Chapter 198

The afternoon sunlight cast a warm glow across Amelia's small, organized office as she took a moment to reflect on her conversation with Alex earlier. Her heart felt light from their call, replaying his easygoing tone and the warmth that hadn't changed, even after all these years apart. Despite everything—the abilities, the power, and the fortune that surrounded her brother's life now—Alex still sounded like the same brother she grew up with.

She leaned back in her chair, a soft smile playing on her lips. She'd been a little nervous when he'd asked about Aris, her boyfriend. It was one thing to tell her parents about Aris, but her brother was a different story. Alex had always been protective in his quiet way, watching over her even when she didn't realize it. And now, the idea of introducing him to Aris had filled her with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Alex, with his calm yet discerning nature, would see right through any act, any pretense.

"Will he approve of him?" she mused, biting her lip slightly.

Despite Aris's unique and mysterious abilities, which had drawn her to him initially, Amelia knew her brother wouldn't be easily impressed by powers or flashy abilities. Alex would look deeper—he'd want to see who Aris truly was.

Shaking off the nerves, Amelia returned her thoughts to work, trying to focus on the stack of reports in front of her. Ever since the recent government shift, her position in the administrative block had come with added responsibilities. The city council had been intent on restructuring departments, and Amelia's role had taken on new weight. She had become the bridge between the council's directives and the smooth day-to-day operations of the city.

Still, even amid the hectic pace, thoughts of Alex's visit kept sneaking into her mind. She tried to picture what he would say about the city now, how much he might notice had changed since he last saw it. Lakeside had grown rapidly, and with more ability users settling in, the laws and infrastructure had adapted to support the diverse range of powers and talents. Most of her daily work involved balancing these adjustments—ensuring law-abiding ability users had opportunities while maintaining public safety for everyone else.

A small vibration on her desk caught her attention: a new message. Her phone screen lit up with a simple message from Aris.

Aris: "Meeting ended early! Dinner tonight?"

Amelia felt a flutter in her stomach as she typed her reply.

Amelia: "Yes! Can't wait to see you. And guess who I talked to today? My brother."

After sending her message, she placed her phone down and looked out the window, feeling her excitement grow. She knew she'd be seeing Alex in just a few days, and the thought was both thrilling and grounding.

----

Amelia glanced around the small, private room she had reserved in the park's cozy retreat area, taking in the serene atmosphere. Soft afternoon light streamed through the large windows, casting a peaceful glow over the dark wooden furnishings. It felt comfortable, intimate—just right for this meeting.

Across from her, Aris sat, his dark hair slightly tousled, giving him a thoughtful, contemplative look. His expression was calm, though Amelia could see the tension in his posture. She reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand over his.

"Are you nervous?" she asked gently.

He smiled, squeezing her hand. "More than I'd like to admit," he murmured, his voice low. "Meeting your brother… He's something of a great power, you know, the kind that moves the world."

Amelia chuckled. "Trust me, he doesn't see himself that way. He's still just Alex to me."

Aris nodded, looking down at the glass of water in his hand. "It's not just that he's your brother," he said, his voice soft. "It's…well, he's a shareholder in PowerGen. And let's be honest, ability users don't exactly have the best reputation with those in his position."

Amelia sighed, her gaze drifting to the garden just beyond the window. "I know," she admitted. "But I also know my brother. He's not the type to judge someone for their abilities. He cares more about the person."

Aris gave a slight nod, visibly reassured. "I hope you're right. It's just…for people like him, seeing us can be…complicated."

Just then, the door to the private room opened, and Alex stepped in. He paused briefly in the doorway, taking in the scene before him. Amelia noticed the way his gaze softened when he saw her, a warm, genuine smile appearing on his face. She felt an immediate sense of comfort, as though no time had passed since they'd last been together.

"Alex!" she greeted, standing up and walking over to embrace him.

He returned the hug, his hold firm yet gentle. "Amelia, it's so good to see you," he murmured, pulling back to study her face. "You look well."

She smiled. "You do too. Better than well, actually. I'm glad you made it."

Alex turned to Aris, his gaze appraising yet kind. "And you must be Aris."

Aris stood, extending a hand, his expression polite yet cautious. "That's right. It's an honor to finally meet you."

Alex took his hand, giving a firm shake. "Likewise. Amelia's mentioned you before."

There was a brief pause as they took their seats, each person adjusting to the subtle energy shift in the room. Alex's presence carried a quiet strength, a natural authority that made Aris acutely aware of the power behind it. But for Amelia, there was only the familiar comfort of her brother's steady gaze, the same one she remembered from their childhood.

As they settled in, Alex glanced at the menu, a relaxed smile on his face. "Well, looks like you picked a good spot, Amelia. I haven't been here before."

She grinned. "Figured you'd like it. It's quiet, a little out of the way."

They ordered a light meal, and the conversation gradually flowed, easy and casual. Amelia asked about his travels, and Alex shared a few stories, talking about the places he'd seen and the sights that had surprised him along the way. There was no mention of his ability, nor any deeper discussion about Aris's status as an ability user. Instead, the conversation remained lighthearted, centering around shared moments and easy laughter.

Alex leaned back in his chair, watching as Amelia recounted a funny story about her work. Her laughter was infectious, and soon all three of them were chuckling, the initial tension in the room replaced by a growing warmth. Aris, though still quiet, appeared more at ease, his gaze flickering between Alex and Amelia with a soft smile.

By the time their meal concluded, any lingering worry Amelia might have felt had melted away. In this simple, unhurried moment, they were just family, enjoying the small moments of reunion.