Chapter 358 Got this

“Then check carefully, do you think my outfit and hairstyle today are decent?”

“It’s perfect!”

“What about my makeup...”

Stephan could tell she was nervous. He chuckled softly, leaned over, pulled the seatbelt toward her, and fastened it for her.

“You look beautiful no matter what. There, don’t be nervous, we’ve got this.”

“Besides, haven’t you met my mom before? Why are you still so nervous?”

Alana pouted. “You don’t understand. I’m still nervous even after meeting her.”

Stephan smiled again, leaning in to kiss her fair forehead. “Sweetheart, I’m here. I won’t let you face this alone.”

Alana blushed and gave a soft. “Mm-hmm.”

Stephan curved his lips. “Let’s go. Time to take my wife home to meet the parents.”

Alana swallowed.

***********

At the Hudson residence at that moment.

Cynthia and Bernard were already on high alert.

“Hurry, hurry, hurry! It looks too bare... not very nice. Get a few more potted plants to put out there!”

“Give this area a quick sweep... there’s still some dust.”

“Tell the kitchen to hurry up with the food. My future daughter-in-law is coming soon, we can’t let her arrive and the food is still not ready!”

Bernard sat on the sofa, wearing his glasses and holding a newspaper, watching his wife bustle back and forth.

She’d dart this way and that, making him dizzy... he couldn’t concentrate on the paper anymore.

“Honey, stop fussing. Just sit back and relax.”

Cynthia turned around and saw Bernard’s calm demeanor, which made her blood boil.

“How can you still have the nerve to read the paper? Why don’t you just call and ask where your son is?”

“Oh, they’ll get here eventually. There’s no point in rushing them.”

Cynthia frowned. “Since nagging won’t help, go upstairs and get yourself presentable. Look at how scruffy you are, what will our son’s girlfriend think when she sees you?”

“Huh?!”

What was wrong with the way he was dressed?

He just hadn’t gone to the office or out anywhere... he was just dressed a bit more casually.

“Hurry up and change into a proper suit. You look absolutely terrible in that. Otherwise, don’t stand next to me later!”

Bernard pouted.

“And don’t wear those old-fashioned glasses either. Go up and put in your contacts.”

He sighed, heavily.

That really stung.

Under Cynthia’s repeated urging, Bernard had no choice but to go back to his room to change his clothes and take off his glasses.

No sooner had he come downstairs than he heard a servant report that the young master had returned.

Before Bernard could catch his breath, Cynthia dragged him out to the front door to greet them.

Alana and Stephan had just stepped out of the car.

When she saw the massive, castle-like villa before her, its sheer opulence left her speechless.

True to the reputation of the Hudson family, the wealthiest clan in the country, the length and width of this villa estate rivaled that of a park.

Stephan’s placed his large hand on Alana’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Alana suddenly remembered, “The gift... I haven’t brought the gift yet!”

Stephan smiled. “No rush. We’ll have a servant come out to get it later.”

Alana remembered that Stephan’s hand was injured and it would be difficult for him to carry anything, so she said nothing.

Just then, Cynthia and Bernard emerged together.

Stephan immediately introduced them to Alana, “Dad, mom... this is my girlfriend, Alana.”

Alana took a closer look at Bernard. She had to admit that Stephan’s father bore a striking resemblance to him.

Even in his old age, he was still quite handsome; it was clear that in his youth, he must have been a real heartthrob.

She politely greeted them, “Hello, Uncle and

Aunt.”

Cynthia’s face lit up with a smile as bright as a flower. “Oh, my Alana’s here! Come on in!”

Bernard glanced at Alana, his demeanor equally friendly. “Come in and have a seat. Make yourself at home.”

Alana nodded.

Cynthia took Alana’s hand warmly and led her into the villa.

Bernard walked over to Stephan and patted him on the shoulder. “After all these years, you’ve finally done something to make your mother happy.”

