CHAPTER 244: NIGHT AT THE ESTATE [ 1 ]

The highway faded into the distance, giving way to towering iron gates flanked by majestic marble lion statues.

As the gates swung open silently, Kaia leaned forward in her seat, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of awe and disbelief.

"This... this is your home?" she murmured, her voice trembling with excitement.

Billy simply smiled, choosing to savor her reaction in silence.

Before them lay the Osborn Estate, a sight that felt plucked straight from a dream or perhaps a royal documentary.

A sweeping stone driveway meandered through perfectly manicured trees, each adorned with soft golden lights that twinkled like stars against the night sky.

The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the estate, illuminating reflective fountains and grand marble staircases.

Kaia had seen opulent estates before on screens, movies and glossy magazines but nothing could compare to witnessing this living masterpiece under the enchanting veil of night.

The Veyron Hyperion rolled to a gentle stop in front of twin arched doors that towered over twenty feet high.

Beside them stood Alfred, a uniformed figure radiating dignity and poise, softly lit by spotlights embedded in the ground.

Billy stepped out first and walked around to Kaia’s door.

She hesitated for just a moment before stepping out, her boots clicking softly against the polished stone tiles beneath her.

"Welcome home, young master," Alfred greeted with a slight bow.

Kaia blinked rapidly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she took in Alfred’s immaculate appearance, dressed in a classic black tailcoat with silver cuffs and white gloves; he looked like he had stepped straight out of a historical drama.

Every strand of his hair was perfectly combed, and his posture exuded regal elegance.

"Alfred," Billy said with an affectionate grin. "This is Kaia. Kaia, meet Alfred,he’s been here since my grandfather’s time! Honestly, I think he’s more Osborn than any of us."

Kaia bowed her head slightly. "Nice to meet you."

Alfred returned her gesture warmly. "Miss Kaia, welcome to the Osborn Estate."

As Alfred led them toward the enormous entrance, the great oak doors opened without so much as a creak. Stepping inside sent Kaia’s breath hitching in amazement.

If it could even be called a living room,it was more akin to an extravagant ballroom! Chandeliers sparkled from soaring vaulted ceilings while ornate pillars lined every inch of space; velvet drapes pooled elegantly beside arched windows that framed breathtaking views of the moonlit garden outside.

Rich intricate designs adorned every wall and each piece of furniture screamed wealth and legacy.

She walked hesitantly through this world of grandeur as if afraid even her breath might tarnish something so exquisite; twisting the corner of her clothes nervously between her fingers.

Just as Kaia was lost in a whirlwind of awe and nervousness, a sing-song voice cut through the air like a bell.

"Well, well, well... what do we have here?"

Billy let out an exasperated sigh and shook his head. "Here comes trouble."

They both turned toward a cluster of plush sofas at the far end of the room, where several figures lounged with drinks in hand and mischievous smirks on their faces.

The voice belonged to none other than Ashley Osborn, draped in a dramatic silk robe, legs crossed elegantly, a glass of white wine glimmering in her grasp.

With theatrical flair, Ashley stood up and strode over, her heels clicking against the marble floor like a metronome keeping time.

"So this is her," she muttered dramatically, circling Kaia like a hawk sizing up its prey. Kaia felt herself stiffen; her heart raced uncontrollably.

Suddenly, Ashley burst into laughter. "I approve! She’s definitely the one!"

Kaia blinked in surprise, confusion written all over her face as she looked at Ashley.

Ashley flashed an approving grin. "Much better than that last one,what was her name? Sophie? Sophia? She had the personality of a limp napkin! But this one, she’s got something in her eyes... grit."

Kaia felt heat rush to her cheeks; she thought she might spontaneously combust. Billy groaned softly. "Ashley, she’s not..."

"Yet," he added silently to himself.

Ashley waved off his objection with casual indifference before turning back to Kaia. "Don’t mind him; he acts stupid half the time but he’s really just a big softie, dense but good-hearted."

Before Kaia could respond to this unexpected camaraderie, Billy’s cousins Charlotte, Eva, Olivia, Bella, and Liz swarmed around them like curious butterflies.

"You’re even prettier in person!"

"Where’d you meet Billy?"

"How long have you known each other?"

"Is he still moody when he’s outside?"

Kaia stammered under their barrage of questions; embarrassment flooded her cheeks while Billy awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"Okay! One at a time!" he laughed nervously.

Then came a voice as warm as honey itself: "Alright girls, give the poor girl some space to breathe."

A gentle woman dressed in flowing cream entered from the hall,a calm smile gracing her face and elegance radiating from her posture.

"Aunt Margaret," Billy said with a nod. "This is Kaia, the one who wanted to meet you."

Margaret took Kaia’s hand gently; warmth enveloped her like a cozy blanket. "You’re lovelier than I imagined! Welcome to our home."

In that moment of connection with Margaret’s motherly aura, Kaia felt her nerves begin to settle.

From behind Margaret, a striking woman emerged, tall with a smile that had a sharper edge.

"And me? No introduction?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Billy chuckled, clearly amused. "Aunt Emily, this is Kaia. Kaia, meet Aunt Emily."

Emily winked at Kaia. "Don’t let these jackals intimidate you! We’re not always this... curious."

Kaia laughed nervously, feeling the warmth of the welcome despite her jitters.

Billy quickly introduced the rest of the men: Julian, Nathaniel, Richard,his uncles and then the male cousins: William, George, Oscar, Edward.

Each one offered Kaia a polite nod or a warm smile as they passed by.

But suddenly, laughter faded and an electric hush swept through the room.

The air shifted as faint footsteps echoed ominously, a sound both measured and powerful.

From the main hallway stepped Arthur, clad in a midnight black suit that seemed to absorb all light around him.

His hands were casually tucked into his pockets and his expression was inscrutable; he exuded an undeniable command. Alfred followed him silently like a shadow.

The room fell into reverent silence.

Kaia felt it instantly, a weight in the air that made her heart race.

Everyone’s attention snapped to Arthur as he approached them with slow, deliberate steps, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on her.

Billy opened his mouth to speak but Arthur raised a hand to silence him mid-sentence. Without breaking eye contact with Kaia, he spoke just one word: "Good."

That single word hung in the air like magic before he gave a slight nod and turned slightly away from her, just enough for a ghost of a smile to play at the corners of his lips.

Kaia released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Arthur surveyed the room again; his voice took on an unexpectedly playful tone.

"Now then," he said with mischief dancing in his eyes. "Where are those assignments I asked you all to complete?"

The cousins flinched collectively as their expressions morphed dramatically from relaxed to tense.

Ashley, who had been lingering at the back trying to slip away unnoticed, froze when Arthur’s cold voice rang out sharply: "Ashley."

Fear flickered across her face as she slowly turned back around; dread mixed with resignation painted her features in an almost comical way.

"Yes, big brother," she replied in a defeated tone that could only be described as resigned acceptance.

Billy leaned closer to Kaia and whispered conspiratorially, "Welcome to the family."

Despite herself, Kaia couldn’t help but smile wide.

In this strange yet grand new world filled with billionaires and powerful names swirling around her like confetti at a celebration she felt more at home than she ever expected!