She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother

Chapter 441: Steele Estate

Marcus felt a surge of excitement and happiness as he walked hand in hand with Sophia toward the grand entrance of the Steele Estate. The massive double doors stood open, revealing the luxurious interior bathed in warm golden light.

After weeks of distance between them, everything finally felt like it was falling back into place.

He turned his head slightly and looked at Sophia with a soft smile.

"How are you feeling?" he asked gently.

Sophia glanced at him and gave a small, playful smile.

"It’s not like this is my first time here," she replied lightly.

Marcus chuckled, realizing his question was too vague. He adjusted his words as they continued walking.

"I mean... how do you feel about meeting my parents today?"

Sophia’s expression softened. She looked ahead for a moment, then turned to him with a mix of emotions in her eyes.

"Excited... happy... and a little nervous," she admitted honestly.

Marcus’s smile widened. He gently squeezed her hand and looked at her with warm, reassuring eyes.

"Don’t worry," he said softly. "They’re the best people to be around. You’ll feel comfortable in no time, I promise."

Sophia looked at him and gave a small, grateful smile, her nervousness easing just a little.

***

Inside the grand living room of the Steele Estate, Edward Steele stood near the large window with his hands clasped behind his back, his sharp eyes gazing outside. His posture was straight and composed, but the slight tapping of his fingers against his wrist betrayed his impatience.

Seated gracefully on the luxurious sofa, Natalia Steele crossed her legs elegantly, her fingers lightly drumming on the armrest.

Though her face remained calm, the way she kept glancing toward the entrance showed she was equally restless.

Edward turned his head slightly and looked at his wife with a small smirk.

"You look more nervous than when you came to meet my parents," he said with a low chuckle.

Natalia smiled softly and shook her head, letting out a quiet breath.

Edward walked over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don’t worry," he said in a reassuring tone. "Everything will go as planned. We should trust our son that much, at least."

Natalia looked up at him and nodded slowly.

"Yes... I do," she replied. "But this is just too important."

Before Edward could respond, a young maid in a neat uniform entered the room quietly and bowed respectfully.

"Young Master has arrived, Sir... Madam," she informed them politely.

Edward and Natalia exchanged a quick glance. In an instant, both of them adjusted their expressions. The sharp, calculating looks in their eyes vanished, replaced by warm, benevolent smiles... the kind of gentle, welcoming faces one would expect from a caring uncle and aunt.

Edward straightened his jacket while Natalia smoothed her dress, both of them now wearing the perfect mask of warmth and kindness.

Edward turned to his wife with a meaningful smile and said in a warm, deliberate tone,

"We should welcome our daughter-in-law properly, shouldn’t we?"

Natalia gave a soft nod, her expression warm and graceful. Both of them stood up together, adjusting their posture to look welcoming and composed.

Just then, they noticed Marcus walking into the living room with Sophia by his side. His hand was gently holding hers as they entered. Sophia looked slightly nervous but composed, while Marcus had a proud and happy smile on his face.

Marcus gently held Sophia’s hand as they walked into the grand living room. The moment they entered, both Edward and Natalia turned toward them with warm, welcoming smiles.

"Father, Mother," Marcus said respectfully, "we’re here."

Sophia bowed her head slightly and greeted them politely.

"Good evening, Uncle... Aunt."

Natalia’s face lit up with genuine-looking affection. She stepped forward and pulled Sophia into a warm embrace, patting her back gently.

"Oh, my dear... It’s been so long since we last saw you," Natalia said sweetly. "You’ve become even more beautiful."

Edward stepped forward with a proud smile and patted Marcus firmly on the back.

"My boy is all grown up now," he said with a chuckle, his voice full of fatherly pride.

Then, he turned toward Sophia with a benevolent smile and extended his hand toward her.

"Welcome, my dear," he said in a warm, grandfatherly tone. "We’re truly happy to have you here. Please, make yourself at home. From now on, this is your home too."

Sophia smiled politely and nodded.

"Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Aunt."

Edward and Natalia exchanged a quick glance before leading the young couple toward the beautifully arranged seating area near the large window. The maids had already prepared tea and refreshments on the elegant coffee table.

