Chapter 354: Are You Going To Paris?

A week slipped by in a blur of dormitory orientations, syllabus briefings, and lively arguments at home.

On the campus of San Fierro University, Trish and Rachel had officially survived their first seven days as freshmen. Naturally, they celebrated this milestone by flooding their group chat with a ridiculous number of selfies.

In one picture, Trish proudly displayed a cafeteria tray piled high with three different desserts, looking as though she’d just won a major competition. In another, Rachel peeked out from behind a mountain of English literature textbooks, her cheeks flushed pink and her expression caught somewhere between embarrassment and amusement.

Back at the Elvis Muskov Villa, life had settled into a comfortable rhythm. The initial excitement surrounding the household’s recent changes had given way to a peaceful warmth, with everyone gradually finding their place.

Just before boarding his flight, Luca had received a short video from his mother.

Little Daisy was perched on a kitchen stool in her favorite princess dress, enthusiastically smearing syrup over a stack of fluffy pancakes. Mr. Hale stood beside her, cheering her on with the enthusiasm of a coach watching his team compete in the Olympics.

Judging by the sticky mess covering the counter, the little girl had been enjoying herself far too much.

Meanwhile, Vivienne, Amelia and Cecelia were keeping up with their scheduled prenatal consultations under Valerie’s attentive supervision. Their health was being carefully monitored, and business continued running smoothly in their absence.

Everything at home was in order.

His affairs were taken care of, his responsibilities were under control, and there were no urgent problems demanding his attention.

For the first time in months, Luca could finally fulfill a promise he’d made long ago.

A vacation.

And not just any vacation.

He intended to give Naomi the experience she had always wanted.

"Boss, all airspace clearances have been confirmed, and the private flight corridor is fully secured."

The chief purser delivered the report with a respectful bow at the cabin entrance.

Outside, on the private tarmac of San Fierro International Airport, the sleek, customized Starline Airways jet gleamed beneath the crisp autumn sunlight. Its polished exterior reflected the surrounding aircraft and the pale blue sky, giving it an almost immaculate appearance.

Luca slipped his phone into his pocket, took Naomi’s hand, and led her up the carpeted airstairs.

The moment they stepped inside, the world beyond the aircraft seemed to disappear. The cabin offered every imaginable comfort, from spacious leather recliners to a beautifully arranged dining area, with enough room for the two of them to relax throughout the long journey.

Once the cabin door had been sealed and the jet began its steady ascent, Naomi practically bounced in her seat.

"Luca! Look at this!"

Her deep blue hair swayed as she excitedly waved a well-worn travel guide across the low mahogany table. The pages were covered in colorful highlights, handwritten notes, and little stickers marking the places she wanted to visit.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I marked down this tiny antique bakery in Le Marais, the vintage flea market near Saint-Ouen, and that twilight boat cruise along the Seine. We’re going to all of them. Every single one!"

Luca settled comfortably into his recliner, watching her with an amused smile as he swirled a glass of chilled sparkling water.

"All of them? That’s quite an ambitious schedule."

He paused, deliberately adopting a thoughtful expression.

"Last time you visited France, my little streamer barely had enough time to finish a croissant before her manager dragged her into five consecutive brand livestreams. You spent half the trip complaining that Paris felt like one enormous dressing room."

Naomi’s cheeks puffed up into an adorable pout.

"That was work!"

She kicked off her white sneakers and tucked her slender legs beneath her on the spacious seat, hugging the guidebook against her chest.

"This time is different. We’re on vacation, and nobody is going to drag me in front of a camera unless I want them to."

She glanced at him, her expression softening as she reached across the table to tug lightly at his sleeve.

"And besides, you’re the one who promised to bring me back properly."

Her eyes narrowed playfully.

"You didn’t pack a mountain of business suits just so you could hold secret meetings while I’m eating pastries, did you?"

"Who do you take your husband for?"

Luca laughed and reached over to flick her forehead gently.

"The entire month belongs to you."

Naomi rubbed her forehead, though the tiny flick had barely hurt.

It was the word husband that caused the real damage.

Her earlobes turned crimson, and she hurriedly raised the travel guide to hide her face.

Unfortunately for her, the delighted giggle escaping from behind its pages ruined any attempt at maintaining her composure.

Luca watched her for a moment, the corners of his mouth lifting.

She was just as adorable as ever.

The next twelve hours passed in a comfortable haze. They shared desserts, watched movies, and talked about the places they wanted to visit. Eventually, Naomi’s excitement gave way to exhaustion, and she drifted off with her head resting against Luca’s shoulder.

He made no attempt to wake her.

Instead, he adjusted his position slightly, allowing her to sleep more comfortably while the jet carried them across thousands of miles of ocean.

By the time they approached France, the sky beyond the windows had taken on a soft lavender hue.

The aircraft descended smoothly through the clouds before touching down at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. Evening had already settled over the city, bathing the distant skyline in the warm golden light of the setting sun.

Naomi stirred and immediately leaned toward the oval window.

"We’re here?"

"Yes."

She sat up, straightened her clothes, and reached for her small cream handbag. Then she looked at Luca with barely contained anticipation.

