Azuka leaned back into the soft leather seat of the Ferrari, the low hum of the engine like a purr beneath him. The car's interior gleamed with fine stitching, a blend of sleek carbon fiber and high-end tech panels that made his fingers twitch with curiosity. He glanced around, his brows lifting slightly at the elegant minimalism.
This wasn't just a fancy car. This was money—real, generational money.
Rebecca sat beside him, humming lightly to a tune on the radio, while Xavier drove in a smooth, controlled way that said he was used to luxury and speed. The way he held the wheel, the confident way he merged through New York traffic—Azuka watched it all in silence, absorbing.
"So…" Azuka said slowly, leaning forward a bit. "That's a nice car."
Xavier glanced at him through the rearview mirror, a calm smirk tugging at his lips. "Thanks. She handles like a dream."
Rebecca smiled and added, "This isn't even the fastest one he owns."
Azuka's eyebrows shot up. "Owns? As in—there are more?"
Xavier chuckled. "A few."
Azuka gave his sister a slow look, impressed. "You really skipped the small fish, huh?"
Rebecca rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't start."
The car pulled into a private driveway secured by a sliding wrought iron gate. The estate that came into view made Azuka inhale. A modern mansion sprawled before them with large glass panels, marble stairs, sculpted hedges, and sleek black pillars. Security lights flicked on as they approached, and a valet stepped forward to open the doors.
Azuka blinked. "This your house?"
Xavier stepped out of the car and stretched slightly before opening Rebecca's door for her. "It's home."
Azuka climbed out more slowly, suddenly hyper-aware of his hoodie and sneakers. The white stone driveway led to a foyer lined with black marble and golden accents. Inside, the floors shimmered, a chandelier sparkled like diamonds above them, and two maids bowed in greeting.
"Welcome, Mr. Xavier. Miss Rebecca."
Azuka swallowed. This wasn't just luxury. This was status.
They were led into a modern living space with a panoramic view of the New York skyline, soft jazz playing in the background. A wine cart stood by, and two chefs were already preparing something aromatic in the open kitchen.
Rebecca flopped on a couch like she'd done it a thousand times. "I'll give you a full tour later," she said to her brother.
Azuka nodded slowly, still glancing around. "So… this Xavier guy… Chen… You mean Xavier Chen, like the tech-and-transport empire Xavier?"
Rebecca blinked, smiling. "You just got it?"
Azuka turned to Xavier. "You don't exactly look like your Forbes profile photo."
Xavier laughed. "Photos never do me justice."
Azuka laughed too, shaking his head. "Damn. I thought Becca was exaggerating."
Xavier motioned toward the dining area. "Let's eat. You came at the right time—we've got something special prepared."
Dinner was a formal spread: grilled salmon glazed with honey miso, buttered asparagus, roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary, and a side of garlic shrimp risotto. Azuka took it in silently. Xavier pulled out a chair for Rebecca, then motioned Azuka to sit.
As dinner began, the awkwardness set in—just a little. Azuka wasn't used to this kind of quiet, this kind of restraint. Rebecca tried to smooth it over with light chatter, but the tension between brother and sister curiosity and unspoken judgment lingered.
"So," Azuka finally said between bites, "how long have you two been… you know?"
Xavier wiped his mouth neatly and smiled. "We're still figuring things out. But I've made my intentions clear."
Azuka raised a brow. "You told me you're her boyfriend already."
"I did," Xavier replied evenly. "And I don't say things I don't mean."
Azuka studied him, but there was no arrogance in his tone—just certainty. Confidence. Xavier's type was dangerous, Azuka thought. The type that didn't need to show power, because it was just… there.
Rebecca reached over and touched her brother's hand. "He's good to me, Zuka. You don't need to be on edge."
"I'm not on edge," Azuka said. "Just... surprised. Proud, even. You caught a whole shark."
Xavier laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
They finished their meal with glasses of sparkling juice and small slices of tiramisu, then settled into the lounge. Azuka leaned back again, this time more relaxed.
Rebecca curled into Xavier's side, and Xavier kissed her temple lightly.
Azuka watched them for a moment, then smiled to himself. "Damn, sis. New York really changed you."
Rebecca looked at her brother with a playful smirk. "Or maybe I just finally found where I belong."