CHAPTER 92: ITS LONG STORY!!

The afternoon sunlight streamed softly into the kitchen, warm and golden, as Elena moved gracefully between the counter and the stove. The aroma of simmering spices filled the air, wrapping the home in an almost magical comfort. Miles stood beside her, sleeves rolled up, quietly chopping vegetables while occasionally glancing at his mother, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

In the living room, Dion had somehow been pulled into the twins’ endless world of imagination. What began as him simply watching them play quickly turned into him crouching on the floor, chasing them with exaggerated growls and letting them "trap" him with pillows. He laughed so freely it was almost hard to tell who was the grown-up in the room.

Hope’s eyes sparkled as she leaned against him, catching her breath from laughing too much. "Big brother Dion, you’re best friends with my big bro, right?"

Dion chuckled, brushing the hair away from his face. "Hehe... I’m more like his big brother."

Asher’s face lit up instantly. "Really? My big bro is strong. He defeated so many people in a martial arts competition when we were on vacation!"

Dion tilted his head curiously, still smiling. "Your big bro is stronger indeed... but what is this martial arts competition?"

Hope’s expression turned dreamy. "It’s the place where big sister Clarissa took us. It was so beautiful... mountains and the beach at the same time."

Dion’s eyes softened, his tone almost wistful. "I’ve never seen a place like that."

Before the twins could start another round of vivid storytelling, Miles’s voice drifted from the kitchen doorway. "Come on, you three little storytellers... lunch is ready."

The group gathered around the table, the dishes laid out like an artist’s canvas—vibrant colors, tempting aromas, and the faint steam rising into the air. Dion took the first bite, and his eyes widened almost instantly.

"Aunty, you... you are a master chef," he said after swallowing, his voice filled with genuine awe.

Miles smirked knowingly. "I know, right?"

Elena’s face warmed with a smile. "Thank you. I’m glad you liked the food."

Still chewing, Dion mumbled with enthusiasm, "You should open a restaurant."

Hope leaned forward with a playful scowl. "You shouldn’t talk with food in your mouth."

That set off a ripple of laughter around the table.

Elena shook her head, amused. "A restaurant has always been a dream of mine. Maybe I’ll think about it when these little troublemakers grow up."

Miles chuckled softly. "They’re growing up well, Mom. If you wish, I can start building a place just the way you like it."

Elena’s smile turned gentle, though her eyes carried a thoughtful hesitation. "Let’s talk about it some other time."

Miles nodded. "Okay."

The lunch carried on with warmth and laughter until the plates were empty, leaving the air still scented with home-cooked comfort.

Lunch had ended, and the warm chatter from the dining table had spilled into the living room. Everyone lounged comfortably, the faint hum of the television filling the space. The twins were curled up on the carpet with their toys, Daniel leafed through the newspaper, and Elena sat beside Miles with a cup of tea in hand.

The program on TV faded into a glossy, high-production advertisement. The screen sparkled with bright lights and slow-motion shots of diamond necklaces, gold bangles, and elegant rings glinting under showroom lighting. A cheerful voiceover rang out, announcing that the most loved jewelry brand from Brightvale City now had multiple stores across Star Harbor. The name of the brand appeared in bold letters—followed by the line By Sterling Enterprises. The ad ended with a final tempting promise of special deals for customers visiting their nearest store.

Dion leaned forward slightly, recognition flashing in his eyes. "Woah, I’ve seen those stores in Brightvale. I even met the owner once. Wait... what is this Sterling Enterprises though? I never knew they were acquired."

Miles let out a short laugh. "You really don’t know about Sterling Enterprises?"

Dion tilted his head, his brow furrowed. "Should I?"

Miles’s smirk widened. "How about we go ring shopping for you before you meet Flora?"

Dion’s face brightened instantly. "That’s a great idea. You’re being the best brother."

Miles leaned back lazily. "Do you have another brother?"

Dion’s tone turned playful. "Yes. His name is Asher."

From the corner of the room, Elena chuckled softly while Miles shook his head, grinning. "You’re hopeless," Miles muttered.

Elena’s curiosity perked up. "So who is Flora?"

Miles’s voice softened just a little. "Flora is my sister-in-law to be."

Dion, caught off guard, flushed a deep shade of red.

Miles noticed and laughed quietly. "We grew up together, the three of us. To be honest, it was Dion and Flora who always took care of me."

Elena leaned forward with interest, her eyes warm. "So, are you going to propose to her, Dion?"

Dion looked down, still red-faced, but there was a shy smile on his lips. "Yes, Aunt... wish me luck."

Elena’s voice was gentle but certain. "My best wishes are always with you. But you have to bring her here. I want to see her for myself."

Dion nodded earnestly. "Of course. I’ll bring her with me."

Miles clapped his hands lightly. "Alright then, get ready. We’re going shopping."

Dion stood up almost instantly. "Okay."

Hope’s voice piped up from the floor. "Big bro, bring me some crayons too."

Miles reached over and ruffled her hair with a smile. "Alright, I’ll bring your crayons."

A short while later, Miles and Dion walked down to the underground parking area of the Pearl Villa. The air felt cooler here, the scent of concrete mixing faintly with the polish of cars.

Dion’s eyes widened as he took in the space. "What is this place? It’s huge."

Miles glanced around casually. "One day, I might keep a car collection here."

Dion scoffed with a grin. "Yeah, yeah, I know you’re rich now. Tell me, did you inherit all this?"

Miles gave him a sly look. "What do you think?"

Dion smirked knowingly. "Knowing you... I’d say you probably did it all yourself."

