Even the black iron gates alone looked like something out of a fairytale king's castle rather than a private residence. Inside lay a long driveway bordered by manicured hedges and towering trees.
Ruby stared out of the car window as Kevin drove her toward the mansion.
"This place looks like it could eat a person alive."
Kevin didn't argue.
"It sometimes does."
The mansion finally appeared before them - an enormous stone structure glowing under the warm outdoor lights.
Ruby's stomach fluttered.
"This is where the billion-dollar family lives?"
Kevin parked the car.
"Don't insult anyone tonight."
Ruby gave a tiny smirk.
"No promises."
They climbed out of the car.
The door to the mansion was opened immediately by a butler.
"Welcome home, Mr. Laurent."
Kevin gave him a small nod.
"Matthew."
Ruby caught the butler's eyes lingering on her slightly too long.
His look made her feel a prickle of unease.
The interior of the mansion was even grander than the penthouse.
Chandelier made of crystal.
Marble flooring.
Paintings that cost more than Ruby had ever made in her life.
Two men were already waiting in the living room.
The first stood as Kevin entered.
Tall.
Blonde.
Flawlessly dressed.
His smile was charming, but a venomous sweetness lurked behind it.
"Little brother," he greeted, his voice smooth as silk.
Kevin's voice remained neutral.
"Lucien."
Ruby knew who he was immediately.
Lucien Laurent.
The golden child.
The favored son.
Lucien's eyes fell upon Ruby.
"Well," he said with an innocent smile. "This must be the mysterious fiancée."
Ruby offered him a polite smile.
"Ruby Monroe."
Lucien took her hand and lightly kissed her knuckles.
"A pleasure."
Ruby managed a stiff smile.
He felt like a snake coiled in satin.
The second man stood in the shadows.
Darker hair.
Keen eyes.
Completely silent.
Kevin broke the silence.
"Marcel."
The man slowly looked up.
Marcel Laurent.
He examined Ruby like a specimen.
"Interesting choice," he said, his voice quiet.
Ruby tilted her head.
"Choice?"
Lucien let out a soft chuckle.
"Our brother has never brought anyone home to the family before."
Kevin's jaw clenched slightly.
Lucien continued his playful smile.
"So naturally we are all very curious."
Ruby crossed her arms.
"Curious about what?"
Lucien leaned casually against the grand piano.
"How a humble wedding planner from Georgia has managed to capture the heart of Kevin Laurent."
Ruby felt the subtle jab instantly.
Kevin stepped forward.
"Enough."
Lucien raised his hands in a gesture of mock innocence.
"Just friendly conversation."
Marcel finally stood.
Unlike Lucien, there was no playfulness about him. Only calculation.
"You look familiar," he said, staring intently at Ruby.
A shiver traced its way down her spine.
"I doubt that."
Marcel continued to stare.
"No... I'm almost certain..."
Kevin moved in between them.
"That's enough, Marcel."
Marcel smiled faintly.
"As you wish."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase.
The room became utterly still.
Ruby turned.
A tall man was slowly descending the stairs, his presence like a shadow.
Silver hair.
Cold eyes.
An aura of authority that seemed to fill the space.
Jacques Laurent.
He stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
His eyes swept over Kevin...
...and then landed on Ruby.
The silence in the room hung thick for a long moment.
Then he spoke.
"So."
His voice was low and deep, yet somehow powerful.
"This is the woman my son intends to marry."
Ruby felt every fiber of her being prickle with alert.Jacques Laurent stepped closer.
His gaze dissected her.
Studied her.
Like he was searching for something within her.
Finally, he smiled.
But his eyes remained cold.
"Welcome to the Laurent family, Miss Monroe."
Ruby managed a polite nod.
"Thank you."
Jacques turned his attention back to Kevin.
"You have surprised me."
Kevin's voice remained level.
"I often do."
Jacques turned his gaze to Ruby again.
And then he said something that made the air in the room crackle.
"You remind me of someone."
Ruby's heart lurched.
Lucien and Marcel shared a quick, knowing glance.
Kevin's expression hardened in an instant.
Jacques continued in the same soft tone.
"Yes..." His eyes grew slightly darker.
"Very much like someone we lost."
An involuntary shiver shot down Ruby's spine.
She had no idea why.
But she knew, with a chilling certainty,
She had just stepped into the middle of a war.
And everyone in this room knew it but her.
- Writer
