Chapter 13: Meeting The Intimidating Grandfather

༺RAYNE༻

“Now remember, my grandfather can be quite intimidating. He doesn't like people who are tardy, those who do not listen attentively or those who make mistakes. He does, however, appreciate punctuality, respect and seriousness. So, when you meet him, pay close attention and avoid making any mistakes. Got it?”

“Got it,” I say weakly, trying to keep up with the rules Liam is bombarding me with.

We're in his car, on our way to Lucas Everhart's estate where we'll be having a family dinner with his grandfather and Liam's cousins. Liam is going to introduce me to Lucas and seek his blessings for our 'marriage'. Sounds like a lot of effort for something that'll end after a year.

“First impressions are everything to him,” Liam continues. “So you must make a good impression. Greet him with a firm handshake, make eye contact and maintain polite behaviour throughout the conversation. Do not bring up any sensitive topic like politics or religion. He's an atheist and he detests politicians.”

“Okay,” I breathe, overwhelmed by the list of never-ending instructions.

“He also hates small talk or silly jokes. He is straight to the point and he values intelligence and confidence. So be prepared to answer his questions clearly, concisely and confidently. And whatever you do, don't mention anything about your past or your family unless he asks you.”

“Got it, no small talk, be direct, be confident and don't mention my family.”

It's not like I even have a family.

“When you meet him, don't show any weakness. He needs to see that you're a strong, intelligent woman befitting of the Everhart family.”

I nod quietly. Liam's instructions are becoming too much and I'm struggling to retain all of the information. I'm unsure of whether or not I will be able to make a good impression on the high and mighty Lucas Everhart.

Liam pauses to think for a moment and then tells me in a stern voice, “Also, you should know that my grandfather is very particular about his home and his possessions. Do not touch anything without his permission and try not to spill anything or cause any damage. I mean it.”

The more Liam talks about his grandfather, the more anxious I get. I've never seen him talk this much about anything or anyone. Lucas Everhart has got such a stronghold on him. Imagine doing all of this just to get Lucas to pick you over his other grandsons.

It's a lot to handle. There's this nudging feeling in my chest that's telling me I'm going to ruin this whole thing. I feel like I'm going to screw things up for Liam. And that would mean the end of the road for me. No contract, no $10 million and no lifetime of health insurance.

I nod blankly, trying to absorb more and more of his instructions. It's too much! Way too much! At this rate, he might just tell me to breathe a certain way to suit his grandfather's taste or tell me that his grandfather hates being called anything other than 'your highness'.

Just thinking about it makes my head spin and I realize that I have completely zoned out.

Liam notices my blank expression and snaps, “Are you even listening to me? This is important, Rayne!”

I quickly snap out of my daze and stammer an apology. “I'm sorry, Liam, I'm trying to pay attention. It's just... a lot of information to take in all at once.”

He frowns and replies, his face as serious as ever, “Listen, I just want you to be prepared. My grandfather is a difficult man and I don't want him to have a negative impression of you. He's very important to me and I want him to like you.”

“Okay,” I squeak.

His eyes bore into mine, his expression intense. “He has to like you, Rayne, if this”—he waves his hand between us—“is going to work.”

“I understand, Liam. I promise, I'll do my best to make a good impression.”

“You better. You cannot afford to fail.” His expression softens a little bit. “Just be yourself, Rayne. But, you know, a more polished version of yourself.”

I raise an eyebrow. “A polished version of myself?”

“Yes. More refined, more elegant. Like the way you were on the red carpet last week.”

“Okay, I think I can do that.”

“Good.” Liam's face turns serious again. “Because my grandfather is not a man to be trifled with. He expects a lot from the people in his life and he won't hesitate to cut you down if you don't meet his expectations.”

“We're here, boss,” Derek announces and my heart jumps.

We're here? Already? I thought we were still an hour away. Oh no! I'm panicking! Calm down, Rayne, easy, girl!

I do a little breathing exercise and Liam watches me quietly, his eyebrows wrinkled. He's staring at me like I'm stupid and being so dramatic. But he doesn't know the kind of pressure I'm under right now.

“Are you done?” he snaps, still examining me. “Let's go.” He gets out of the car as soon as Derek opens the door.

“Are you sure we can't wait a little? I still need time to—”

“What did I say about tardiness?” Liam gruffs, his forehead creasing.

I murmur, “Your grandfather hates it.”

“Yes, he does. Now get out.”

I obey and slowly step out of the car, my heart beating in my chest like it's trying to escape. It's kind of like the feeling you get when you're called to the principal's office but somehow, this is ten times worse.

Liam extends his arm to me and I hook my arm around it. I stare around as we head for the door. Lucas' mansion alone is the size of a castle. It's fancy, with tall, pointed towers, pretty stone carvings and lots of green plants around the gold walls.

It's so impressive that even fancy royal families from Europe would be jealous.

We climb up the sweeping staircase and stop at the entrance—two massive wooden double doors with nice carvings and a heavy-looking iron knocker in the shape of a lion's head.

I pause and draw in a deep breath. This is it! I'm finally meeting Lucas Everhart!