He glanced at Bernard. “Dad, my girlfriend brought gifts for you two. I can’t carry them with just one hand, why don’t you help me carry them inside?”

Only then did Bernard notice Stephan’s left hand, which was wrapped in bandages.

“What happened to your hand?”

“Just a minor injury.”

Bernard didn’t ask any further; as long as it wasn’t life-threatening, that was fine.

Alana was led into the house by Cynthia and she sat down on the sofa.

She then instructed the maid to serve Alana some tea and water.

Cynthia took a look at Alana’s outfit for the day. “Lana, you look absolutely stunning today.”

“Everyone, take a look... this is my son’s girlfriend. Isn’t she beautiful?”

The maids serving tea and water nearby nodded in agreement.

“Yes, she’s absolutely stunning, just like a fairy descended from heaven!”

“The young master is so lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend!”

Unaccustomed to such praise, Alana’s face flushed. “Auntie, you look lovely today, too.”

Cynthia burst out laughing and praised her for having such a sweet tongue.

Out of the corner of her eye, Alana saw Stephan carrying a gift into the room and immediately said, “Auntie, I brought gifts for both you and Uncle.”

Cynthia smiled. “We’re just happy you came to visit us... why bring gifts?”

Alana replied nervously, “It’s our first official meeting; I couldn’t possibly show up empty-handed.”

Stephan chimed in, “Lana handpicked all these gifts herself. Just a heads-up... you can’t turn them down.”

Cynthia shot Stephan a disapproving look. What a brat... he really doesn’t know how to speak properly.

“Don’t worry, no matter what Lana gives us, we’re sure to love it!”

Alana blushed again. “Auntie, Stephan told me you’re always working late and pulling all-nighters at the hospital, and your shoulders and neck are sore, so I bought you a massage device and a set of skincare products.”

“Uncle likes to play golf and chess, so I bought him a set of golf clubs and a chessboard. They’re just small tokens of my appreciation... nothing too expensive, but I hope you’ll like them.”

“Oh my, you’ve really hit the nail on the head! Right, dear?”

Bernard nodded. “Mm, not bad. That’s very thoughtful.”

Cynthia praised Alana a few more times.

“It’s only proper to return the favor. My husband and I should give you some decent gifts as well.”

She instructed the maid, “Bring out the set of emerald jewelry I’ve prepared.”

Before long, the servant brought out a box.

The moment the box was opened, a set of emerald jade with a pure, vibrant green hue was revealed.

It included a necklace pendant, earrings, a bracelet, and a ring... a complete set, with a color that was both simple and beautiful.

Alana was stunned. This set of emerald jewelry must be quite expensive, right?

Cynthia took the box containing the jewelry and held it out to Alana.

“Here, this is a treasure from my personal collection. I’m giving it to you today.”

Alana instinctively refused. “No, no, no... it’s too valuable. I can’t accept it.”

Cynthia smiled playfully. “We’re practically family now... you don’t need to be so formal.”

“If you don’t accept it, it means you’re not willing to treat us like family.”

Alana found herself in a bind and finally accepted it.

“Thank you, Auntie. I’ll take good care of it.”

Cynthia smiled gently. “Don’t feel pressured. It’s a gift for you... it’s yours to do with as you please.”

Alana gave a soft nod.

Stephan’s father also gave Alana a gift, a ladies’ watch.

Alana accepted them all.

After that, Cynthia pulled Alana aside to chat. The two chatted and laughed together, looking completely at ease.

Stephan and Bernard, the two grown men, were completely ignored by them and remained silent.

Stephan suddenly spoke up, “Mom, don’t forget the main reason we’re here today.”

Upon hearing this, Cynthia shot Stephan a glare. She and her future daughter-in-law were having such a pleasant chat... why was he interrupting?

Stephan remained unfazed. “Didn’t we agree that this formal meeting was to discuss my marriage to Lana?”

He’d been sitting here waiting for ages, and no one had brought it up on their own.