Chapter 1222 The True Purpose?
Stella leaned forward, poking her head halfway into the car to scan the interior. "Why are you alone? Where are Hannah and Charles?"
Randy's expression remained composed, his voice steady. "Charles only came back yesterday because Hannah was here. Today she's resting at home, so naturally he's with his wife. Hannah's pregnant now—she spent the day packing, and Charles didn't want her overexerting herself, so he insisted she take it easy tonight."
"Oh, I see! Guess I won't get to see Hannah today then." Stella turned excitedly toward Emeric beside her. "Randy, get out of the car! I want you to meet my senior."
Randy's grip tightened momentarily on the steering wheel before he released it and stepped out of the vehicle.
It wasn't until Randy and Emeric stood side by side that Stella truly noticed the dramatic difference in their heights. Randy towered at six-foot-two with his long legs and striking features—his mere presence seemed to dim everything around him like stars fading before the sun. Emeric, even in shoes, barely reached five-eleven, a full head shorter than Randy. Though undeniably handsome, he appeared almost invisible next to Randy's commanding presence, like a candle flame beside a blazing fire.
Good God. She'd always known her cousins were attractive and accomplished, but she'd never felt it so acutely. The comparison was stark and immediate—there was simply no contest.
Still, Stella found herself drawn to Emeric's aloof, untouchable quality. It presented such an irresistible challenge.
"Randy, this is Emeric Vosskühler from the music department—the senior I mentioned yesterday." She gestured between them. "Emeric, this is my cousin Randy. I assume no introduction is necessary?"
Emeric fought to control his racing heart as he extended his hand. "Randy, it's an honor to meet you."
Randy politely clasped his hand in return. "Likewise."
Stella naturally linked her arm through Randy's, launching into animated chatter. "Randy, I heard him play yesterday and he was absolutely incredible! You two should really collaborate sometime—I might have discovered the next rising star for you!"
Emeric's pupils dilated in alarm at her bold proclamation. "Randy, I wouldn't presume to collaborate with someone of your caliber. Your achievements in music are unparalleled. If you could simply offer me some guidance, I'd consider myself incredibly fortunate."
Though he struggled to maintain his composure, speaking with his spine straight and voice measured, the tremor in his words betrayed his overwhelming excitement.
Randy's lips curved in a slight smile. "You're too kind. Stella can be rather... exuberant. I hope you'll look out for her."
Emeric nodded earnestly. "Of course."
Stella's eyes sparkled with mischief as she listened to their exchange. "Emeric, do you have plans tonight? If not, why don't you come home with us? Randy could give you some pointers—strike while the iron's hot, as they say. Maybe Randy will recognize your talent and take you under his wing!"
Emeric looked to Randy hopefully. "Would that be possible?"
Not wanting to disappoint Stella, Randy agreed graciously. "Certainly, no problem at all."
"Wonderful! Let's go then!" Stella practically bounced with excitement, opening the rear door and gesturing for Emeric to enter first. After he settled in, she slid in beside him naturally.
Randy observed the seating arrangement in his rearview mirror, his eyes downcast as he folded himself into the driver's seat.
Emeric sat rigidly, projecting calm while his clenched fists betrayed his nervousness. Stella, oblivious to his tension, found his stoic expression devastatingly attractive.
"Emeric, what do you do besides practice piano? Any hobbies?"
Seeking to calm his nerves, Emeric engaged in casual conversation. "Apart from classes and practice, I spend most of my time working."
Though Stella had grown up in luxury, she knew many classmates worked part-time jobs—including Hannah, who'd always been employed. Rather than finding it unusual, she admired their work ethic and independence, considering them far more admirable than someone like herself who simply lived off her family's wealth.
"Really? What kind of work? My friend—well, she's my cousin's wife now—used to work constantly! Tutoring middle and high school students, waitressing, handing out flyers in the blazing heat. Whenever she had free time, she was working. She'd done practically every job imaginable except construction!"
Randy glanced at them through the rearview mirror, noting how Emeric remained expressionless while Stella carried the conversation alone. "Stella, mind your manners. Some questions are appropriate, others aren't. You've only met him twice—you're being rather intrusive."
Stella stuck out her tongue playfully. "I know, I know! I'm just curious!"
Emeric fell silent, and the car grew quiet. Yet his gaze kept drifting to Randy through the rearview mirror, his eyes appearing calm while currents of emotion stirred beneath the surface.
The black Rolls-Royce glided smoothly into the Reed family garage.
Upon entering the Reed mansion, Emeric was immediately struck by the opulent décor. Beyond the luxurious furnishings, every casual ornament appeared to be a priceless antique.
Stella? The Reed family? Wealthy elite?
A realization dawned on him as he turned to Stella. "Nexus Holdings Corporation—the Reed family?"
He recalled that Nexus Holdings Corporation's CEO was named Maximilian Reed. The same surname.
Country D had many wealthy families, but those who could afford to use ancient artifacts as everyday tea sets were truly in a league of their own.
Stella showed no embarrassment, acknowledging openly, "That's right. My father is the CEO of Nexus Holdings Corporation. I'm his daughter."
Emeric was stunned. No wonder she knew Randy—it was all about family connections and social status. Perhaps they weren't even real cousins. He'd never heard of the Reed family having any relatives named Langley.
Maximilian and Carol, delighted to see their daughter bring home a young man for the first time, immediately swarmed Emeric with enthusiastic questions:
"What's your relationship with Stella?"
"How did you two meet?"
"Are you her boyfriend?"
"We've never seen Stella bring a boy home—does she like you?"
Terrified they might scare Emeric away, Stella grabbed his hand and fled upstairs. Throughout the entire exchange, Randy remained silent, standing quietly to the side. Only after they'd disappeared upstairs did he follow, wordlessly ascending the stairs behind them.
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