Chapter 963 How Did You Meet?
Evening.
Abella had barely finished dinner when Saskia's message arrived, announcing her departure and estimated arrival at Long Island Manor within twenty minutes.
After responding with an OK emoji, Abella looked up at her family. "Mom, Dad, I have a friend coming over tonight."
"A friend?" Beckett and Kimberly exchanged surprised glances, delighted yet astonished that their precious daughter was inviting someone over.
"What does she like to eat and drink? I'll have the staff prepare everything immediately," Kimberly said, abandoning her half-finished meal. In the six months since Abella's return, this was her first invitation to a friend—clearly someone significant to their daughter.
"Anything's fine, no need for special preparations. She's not picky," Abella replied, rising from her chair. "Take your time finishing dinner. I'll wait for her at the entrance."
"Bundle up—it's freezing outside!" Kimberly called after her, then turned excitedly to Beckett. "She's finally bringing a friend home! This is wonderful... What do young women enjoy these days?"
"Anyone close enough to befriend Abella probably shares similar tastes and interests," Beckett mused, noticing his wife's abandoned rice bowl. "Finish eating while I arrange for fresh fruit, tea, and pastries. Since Abella's already gone to greet her, she must be arriving soon."
Kimberly couldn't possibly concentrate on food now. "I'm gathering the boys downstairs. When Abella's friend visits, the entire family should welcome her properly. This is Abella's first invitation—we must make it memorable!"
The staff hesitated over clearing the table, puzzled by the couple's sudden departure mid-meal when they typically ate most slowly. Clearly, their minds were elsewhere entirely.
Standing at the manor's entrance, Abella quickly replied to Phillipe's text before spotting approaching headlights cutting through the darkness.
A sleek black sports car roared to a stop before her, its engine purring with expensive precision.
"Hey, gorgeous," Saskia called out, her radiant smile framed by golden waves swept into a playful topknot that softened her sophisticated beauty into something more girlish and approachable.
Her beauty resembled winter hellebores blooming through pristine snow—delicate yet resilient, unassuming yet breathtakingly stunning.
"How long have you been waiting out here? You must be frozen," Saskia said, immediately cupping Abella's face with warm hands. "I shouldn't have given you a specific time—you're practically an icicle, and your nose is all red."
She began extracting numerous packages from her trunk, her arms quickly overflowing with gifts.
Abella rushed to help, laughing. "Did you rob a boutique? This is excessive."
"I'm your friend—I need to make an impression," Saskia replied, then froze mid-sentence as she looked up.
Following her gaze, Abella saw her parents approaching with all her brothers in tow—an unexpectedly formal reception committee.
"What's happening..." Saskia whispered, bewildered by the elaborate welcome for a simple friendly visit.
"You must be Abella's friend. I'm her mother—welcome to our home," Kimberly said with elegant warmth, extending her hand before noticing Saskia's burden. "Sweetheart, your presence is gift enough! Boys, help with those packages."
The brothers immediately stepped forward, Dennis reaching Saskia first and earning a grateful "thank you" that made his heart skip. Before he could introduce himself, however, his mother had already whisked the young woman away.
"Such a lovely girl—as beautiful as Abella. Those features, that poise—absolutely stunning," Kimberly said, clasping Saskia's hand. "It's too cold out here. Let's go inside."
"Welcome to our home," Beckett added with a genial gesture. "Please, this way."
Saskia felt overwhelmed by the royal treatment for what she'd intended as a casual visit. "You're incredibly kind, but you didn't need to come out personally to greet me."
"You're Abella's friend, which makes us equally excited to meet you. Please visit often!" Kimberly said, linking arms with both girls. "We'll get you something to eat, then Abella can show you around. Oh, and these are Abella's brothers—Steven, Ethan, Winston, Dennis, and Blake, who's still at work."
When introduced, Dennis held his breath unconsciously.
Tonight he wore formal attire that suggested he'd just returned from an elegant dinner party—trading his usual rebellious edge for sophisticated composure.
His brothers had initially puzzled over his unusually formal appearance at home until he claimed he was attending a friend's wedding, even leaving the house briefly to maintain the illusion.
Every detail from his perfectly styled hair to his coordinated socks differed from his typical look.
But with so many introductions, Saskia could barely process them all, offering polite nods and smiles. "Lovely meeting you all."
Dennis opened his mouth to respond when she turned to Abella with concern. "Why do you have so many security guards? Did something happen?"
"We've had some recent security concerns, so we've increased protection as a precaution. Don't worry—you're completely safe here. Stay as long as you'd like, even overnight if you're tired. We have numerous guest rooms, and you can choose whichever appeals to you. Abella will show you around later," Kimberly assured her.
"You're incredibly generous, but I live only twenty minutes away. With Christmas approaching, I wouldn't want to impose on your family time. Thank you for such warm hospitality."
"Nonsense—you're not imposing at all, dear."
Saskia had never experienced such overwhelming Medici family warmth, exchanging meaningful glances with Abella that clearly communicated, "OMG! Your family is impossibly sweet and welcoming!"
"Don't bother changing shoes—come right in," Kimberly insisted as they entered the main house.
"I absolutely must change. Your floors are immaculate, your home is so welcoming, and everyone's been incredibly kind and gentle. Abella must feel so loved and happy here."
Kimberly beamed at the compliment. "You're such a charming speaker... Oh, we haven't even asked your name!"
"Saskia Fuller," Steven and Dennis announced simultaneously, their voices overlapping in perfect unison.
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