At exactly eleven in the morning, Landon arrived at the Monroe estate.
He was dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, every hair perfectly in place. In his hands, he carried several boxes of premium tea leaves and an exceptionally rare vintage of wine.
Melody greeted him at the front door. Taking in his polished appearance, she gave a subtle nod of approval.
"You made it. Come on in."
Landon's gaze lingered on her for a fraction of a second, his eyes flashing with appreciation. "You look stunning today."
Melody lowered her head, playing the role of a flustered, blushing romantic perfectly.
The two stepped into the lavish living room where Melody's mother warmly welcomed him. Pleasantries were quickly exchanged.
Howard Monroe was seated on the plush leather sofa. Landon offered a polite, respectful nod—deferential, but never subservient. "Mr. Monroe. It's an honor."
Howard's expression remained perfectly neutral. "Landon. Have a seat."
Landon presented his gifts smoothly. "Mr. Monroe, I heard you're a tea connoisseur. I had some Grand Scarlet Reserve specially flown in for you. I hope it meets your standards."
Howard took the intricate wooden box. A brief flash of genuine interest sparked in his eyes.
Authentic Grand Scarlet Reserve. This single box was worth a small fortune.
"Very thoughtful. But next time, no need for the extravagant gifts. You're practically family now. There's no need for such formalities."
Landon's lips curled into a charismatic smile. "It's the least I could do."
Shortly after, the household staff began serving lunch in the grand dining room.
The mahogany dining table easily seated ten, exuding old-money elegance.
Howard commanded the head of the table. Landon was seated to his left, with Melody's mother to his right.
Melody sat poised directly beside Landon.
The spread was exquisite—an eight-course meal meticulously planned by Melody's mother to cater to everyone's refined palates.
Throughout the meal, Howard and Landon engaged in an effortless, intellectual sparring match.
The conversation flowed seamlessly from global politics to macroeconomic shifts, landing heavily on aggressive corporate management tactics.
Landon spoke with commanding eloquence. He never resorted to cheap flattery, yet every point he made struck Howard as brilliant and ruthlessly pragmatic.
Observing them quietly as she ate, Melody couldn't help but feel a flicker of genuine admiration.
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