When Laura's handshake was brushed aside by Lyra, she quietly returned to her seat, masking the awkwardness with a careless expression.
Seeing this, Grandfather chuckled and said, "Lucien, don't mind this mischievous granddaughter of mine."
Lucien nodded with an awkward smile.
At that moment, Lady Dallas invited everyone to the dining table for lunch.
Lucien instinctively pulled out a chair for Lyra. She paused for a second, then gave him an appreciative look before sitting down.
The maids began serving the dishes.
Every dish looked exquisite. It was clear they had been carefully prepared, and these were all made by Lady Dallas herself.
Lucien stared at the food in front of him.
For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted.
In both his past life and this one, he had never truly experienced a warm, home-cooked meal made with care by a mother figure. Now, sitting here, he finally could.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
While he was lost in thought, he noticed everyone looking at him. He looked up in confusion.
"What happened?" he asked.
Lady Dallas spoke gently, "Lucien, if you don't want to eat this, we can prepare something else for you. You don't have to force yourself."
She remembered clearly how he used to be. After being sent abroad at a young age, he had returned with different habits. He had become picky with food and distant in behavior. Many of his manners had changed, and he rarely showed interest in family meals.
Lucien shook his head.
"No, Mother. It's fine. I want to eat this," he said sincerely. "More than that… I want to eat it because you made it."
Lady Dallas was taken aback.
She wasn't expecting that answer.
"Are you sure?" she asked again, still unsure. "I know you don't usually like this kind of food. I can have something else prepared. Maybe pasta?"
Lucien smiled faintly and replied, "No, Mother. It's really fine. I think… after the coma, my tastes changed. I actually like this now."
His tone was slightly awkward, but genuine.
Lyra suddenly joined in, cutting the moment short.
"Yes, Mom. He's not picky anymore," she said casually. "He even made breakfast this morning, and let me tell you, it was amazing. I'm not exaggerating. I've never eaten anything like it. If you try it, you'll make him cook every day."
There was a hint of pride in her voice.
Lady Dallas laughed lightly. "Alright, alright. Let's eat first."
They all began their meal.
From time to time, Lady Dallas glanced at Lucien, carefully observing him, wondering if he was pretending.
But to her surprise, he wasn't.
He was eating wholeheartedly, genuinely enjoying the food. There was no trace of reluctance.
Seeing this, her heart softened.
Around the table, everyone quietly watched him.
The way he ate had completely changed.
His posture was straight, his movements calm and refined. He used his cutlery properly, chewing slowly and gracefully.
It was elegant.
Completely different from before.
Even Laura couldn't help but stare.
She had never seen him like this.
He looked… composed. Handsome, even while doing something as simple as eating.
She found herself watching him without realizing it.
Then suddenly, a cold chill ran down her spine.
She turned her head slightly and almost jumped.
Lyra was staring at her.
Her gaze was sharp and dangerous.
Laura immediately lowered her eyes and focused on her food, not daring to look again.
After lunch, Lyra, Johnson, and Grandfather went to the study to discuss business matters.
Laura returned to her room since she had no interest in business discussions.
That left Lady Dallas and Lucien alone in the living room.
Lady Dallas smiled warmly as she began sharing stories about Lyra's childhood. Lucien listened attentively, occasionally laughing at the stories. It was the first time he was seeing this side of Lyra, and it made her feel more… human.
She then spoke about Laura.
"She's very different from Lyra," Lady Dallas said. "She didn't go into business like her father and sister. She chose the entertainment industry instead."
Lucien nodded, listening carefully.
"She started as a singer, and now she does dramas and films as well. Singing is still her main profession, but she's talented in many areas. She's quite popular."
Lucien wasn't surprised. From her appearance and confidence, it was obvious she was used to being in the spotlight.
"At first, her father didn't approve," Lady Dallas continued. "But eventually, he accepted her choice."
Lucien smiled faintly.
Just as the conversation was flowing, Lady Dallas suddenly paused, as if remembering something important.
"Lucien, wait here. I have something for you," she said before quickly heading upstairs.
A few minutes later, Lyra, Johnson, and Grandfather returned from the study.
They sat down in the living room, and Lucien briefly told them that Lady Dallas had gone to get something.
Lyra sat opposite him, but instead of joining the conversation, she kept looking at him.
Then she winked.
Lucien immediately looked away, his ears turning slightly red.
A while later, Lady Dallas returned.
In her hands was a rectangular wooden box, intricately carved with delicate patterns. It looked old, yet well preserved.
She walked up to Lucien and held it out to him.
"Lucien, this is the Dallas family heirloom," she said gently. "I couldn't give it to you before… because your relationship with Lyra wasn't good at the time."
Her voice softened.
"But now things are different. You've both decided to accept each other. This was given to me by my mother-in-law when I entered this family. And now, I want to give it to you."
She placed the box in his hands.
"Take care of it."
Lucien hesitated for a moment.
This wasn't just a gift. It was trust. Acceptance.
Slowly, he accepted it.
"I will keep it safe, Mother," he said quietly. "Thank you… for trusting me."
Lyra watched him with a soft smile, her gaze filled with warmth.
"Open it," Lady Dallas encouraged. "Take a look."
At that moment, Laura also came downstairs and joined them, sitting beside Lucien out of curiosity.
Lucien carefully opened the box.
The moment he saw what was inside, his breath hitched.
His hands froze.
Slowly, he reached in and picked up the item.
His expression changed instantly.
The calmness on his face shattered, replaced by shock… then pain… then something much deeper.
His eyes turned red.
Tears fell before he even realized it.
Everyone was stunned.
Lyra frowned in confusion and leaned forward slightly.
"Why are you crying?" she asked, worried.
Lady Dallas gently stopped her. "It's normal," she said softly. "This heirloom carries great meaning. He must be overwhelmed."
But that wasn't the truth.
Lucien wasn't crying because of its value.
He wasn't moved because it symbolized the Dallas family.
He was crying because…
It was his.
Something from his past life.
Something he had lost forever.
And now… it was right in his hands again.