Miles’s tone turned light. "That’s a long story."

They stopped in front of a sleek sports car, its polished body gleaming under the parking lights.

Dion’s eyes lit up. "Hey, how about letting me drive?"

Miles shrugged. "Alright."

They switched seats, Dion slipping into the driver’s side with a grin that looked far too excited for someone about to drive through the city.

The engine roared to life, echoing through the garage. The car glided out of the Pearl Villa compound, the city skyline slowly coming into view in the distance.

The city was alive with its usual chaos, traffic lights flashing, car horns blending into the hum of the streets, and people hurrying along the sidewalks with shopping bags in hand. Dion maneuvered the sleek sports car through the bustling roads, heading straight toward the newly opened jewelry store that had been making waves in Star Harbor.

When they arrived, he pulled into a parking space with a small satisfied smirk, clearly proud of his driving. Miles stepped out first, straightening his jacket, while Dion shut the car door with an easy swing. Together, they made their way toward the store entrance.

The inside was just as lively as the streets outside. Polished glass counters gleamed under the soft golden lights, each filled with glittering displays of necklaces, earrings, and rings. The place was buzzing with customers—some peering into showcases, others chatting with salespeople.

"This place is busy," Dion muttered as his eyes darted across the crowded store.

"That’s a good thing," Miles replied casually.

Dion raised a brow. "Why is that a good thing? It looks like everything here costs a fortune."

Miles smirked. "Well, I am buying it for you."

That made Dion stop in his tracks. "Really?"

Miles shot him a side glance. "What, can’t I?"

Dion chuckled, shaking his head. "Thanks, Miles."

Before Miles could respond, a young saleswoman approached with a polite smile. "Hello, sir. What are you looking for today?"

Miles had just opened his mouth to answer when a familiar voice rang out from behind them. "Miles, you’re here. I thought you were resting today."

They both turned to see a young woman approaching.

"April," Miles greeted warmly. "Good to see you. How’s Aunt?"

"She’s doing well," April replied, her smile softening. "Thanks to you."

Dion raised a hand. "Hey, hey, don’t leave me out here."

"Oh, right," Miles said with a small laugh. "This is April. She manages the jewellery chain now. And this is Dion, my best friend."

April gave Dion a nod. "Welcome, Dion."

"Hello," Dion said, returning the smile. "Actually, I’m looking for a ring."

"Then let’s head to the VIP lounge," April suggested.

Miles agreed easily, and they followed her through the store into a quieter, more exclusive section. Plush chairs and low glass tables made the lounge feel like a private sitting room, far removed from the busy showroom. Only a handful of high-class customers were browsing here, their conversations hushed.

A moment later, a staff member brought out a tray lined with velvet, displaying rings from the premium collection. The gemstones sparkled under the warm light like they were lit from within.

"These are the rings Sterling Enterprises imported from some of the world’s best jewellers," April explained.

Dion’s eyebrows rose. "Aren’t these ridiculously expensive?"

Miles gave a small shrug. "I told you I’m buying, didn’t I?"

Dion hesitated. "But—"

"So now you’re backing out?" Miles cut in. "You’re a brother to me, Dion. Just pick whatever you want."

April laughed lightly. "When Mr. Sterling himself says that, you really should take a good look at the collection."

Dion blinked. "Mr. Sterling?" His eyes shifted between April and Miles. Slowly, he narrowed them. "Don’t tell me..." He looked straight at Miles, his voice full of mock disbelief.

Miles’s only response was a laugh.

"You little—why didn’t you tell me earlier?" Dion shook his head in amusement.

"What’s there to tell?" Miles said casually.

Dion let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yeah, yeah, it’s a long story. And here I am, sitting next to the big-shot owner of Sterling Enterprises like it’s nothing."

"Pick the ring," Miles reminded him. "We still have to see Flora."

April watched the exchange with an amused smile while Dion’s gaze swept over the display. After a moment, his eyes stopped on a particular piece—a delicate band with an intricate design, the gemstone catching the light in a way that made it seem alive.

"This one," Dion said with certainty. "It will look perfect on Flora."

"Nice choice," April said approvingly.

Miles leaned forward. "It looks beautiful. She’ll love it. Pack it up."

April nodded. "Right away."

Once the purchase was complete, Miles glanced at April. "By the way, what are you doing here? I thought you operated from the office at Cinder Square."

"You’re right," April replied. "I just came here to check on the store."

"Ah, I see," Miles said with a small smile. "You’re good at your work."

"Thanks," April said. "Getting a compliment from the boss himself is already an achievement."

Miles chuckled. "Alright then. See you at the office tomorrow."

April waved as they left the store.

Back in the car, Dion gripped the steering wheel but couldn’t hold back his curiosity. "Hey, hey—tell me. Is there something going on between you two? She’s pretty."

Miles shot him a look. "You. Don’t start making assumptions. Or I’ll tell Flora you think someone else is pretty."

Dion held up one hand in mock surrender. "Okay, sorry. Where to now?"

"Clothes," Miles said simply. "You’re not proposing in those."

"You’re right," Dion admitted with a grin.

"Let’s go to Star Central Mall," Miles suggested.

"Star Central? Is that part of Sterling Enterprises too?" Dion asked.

"Not exactly," Miles said. "It’s not under Sterling Enterprises... but I own it as well."

Dion shook his head, laughing. "Yeah, I kind of guessed. One way or another, you own half the city."

The sports car purred to life again, gliding back into the flow of city traffic as they headed toward the mall.