Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Seeing Sophia’s amazement, Xyliana smiled and said, “First time here?”
“Yeah.” Sophia nodded, wide–eyed.
“In a little while, I’ll show you around and blow your mind,” Xyliana gently said as she began to recount the history of the Bronson family. “The Bronson family has been around for a century and is one of the oldest families in Janivelle.
“It’s said that their ancestors settled here hundreds of years ago, and they were the ones who started Janivelle’s commercial era. Most of this building is historical, and it’s even registered as a piece of intangible cultural heritage.”
“That’s impressive.” Although Sophia had heard some rumors about the Bronson family, most were just gossip about wealth and power. She had never realized the Bronson family had such a deep cultural heritage.
As they were talking, the gate’s barrier had already lifted. Xyliana, having visited the Bronson residence before, had her license plate recognized, allowing them to pass.
Xyliana drove Sophia slowly through the grounds of the old residence. Rare and precious trees lined the roadsides, each over a hundred years old and worth a fortune. Their presence made the air sweet.
“Xyliana, the air here is so fresh; every breath feels refreshing,” Sophia marveled at the crisp and fragrant air, turning to Xyliana in awe.
Seeing Sophia’s curious expression, Xyliana couldn’t help but smile gently. In the presence of such rich cultural history, money and power seemed less significant.
The Yoder family was indeed known for its immense wealth and power. But the Bronson family was a prominent family with deep–rooted prestige.
The reason these two families got along so well, and even arranged a marriage, was because in Janivelle, only they were truly on a par with each other.
As the car moved slowly forward, an ancient and elegant manor appeared. The grand and solemn entrance, with its overhanging eaves and corners, was impressive. The mansion sparkled in the sunlight, majestic and magnificent like a palace. People could immediately sense the elite status of the owner.
“Wow! What a grand manor, it’s like stepping back into ancient times. I love it here!” Sophia couldn’t contain her excitement as she admired the palace- like ancient architecture and praised it lavishly.
“Alright, I know you’re excited since it’s your first time here, but try to keep it together,” Xyliana gently reminded her, as she was the one who brought Sophia and didn’t want to make the Yoder family lose face.
Sophia looked at Xyliana, puzzled, and asked, “Why should I hold back? I’m just really excited.”
Skyline Castle was already the top luxury residence in Janivelle. It was unimaginable that there was such a splendid and magnificent ancient structure.
Xyliana explained to Sophia, “I brought you here, so everything you say and do represents my family. When we go inside, you should be polite, don’t act like this, and try not to look around or talk loudly. If Mr. Bronson doesn’t ask you anything, try not to speak on your own, okay?”
The last time Xyliana was here, she had her parents with her. She didn’t chat much, but she sat close and listened to the grown–ups. She was a sharp observer, though, and she caught on to the Bronson family’s way of doing things pretty quick.
Sophia’s mood took a dive when she heard all the rules. “So many rules? This place is gorgeous, but all these rules? Don’t the people here ever get bored?” She just couldn’t get why old families had so many hoops to jump through.
Seeing Sophia’s spirits dip, Xyliana stepped in, “Hey, don’t let it get to you. You’re here to help me, right? Just go with the flow for a bit. Once we see the old man, I promise we’ll hit up a fancy dinner, sound good?”
Xyliana’s reminder snapped Sophia back to reality. Sophia wasn’t here to sightsee; she was here to help Xyliana win over Quinton. If she could smooth things over with him, Xyliana would be in her debt.
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Chapter 18
Just thinking about the swanky bags and bling made Sophia feel all warm and fuzzy inside. “Of course, I know what we’re here for, don’t sweat it.” Sophia shot Xyliana a confident glance, ready to back her up with Quinton
Before long, they rolled up to the entrance. As they stepped out, a helper grabbed their bags, and the butler led the way to see the old man.
Xyliana and Sophia trailed the butler, with Xyliana on the lookout for Quinton.
Sophia noticed and whispered, “Xyliana, what are you hunting for?”
“Nothing” Xyliana replied.
After a bit of a walk, they reached the hall where Glenn Bronson was. “Sir, Ms. Yoder is here to see you,” the butler announced.
“Show them in,” Glenn croaked.
Xyliana approached with a grin, “Hi Mr. Bronson, I am Xyliana. Heard you weren’t feeling your best, so I thought I’d drop by.” She signaled for the staff to put the gifts she brought on the coffee table.
“That’s sweet of you, but it’s just the usual stuff,” Glenn said, clearly fond of Xyliana. He’d always thought of her as gentle and polite since they first met, and he appreciated her coming to check on him.
“Even if it’s the usual, I’m still worried about you. Now that I see you’re doing okay, I can relax,” Xyliana said softly, her eyes showing she meant it.
Glenn felt better hearing Xyliana’s words and liked her even more. With a big laugh, a smile spread across his face as he said, “Xyliana, you really know how to take care of an old guy like me. If Quinton had a girlfriend like you, I’d be a happy man.”
But Quinton was all about work and seemed to have no time for the ladies, making Glenn wonder about his grandson’s preferences.
When Glenn brought up Quinton, Xyliana’s ears perked up. “Quinton really cares about you; that’s why he comes back every day to see you.”
Xyliana was being humble, and she was pleased that Glenn seemed to like her. She figured if she could get on his good side, his blessing for her and Quinton would be a piece of cake.
“He comes every day just to bug me. I told him I’m fine, but he keeps bringing doctors to check on me. It’s driving me crazy. He hasn’t shown up today, so why don’t you stick around?
“When he finally gets here, it’ll be a great chance for you two to meet.” Glenn really wanted to play matchmaker, so he hoped she’d stay.
Hearing this, Xyliana got all shy and happy. “Well, I’m here to see you, not him. Honestly, it doesn’t matter much to me it! see him or not.”
Glenn caught on to Xyliana’s shyness right away. At his age, he’d seen it all. “He’s as stiff as a board. If I didn’t set this up, you two would hardly ever meet. Since you’re here today, you have to meet him. I bet he’s on his way.”
Glenn’s words made Xyliana really happy. It looked like she’d timed her visit just right. Just thinking about meeting Quinton soon had her feeling pretty excited inside.
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