REBORN My Second Life I Became The Villianess (Nyxara) novel Chapter 137

We walked down the wide hall into the room, where Dad was, sitting in a big chair, drinking coffee, Uncle Pascal was leaning against the fireplace, looking relaxed in a dark jacket. Dario as standing near the small counter, pouring drinks.

When Carlton walked in, Dad looked up . There was a brief, sharp second where two powerful men from different worlds sized each other up, polite and totally respectful.

"Carlton," Dad said, getting up and giving him a firm, clean handshake. "Good to see you."

"Pedro," Carlton replied, shaking back with the exact same level composure. "Pascal."

Uncle Pascal gave a little nod, smiling slightly. "Good to have you here, Carlton. Want a drink?"

"Water is fine, thanks," Carlton said, setting his bag down on the low table in the middle of the room and taking a seat on the couch, entirely comfortable in a house that wasn't his. Dario handed Dad and Pascal their glasses, then sat right next to me, sliding his arm around my back.

"Let's get right to it," I said, leaning in. "We didn't bring you here to take your assets or rope you anything. You built your own empire, and you run it on your own terms."

Carlton nodded slowly, resting his hands on his knees. "I appreciate that, Nyxara. After everything that happened with Caroline and Nysa, I wasn't entirely sure where I stood." He said.

"You're my grandfather," I told him, keeping my tone casual. "Caroline and Nysa made there choices and paid for them. You had nothing to do with her drama. What we want is an alliance. Your business reach and your financial network just need backing from the Valteri name. I know you had said you would never use my marriage to the Valteris for leverage or business so this is our choice."

Dad picked up his cup, taking a slow sip. "Which means if anyone tries to mess with your companies, they aren't just dealing with a board of directors anymore. They'll be dealing with us. In return, your side gives the Cruz holdings clean, normal avenues to grow." Dad said.

Carlton looked between Dad, Dario, and me, a tiny smile touching his mouth. He knew a brilliant power move when he saw one.

"A merger of influence," Carlton said softly. "Real muscle behind my business standing, and high-market access for the family's capital."

"Exactly," Dario said, his dark eyes totally steady. "You keep your title, your own house, and your independence. You're an equal partner under the umbrella."

Carlton let out a long breath, his shoulders dropping just a fraction. "That is more than fair, Dario. I'd be a fool to say no to that." Carlton said.

"Good," I said, standing up and reaching across the table to shake his hand. "Then it's settled. You're family, Grandfather. And nobody touches family."

We spent the next hour laying out the broad terms, keeping things smooth and straightforward. When Carlton finally left around four o'clock, the atmosphere in the estate felt lighter, like another heavy brick had been set firmly into place in the foundation we were building.

The heavy front doors swung open, and the Valteri family flooded inside after being gone. Grandmother walked in first, followed by Grandfather, looking sharp and at home. Elena, and Ella and Bianca, came trailing right behind them, laughing about something while carrying bags of fresh food and pastries they’d picked up in town.

Vincenzo, stepped in from the hallway with a couple of the household staff, looking relaxed. Even Jax was there near the entryway, keeping his usual watch for my security while fitting right into the background.

"Look who finally decided to come home," Ella teased, jogging over to give me a quick hug before setting a box of warm pastries on the counter. "We brought your favorite."

I stood up and walked over to them, Hugging Elena and kissing her cheek. I kissed Grandmother and Grandfather.

"She needs her rest, Ella, leave her alone," Elena said with a light chuckle, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

Grandmother sat down in her usual armchair near the window, looking around at the crowded, lively room with a quiet, satisfied smile. For a family that had spent years dealing with cold business seeing everyone under one roof, laughing, talking over each other, and just enjoying the afternoon felt like an actual home. It was full and happy.

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