The Lugar family''s castle loomed ahead, a grand and imposing structure nestled amidst rolling hills. As they approached, Ronald tried to reassure Ste about their visit. With a gentle, coaxing tone, he finally convinced her not to apany him to find her elder sister, Yvonne.


    Once the car pulled to a stop, Idris, their loyal chauffeur, gracefully opened the door for Ste. "Miss," he said with a respectful nod.


    Ste gave Ronald a hopeful look, her eyes wide with hesitation. She still wanted to go with him to see Yvonne, but her grandpa could be quite intimidating.


    Ronald, with a yful smile, affectionately pinched her cheek. "You''ll be fine, sweetheart."


    "Alright, I guess I''m off then," Ste replied, her voice tinged with reluctance.


    "Go on," Ronald encouraged, nodding reassuringly.


    With a little hesitation, Ste finally stepped out of the car.


    The Lugar family''s butler, having been informed of their arrival, was already waiting at the grand entrance. As Ste approached, he greeted her with a formal bow. "Miss, wee."


    Ste nodded in acknowledgment.


    The butler nced at the departing car. "Master Ronald isn''t joining us? Thedy of the house has had the kitchen prepare a feast of your favorite dishes."


    Ste sighed, "Something came up with Yvonne. Let''s head inside."


    The butler nodded in understanding and led Ste inside, with a retinue of house staff following respectfully behind.


    ...


    Back in the car, Idris nced at Ronald. "Miss Ste seems quite apprehensive about seeing Mr. Levi."


    Recalling her anxious expression, Ronald couldn''t help but chuckle affectionately. "He won''t bite."


    Ste needed this visit, especially after being away for the past few years. Her grandpa, Mr. Levi, was stern but fair. Even with Ronald present, Ste would still have to answer for her actions.


    Idris nodded silently, understanding the old man''s stern demeanor masked a deep love for his family. Still, Ste''s three-year absence was not something that would go unnoticed without a proper exnation.


    Inside the castle, Ste could hear her grandma gently reminding Mr. Levi, "Lottie called earlier; she mentioned that Star is expecting. Please, go easy on her."


    Ste''s heart skipped a beat. Her mom''s call might not soften him much.


    Mr. Levi''s stern voice echoed through the hall, "Hmph, if kids aren''t raised right, who knows what trouble they''ll get into."


    Ste couldn''t help but notice Ronald''s resemnce to Mr. Levi, both in features and themanding presence. Ronald often joked about inheriting his charisma from his grandpa.


    Grandma tried to interject, "Now, Levi..."


    But Mr. Levi cut her off, still gruff, "Three years without a word. What kind of independence is that?"


    Ste winced at the familiar topic of her leaving home. No matter the reasons, three years was a long time, and forgiveness wouldn''te easy.


    Standing awkwardly at the entrance, Ste shot the butler a pleading look.


    With a gentle smile, he whispered, "Mr. Levi has been quite upset over the years."


    Who wouldn''t be? Their cherished granddaughter had vanished.


    Ste pouted silently, feeling the weight of her choices.


    Grandma tried again, "Yes, but now''s the time to guide her. She''s grown up and expecting a child."


    Mr. Levi huffed, "This is independence? Sounds more like she''s still in her rebellious phase."


    Grandma wanted to advocate for Ste, but her words seemed to rile Mr. Levi even further.


    Ste''s heart thudded. This wasn''t going to be easy.