"So, are we heading to that hotel near the Champs-élysées? The one with the rooftop garden?"

Luca unfastened his seat belt and gave her a mysterious smile.

"Something like that. Let’s get through the gates first."

Naomi narrowed her eyes at him.

She knew that expression.

Whenever Luca wore it, there was usually something going on.

Before she could question him further, the cabin door opened, and the evening air drifted inside.

The moment they stepped onto the tarmac, Naomi noticed the three sleek black Maybachs waiting nearby.

The luxury sedans stood in a neat line, their polished bodies reflecting the airport lights. Chauffeurs dressed in immaculate charcoal suits waited beside the vehicles, their postures straight and their expressions professional.

As Luca and Naomi descended the airstairs, the lead chauffeur stepped forward and bowed politely.

"Bonsoir, Monsieur Hale. Madame Monroe. Welcome to Paris. Your estate is prepared."

Naomi blinked.

’Estate?’

She turned toward Luca, but he was already guiding her toward the nearest Maybach.

Before she could ask what the chauffeur meant, the door opened, and she found herself settling into the spacious rear cabin.

The interior was every bit as luxurious as she expected, with supple leather seats, polished trim, and more than enough room to stretch out comfortably.

Luca sat beside her as the convoy pulled away from the airport.

Rather than heading toward the busy city center, the three vehicles took a quieter route southwest, traveling toward the prestigious hillside district of Saint-Cloud.

Naomi glanced out the window several times, growing increasingly curious as the familiar signs of a hotel-bound journey failed to appear.

"Where exactly are we going?"

"You’ll see."

"Luca!"

He merely smiled.

She gave him a suspicious look before turning back toward the window, determined to discover the answer for herself.

About ten minutes later, the convoy began to slow.

Ahead of them stood a pair of towering wrought-iron gates decorated with elaborate gilded crests. They opened silently as the lead vehicle approached, revealing an expansive cobblestone driveway bordered by classical limestone walls.

Warm amber lanterns illuminated the path, their gentle glow spilling over carefully maintained gardens and rose-covered terraces. Ancient oak trees stood like silent guardians along the driveway, their broad branches casting elegant shadows across the grounds.

Beyond them, a magnificent mansion rose against the evening sky.

Its pale limestone facade, towering windows, and imposing architectural details gave it the appearance of a private estate that had belonged to a wealthy European family for generations.

From its elevated position, the property overlooked the glittering Parisian skyline.

Domaine des Roses.

The estate Luca had quietly unlocked weeks earlier, during that hospital visit back in San Fierro.

The vehicle rolled through the grounds before finally coming to a gentle stop in front of an illuminated fountain courtyard.

As the chauffeur opened the door, a line of uniformed French staff stood waiting along the entrance steps. They bowed respectfully as Luca stepped out.

Naomi followed him out.

Then she froze.

For several seconds, she could only stare.

The mansion was enormous. Its elegant facade rose several stories above the courtyard, while the surrounding gardens stretched into the distance, dotted with carefully arranged flower beds and softly illuminated pathways.

Beyond the estate, the Eiffel Tower shimmered in the evening light, its familiar silhouette visible against the deepening blue of the Parisian sky.

Naomi slowly turned her head from one breathtaking sight to another.

"Luca..."

His name emerged as little more than a bewildered whisper.

She tightened her grip on his arm, her fingers pressing so firmly against his sleeve that her knuckles began to pale.

"This... this isn’t a hotel."

Luca slipped his hands into his coat pockets, looking entirely pleased with himself.

Naomi stared at him.

"Then what is this place?"

"Where we’ll be staying..."

Her eyes widened further.

"For the month, if that’s what you prefer."

He stepped closer, then gently pressed a lingering kiss against her temple. The familiar sweetness of her fragrance drifted toward him as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"But not just for the month. This estate belongs to me, which means it belongs to you too."

He lowered his voice slightly.

"Welcome to your real vacation, wife."

Naomi’s cheeks flushed crimson. Overwhelmed by the surprise, she buried her face against Luca’s chest and clutched his coat.

"You... you ridiculous man," she mumbled, her voice tinged with laughter and joy. "You always do things like this..."

Luca chuckled softly and tightened his arm around her slender waist.

"What can I say? I like spoiling my wife."

"You’re impossible."

Despite her complaint, Naomi showed no intention of letting go.

After allowing her a few more moments to recover, Luca gently guided Naomi into the mansion, where she barely had time to admire the luxurious interior before discovering the panoramic terrace.

The moment she stepped outside, her eyes lit up at the breathtaking view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower glowing beneath the twilight sky.

She immediately pulled out her phone, snapping pictures from every angle and repeatedly calling Luca over to show him her favorites.

Watching her excitement, Luca smiled. This was exactly what he’d wanted.

Just then, his phone vibrated.

An encrypted message from a representative of Vanderbilt Maritime Group appeared on the screen.

[Welcome to Paris, Boss. The Company is available in case you need anything, enjoy your stay.]

Luca read the message, then slipped his phone back into his pocket.

The company could wait.

For now, their vacation had officially begun.