Once everyone was seated comfortably, Natalia poured tea for everyone with graceful hands.

"So, Sophia," Edward began in a kind voice, "how are your father and mother doing these days?"

Sophia smiled softly and replied,

"They are doing well, Uncle. Thank you for asking."

Natalia nodded with a gentle smile.

"That’s good to hear. And how are your exams going? Marcus told us you’ve been studying very hard."

Sophia gave a small, modest laugh.

"They’re going okay. A little stressful, but I’m managing."

Edward leaned back in his chair with a proud smile and looked at his son.

"Well, I’ve been thinking..." he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "I’m going to let my boy handle everything from now on. I think it’s time I retire and let Marcus take over. He’s clearly ready to handle everything."

Marcus looked at his father with a mix of surprise and happiness, while Sophia smiled politely, unaware of the deeper meaning behind Edward’s words.

Just as Edward was about to continue, Natalia playfully hit his hand and gave him a light scolding look.

"Edward," she said with a sweet but firm tone, "this is not the time to talk about exams and business. Let the poor girl breathe for a moment."

Edward let out a hearty laugh and raised both hands in surrender.

"Alright, alright... I was just excited," he said, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Natalia smiled and turned her full attention back to Sophia. Her expression softened as she asked,

"How is your mother doing, dear? It’s been a few days since I last met her."

Sophia smiled politely and replied,

"She’s doing fine, Aunt. Just a little busy with her business these days."

Natalia nodded with a warm smile, though her eyes held a subtle sharpness as she continued listening.

Natalia smiled warmly as she looked at Sophia. With a hint of pride in her voice, she said,

"Since I got informed that you were coming, I threw out all the chefs from the kitchen. I’m personally preparing all my favourite dishes for you tonight."

She spoke boastfully, and for good reason... Natalia Steele was a well-known chef in elite circles. People from high society often craved an invitation just to taste her cooking.

Sophia’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.

"Really?" she asked, clearly impressed.

Natalia nodded with a satisfied smile.

Sophia’s face lit up with excitement. She quickly stood up from her seat and said,

"In fact, I would love to check on it too... if you don’t mind."

She looked at Natalia with eager eyes and added,

"Can I come with you?"

Natalia let out a soft laugh, clearly pleased by Sophia’s enthusiasm. She smiled and nodded gracefully.

"Of course, my dear. Come with me."

Edward and Marcus sat quietly as they watched Natalia and Sophia walk out of the living room and disappear into the kitchen.

The moment they were out of sight, the atmosphere in the room shifted slightly.

Marcus turned to his father, his expression turning serious. He had been waiting for this moment since he received the call earlier.

"What is it, Father?" he asked directly. "What was the urgency?"

Edward didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he gave his son a calm, knowing look and gestured for him to follow.

"Come with me," he said in a low voice.

Without another word, Edward stood up and walked out of the living room. Marcus quickly got up and followed him through the long hallway until they reached Edward’s private study.

Edward pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. Marcus followed closely behind and closed the door behind them.

Edward looked directly at his son with a serious expression and asked,

"Do you know what happened to Pierce?"

Marcus stared at his father, clearly confused. He couldn’t understand why his father was taking this matter so seriously.

"Why does it matter?" Marcus replied with a slight frown. "Whoever took him... wasn’t he just a pawn? Why are we caring so much about him?"

Edward’s eyes darkened. He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a low, grave tone as he answered,

"The Sacred Order."

Marcus’s eyes widened in shock.

"What?" he said, his voice rising slightly. "What do you mean?"

Edward looked at his son with a grave expression and replied in a low, serious tone,

"It was the Sacred Order who took him. The Sacred Order. Now do you realise the implication of it?"

Marcus’s face turned pale. He stammered, clearly shaken,

"But... why? Why would they interfere...?"

Edward didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he pulled out the chair behind his desk and sat down with a heavy presence. His sharp eyes locked onto his son as he spoke in a commanding tone,

"Sit down. I’ll explain everything."

Marcus hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering himself into the chair across from his father, his mind racing with confusion and unease.