Just as Ace's father finished handing over the rights of the Nick's company, Harold, Ace's brother, walked into the room with a woman by his side. He had a playboy look about him, and his eyes roamed over Lucien before settling on Ace.
Harold walked in with his woman by his side, flashing his signature playboy smile. "Oh, sister-in-law, it's good to meet you," he said, his eyes roving over Lucien in a way that made Ace's jaw clench.
Ace eyed him coldly, his tone dripping with disdain. "What do you want, Harold?" he asked, his gaze never leaving his brother's face.
Lucien intervened, giving Ace a puppy-eyed look that softened his expression slightly. "Come on, babe," she said, her voice gentle and soothing.
Harold chuckled, raising his hands in a mock defensive gesture. "You see, sister-in-law, big bro is always strict," he said, grinning at Lucien.
The woman beside him chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm Marissa," she said, extending her hand to Lucien.
Lucien smiled, taking Marissa's hand in a firm handshake. "Nice to meet you, Marissa," she said, her eyes locked on Marissa's.
Ace, however, remained aloof, his eyes still narrowed at Harold. "What brings you here, Harold?" he asked, his tone firm and authoritative.
Harold shrugged, his grin still plastered on his face. "Just thought I'd drop by and meet the new sister-in-law," he said, his eyes roving over Lucien again.
Ace's eyes flashed with annoyance, but Lucien intervened before he could say anything. "Let's not stand here all day," she said, smiling at Marissa. "Why don't we go inside and catch up?"
Marissa nodded, smiling back at Lucien. "Sounds like a plan," she said, tucking her arm through Harold's.
As they walked inside, Ace's eyes never left Harold's face, his expression a mask of calm, calculated fury.
As they walked into the living room, Lucien gestured for everyone to take a seat. "Can I get you something to drink?" she asked Marissa and Harold.
Marissa smiled and nodded. "That would be great, thank you. I'll have a glass of wine."
Harold grinned. "Make that two glasses of wine, sis."
Ace's eyes narrowed at Harold's informal tone, but Lucien just smiled and nodded. "Coming right up," she said, heading to the bar to pour the wine.
As Lucien handed out the drinks, Marissa took a sip of her wine and turned to Lucien. "So, Lucien, I have to say, I'm really impressed by your victory in court. You're a true inspiration."
Lucien smiled, feeling a sense of pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Marissa. That means a lot coming from you."
Harold leaned back in his chair, his eyes roving over Lucien again. "Yeah, sis, you're a real firecracker. I can see why Ace is so smitten with you."
Ace's eyes flashed with annoyance, but Lucien just laughed and playfully rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Harold. I think."
As they chatted and laughed, Ace's tension began to ease, replaced by a sense of warmth and belonging. Despite his reservations about Harold, he was glad to see Lucien getting along with his brother's girlfriend.
But as the evening wore on, Ace couldn't shake the feeling that Harold was hiding something. He seemed too smooth, too charming, and Ace's instincts were screaming at him to be careful.
As the evening wore on, Ace's initial wariness of Harold began to fade. Despite his playboy reputation, Harold seemed genuinely friendly and charming, and he was clearly smitten with Marissa.
As they chatted and laughed together, Ace realized that Harold had no bad intentions. He was just a free-spirited guy who loved to have fun and enjoy life.
Lucien, too, had warmed up to Harold, and the two of them were chatting like old friends. Marissa was laughing and smiling, clearly happy to be surrounded by such warm and welcoming people.
As the night drew to a close, Ace stood up and clapped Harold on the back. "Thanks for coming over, man," he said, smiling. "It's been great catching up with you."
Harold grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "No problem, big bro," he said. "It's been a blast. Let's do it again soon."
As Harold and Marissa said their goodbyes and headed out the door, Ace turned to Lucien and smiled. "I think I misjudged Harold," he said, shaking his head. "He's not so bad after all."
Lucien laughed and leaned into him. "I told you he was okay," she said, smiling up at him. "Sometimes you just have to give people a chance."
As Jenny came downstairs, she smiled at Ace and Lucien. "Hey, guys! What's going on?" she asked.
Lucien smiled back at her. "Just saying goodbye to Harold and Marissa. They came over for a visit."
Jenny's expression was curious. "Harold and Marissa? Who are they?"
Ace filled her in. "Harold is my brother, and Marissa is his girlfriend. They just stopped by to meet Lucien."
Jenny's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I didn't know you had a brother. What's he like?"
Lucien smiled. "He's actually really nice. We just met him tonight, but he seems like a great guy."
Jenny nodded, intrigued. "I'd love to meet him sometime. What's Marissa like?"
Ace grinned. "She's great. Really nice and down-to-earth. I think you'd like her."