Chapter 257: The Windsor’s Weakness

"Dad! I only found out myself!"

Michael strongly disagreed with his father’s approach to parenting.

When he was younger, his family had subjected him to an intense academic regimen. Even the smallest mistake could earn him a punishment.

Unfortunately for Mr. Halloway, Michael responded far better to gentle persuasion than pressure.

The harder his family pushed him, the more fiercely he resisted.

By the time he entered high school, he had started smoking, drinking, and dating. Mr. Halloway had been completely helpless against him.

Later, despite his family’s objections, Michael dropped out of school to pursue a professional gaming career. Their relationship became extremely strained during that period.

Things only began to improve a little over six months ago.

At least his family no longer opposed his career. Instead, they had shifted their attention toward his love life, constantly pressuring him to date and get married.

Having given up on controlling their son, his parents had placed their hopes in the next generation. They were already preparing to raise a successor while Michael was still young.

"The little princess of the Windsor family and the president of Hale-Viv Conglomerate make quite a good match," Michael’s mother said with a smile as she stepped forward.

They were well-matched in every way, from their family backgrounds to their appearances.

Standing together, they looked like a perfect couple, a handsome man and a beautiful woman.

"Indeed." Mr. Halloway nodded. "I was actually planning to find an opportunity to speak with Luca and see whether we could cooperate."

It seemed there was no need to worry about that anymore.

Mr. Halloway and Victoria Windsor were siblings, and their families had always maintained a close relationship. By any standard, that made him Luca’s elder.

With such a connection, there would always be opportunities for cooperation.

Under the watchful eyes of the guests, Arabella took Luca’s hand and led him toward her mother.

"Mommy, this is Luca, my boyfriend."

Luca smiled and greeted her politely.

"Hello. I’m Luca Hale, but you can just call me Luca."

It was impossible not to feel nervous.

This was his first time meeting Arabella’s mother, and Victoria Windsor was no ordinary woman. She was the true authority behind the Windsor family of Capital City, known for being meticulous, decisive, and efficient.

A woman like her was not easily impressed.

Several years ago, at a banquet much like this one, Vincent Denim had attempted to win Arabella’s affection.

At the time, he had not yet taken over Maison Premier, but he was already famous throughout the capital’s upper circles. Known as the young master of the capital, he had been the center of attention wherever he went.

For Arabella’s sake, he had prepared an extravagant surprise, spending millions on a public confession.

Everyone had expected Arabella to be moved and accept his proposal.

Instead, she had frowned and rejected him in front of the entire gathering.

What shocked everyone even more was Victoria’s reaction.

She had not even bothered to spare Vincent a proper glance, let alone show him any respect.

"You are not good enough for my daughter!"

With that single sentence, she had completely dismantled all the arguments Vincent had prepared for his proposal.

Afterward, no one in the capital dared to pursue Arabella openly.

Even Vincent, despite his reputation in the capital, eventually gave up and married a woman from another prominent family.

If someone like Vincent had failed to win Arabella’s heart, who else would dare to dream of succeeding?

Yet now, Arabella was not only in a relationship, but had even brought her boyfriend home to meet her mother.

Judging by Victoria’s expression, she seemed quite satisfied with Luca.

Arabella had already shown her mother several pictures of him, and Victoria had immediately decided that her daughter had excellent taste.

Now that she was seeing him in person, she couldn’t help thinking that her daughter had inherited her own weakness for handsome men.

After all, the reason Victoria had agreed to marry her husband back then was because of his looks.

She had never expected Arabella to find someone even more handsome.

"Luca, welcome to my daughter’s birthday party," Victoria said warmly. "I hope you enjoy the meal tonight."

"Thank you. I’m not a picky eater."

Afterward, Arabella took Luca around to meet her relatives and friends.

"This is..."

She had barely begun the introduction when a round-faced girl stepped forward with a grin.

"I know, I know. Luca and I are foot-washing buddies."

"Huh?"

Arabella looked at her in confusion.

Christine stepped forward and briefly explained how they had all visited The Elysian Club for foot massages the previous night.

Afterward, she glanced at the two girls standing behind Luca.

Her gaze lingered on Rachel’s cute face for a moment longer than necessary.

’So Arabella and Luca aren’t just friends. They’re actually dating.’

Christine’s eyes shifted between them.

’And that pretty girl named Rachel...’

Rachel and the others were chatting and laughing as though nothing was wrong. They even seemed completely unconcerned about Luca holding Arabella’s hand.

Still, Christine couldn’t help feeling that Rachel must be upset inside.

After all, the person she liked was standing right in front of her while holding someone else’s hand.

’Poor girl. Another victim of unrequited love.’

Just then, Fionna approached Arabella and lightly patted her on the shoulder.

With an aggrieved expression, she said, "Arabella, you really value your boyfriend over your friends. You only have eyes for Luca now. You can’t even see me."

Arabella tilted her head and studied Fionna’s face as though trying to remember who she was.

Then she said seriously, "I’m sorry. Who are you?"

"Pfft!"

"Hahaha!"

Several of the young people burst into laughter.

Fionna had attended Arabella’s birthday parties before, so everyone knew her well enough to understand that Arabella was only joking.

Even so, they were surprised.

Arabella rarely smiled, let alone joked around in front of so many people.

’Is this the power of love?’

Since the banquet was not being held for business partners, there was no need for formal entertainment afterward.

There were no elaborate dances or other complicated activities. Everyone simply relaxed and enjoyed themselves.

The middle-aged guests gathered in small groups, most of them discussing Arabella’s boyfriend, Luca.

"Victoria, you can finally relax now," someone said. "You no longer have to worry about Arabella’s marriage."

Victoria smiled and nodded.

"I only have Arabella. I used to worry that she might never fall in love with a man."

"But everything worked out in the end. Luca seems like a fine young man."

Not far from the villa, beneath a quiet pavilion, Arabella sat astride Luca’s lap as they kissed.

"Mm... Luca..."

"What is it?"

Luca pulled away from her lips and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.

Arabella wrapped her arms around his neck. Her cheeks were flushed, and her chest rose and fell with each breath.

"I... My tongue feels a little numb."

"Then we’ll continue later."

"Mmm."

Arabella gave him a light kiss on the cheek before resting her head against his shoulder.

"Luca, we’ve been gone for quite a while. Do you think they’re looking for us?"

"Weren’t you the one who brought me out here?" he asked, amused.

A moment earlier, Arabella had secretly tickled his palm, signaling that she wanted him to follow her outside for a kiss.

After seeing how boldly she had acted, Luca had assumed she was prepared for more than a brief kiss.

He hadn’t expected her to retreat so quickly.

"It’s just a little uncomfortable for me," she said helplessly.

Of course, she knew exactly what had caused it. She had even used the same method to make Luca happy more than once.

"Alright. Should we head back?"

Luca felt rather helpless.

His own advantages were simply too significant.

"Why don’t you stay here tonight?" Arabella asked through gritted teeth, her eyes squeezed shut.

Luca’s eyes brightened, but he still had to consider Victoria.

"What about your Mom?"

"I already told Mommy that we slept together. It’s fine."

She wasn’t technically lying. They had indeed slept in the same bed.

What Victoria would think of that ambiguous explanation, however, remained to be seen.