35

"Daniel," Elara began, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she picked up arobeof silk that was hanging."You're acting strange. You're anxious about dinner, aren't you? This is your first time meeting a mother-in-law and father-in-law, isn't it?"

Daniel turned to her, an almost comical expression of apprehension on his normally unflappable face. He let out a sigh, his commanding air giving way to a trace of vulnerability that Elara found endearing.Elara, you know me too well. Yes, this is a first. It's never happened before. It's... different." He ruffled his hair with one hand, a rare gesture of nervousness. "I usually deal with heads of state, warlords, and criminal tycoons... but in-laws? That's a whole new minefield."

Elara laughed, the sound crystal clear and light. She moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.Don't be silly, Daniel. My parents will love you. They trust my judgment, and if I trust you, they'll give you a chance. But you'll have to be... a little lessGhostand a little more Daniel."

He hugged her back, her scent, a blend of jasmine and her natural essence, filling his senses.LessGhost...I'll try. But speaking ofGhostand in worlds, we need to talk about the trip and what you're going to tell them." He led her to an upholstered bench in the center of thecloset, between the islands of drawers with jewelry and watches.

"Our journey begins in two days," Daniel began, his voice serious but didactic. "We will fly toDubaiFirst. It's a strategic hub for many of my 'businesses,' and the prince's invitation is an important formality. It's a place of extremes, luxury, and global influence. You'll see how wealth can shape landscapes and destinies.

He took her hand, tracing gentle circles with his thumb.After Dubai, as we discussed, we're going to Japan. It will be an opportunity for you to reconnect with your roots and for your parents to meet me in a more familiar environment, away from the glitz of the Middle East. Then we'll see where the wind takes us. The world is our home now, Elara."

Elara nodded, excitement growing.And what do you do... what do I tell them?she asked, her voice a little hesitant. She knew the truth about Daniel's operations was too dangerous and complex to reveal.

Daniel looked her in the eyes, seriousness now dominating his expression.You'll say I'm a philanthropist, Elara."The word came out with a slight sarcasm, but also with a grain of truth. "Tell them I'm a successful businessman with global investments in technology, energy, and security. And since we're going to Dubai and they're going to meet the prince, add thatI also do business in Saudi Arabia. This explains my presence there and my connection with important figures."

He paused, watching her reaction. Elara frowned slightly, absorbing the information. Philanthropist, global entrepreneur, dealings with Saudi Arabia. It was a convincing facade, a sophisticated veil that hid the true nature of his endeavors.

"Don't lie about the donations, because I really do make them," Daniel continued. "Say that my philanthropic work is discreet, focused on global humanitarian causes, mainly in conflict areas, through organizations likeMSFand toRed Cross. This will give context to your new purpose without revealing the darker... details."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.And of course, there's no need to mention the security teams, the exact nature of my "business," or the heavy weapons. To her parents, I'm just Daniel, an influential businessman who loves their daughter and wants her to be happy."A slight smile played on his lips."It's a role I can play, I think."

Elara chuckled softly, but nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. "Understood. Philanthropist. Global business, including Saudi Arabia. And a man who loves their daughter." She repeated the words, memorizing the narrative. "They'll love knowing you support humanitarian causes. My mother has always been very committed to that."

"Exactly," Daniel said, satisfied. He stood up, pulling her to her feet as well. "Now, let's choose something for you to shine with tonight. Something that will make them proud of you and... intrigued by me." He winked, a silent invitation to the game of appearances he mastered so well.

Elara let herself be led by his arm, her eyes roaming over the hanging evening gowns, the sparkling jewels in the glass display cases. She was entering a new kind of stage, where the characters were more complex and the stakes much higher. But with Daniel by her side, she felt she could play any role, face any truth. The night promised to be the prelude to an extraordinary journey, where luxury intertwined with purpose, and love with danger.

The twilight had already completely given way to the darkness of night when Elara's guests arrived. The mansion, which occupied thetop three floorsof the skyscraper, did not have ahallconventional entrance for outside visitors. Those entering did so directly via the private elevator, accessible only with authorization from Daniel or one of his trusted security guards. Tonight, however, security was more discreet, almost imperceptible, so as not to intimidate Elara's family. Henry and two other security guards were in plain clothes, strategically positioned.

Elara, stunning in a cobalt blue silk dress that accentuated her eyes and slender figure, waited with Daniel in the anteroom of the private elevator. Daniel, impeccably dressed in a dark Italian-cut tailored suit, exuded an aura of power and elegance, but Elara could sense the slight tension in his shoulder, the rare anxiety he felt.

The soft "ding" of the elevator announced its arrival. The doors opened, revealing Elara's parents: Thomas, her American father, with gray hair and a warm smile, and Akemi, her Japanese mother, petite and elegant, with a soft silk kimono and a serene smile. Behind them stood Kenji, Elara's younger brother, a young man in his early twenties, with a more relaxed air and a curious look in his eyes.

The first to see Daniel was Akemi. Her dark eyes, normally calm, widened slightly at Daniel's imposing presence beside her daughter. Thomas, on the other hand, with his more direct American demeanor, extended his hand to Daniel with a broad smile.

"Elara! Dear, it's so good to see you!" Thomas said, hugging his daughter first, then turning to Daniel. "Thomas Reed. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Daniel. Elara spoke highly of you."

Daniel shook Thomas's hand firmly, his grip sure and confident.The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Reed. It's an honor to have you in my home."

Then Daniel turned to Akemi. His brown eyes, usually so calculating, softened. To Elara's surprise, and a touch of admiration, Daniel bowed deeply and respectfully, a gesture he had clearly practiced, demonstrating humility and deference. He then addressed Akemi in impeccable, fluent Japanese, with the perfect pronunciation only those who truly mastered the language could achieve.

"Akemi-san, it's a great honor to meet you. Your daughter is an extraordinary woman, and I'm so grateful that she allowed me into her life." Daniel's voice in Japanese was even softer, almost melodic, a fascinating contrast to his usual tone.

Akemi, visibly surprised and touched by Daniel's bow and fluent Japanese, placed her hand on her chest. A radiant smile lit up her face.Oh! Daniel-san! Your fluency is impressive! How kind of you. It's a joy to see you with our Elara. She looks so happy." She bowed slightly in return, her eyes filling with tears of emotion.

Elara watched the scene, a wave of affection and pride washing over her. Daniel, theGhost, the man who moved mountains in the global underworld, was there, bowing respectfully and speaking fluent Japanese to her mother. It was a side of him she herself barely knew.

Elara's brother Kenji, a young man with a more analytical and discerning eye, approached, extending his hand to Daniel.Sir... Daniel. Kenji. Nice to meet you." He was still processing the bow and the Japanese man, visibly intrigued.

"Kenji," Daniel said, squeezing his hand just as firmly, his eyes quickly assessing the young man. "It's a pleasure. Elara talks a lot about you."

"Well, come on! Dinner awaits us,Elara intervened, breaking the formality, an arm around each of her parents. She felt Akemi's silent approval and Thomas and Kenji's palpable curiosity.

The dining room was elegantly set. The butler and his staff, dressed in understated uniforms, moved with the precision of a well-rehearsed ballet. The table, which during lunch had seemed vast for just two, now proved perfect for all five. The air was perfumed with the aroma of a succulent roast and fresh herbs.

As they sat, Elara felt Daniel's hand brush hers under the table, a quick, reassuring touch. This was the first test of her new role, and she was ready.

"So, Daniel, Elara told us that you are a philanthropist,Thomas began, a searching but friendly tone in his voice. "It's admirable work. What areas do you focus on?"

Daniel smiled, a polite, confident smile.Yes, Mr. Reed. My philanthropy focuses on global humanitarian crises, particularly in regions affected by conflict and natural disasters. I work closely, and discreetly, with organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the International Red Cross. They do extraordinary work behind the scenes, and I feel privileged to be able to support them." He looked at Elara, who nodded, reinforcing the story.

Akemi, with her soft but discerning gaze, watched Daniel intently. "That's very noble, Daniel-san. We hear about the work of these organizations, but rarely do we see those who support them in such a meaningful way."

Kenji, who had been listening attentively, added, "And Elara mentioned that you also have global investments, including business with Saudi Arabia? That's a broad field."

Daniel nodded, picking up his wine glass.Yes, Kenji. My investments span technology, renewable energy, and security. Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf region more broadly, is a hub for innovation and investment, especially in future-oriented projects. The prince has an ambitious vision for the country, and I have strategic partnerships that align with that vision."He kept the explanation vague enough to be convincing, but without going into details that might raise questions.

Dinner flowed surprisingly smoothly. Daniel, the feared and respected "Ghost," became the ideal son-in-law. He alternated between fluent English and Japanese to interact with Akemi, asking questions about Japanese culture and Elara's family history, and demonstrating genuine interest. He listened to Thomas talk about his own investments and passions, and even exchanged a few words with Kenji about technology trends and geopolitics, demonstrating a wealth of knowledge that impressed everyone.

Elara watched the scene, her heart overflowing with affection. Seeing Daniel adapt so seamlessly, with a humility and charm she knew he could evoke but rarely did, was a sight to behold. His parents were clearly enchanted. Akemi already saw him as a son, and Thomas, though still evaluative, seemed increasingly at ease. Kenji, the hardest to impress, was visibly curious and respectful.

At the end of dinner, with the dessert of fresh fruit and homemade ice cream being served, Akemi, with a gentle smile, said to Daniel: "Daniel-san, we're so happy you're in our Elara's life. She seems so different, so... radiant."

Daniel held Elara's hand under the table, a glint of affection in his eyes.Akemi-san, Elara brought light into my life. I am the fortunate one."He looked at Elara, and the look they exchanged was a silent promise of all the worlds they would yet conquer together. That dinner, which Daniel had so dreaded, had been a resounding success, a perfect prelude to the extraordinary journey that awaited them.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, filled with discreet preparations and the effervescence of a new routine for Elara. The euphoria of dinner with her family, the warm acceptance of her parents, and the promise of a global adventure with Daniel still lingered in the air. However, the morning of their departure brought a small but familiar friction between them on the grand...closetof Daniel.