As soon as Serena got out of the car, a middle-aged butler in a neat uniform with a warm smile approached her. "Miss Lancaster, hello. Welcome. I am the butler of this villa. You can just call me Nathaniel."
Serena nodded. "Nathaniel."
Nathaniel bowed slightly, his attitude respectful without being obsequious.
He was highly professional. As he led Serena into the villa, he gave her a detailed introduction to the security facilities and her access permissions.
Serena picked it up instantly. With a few swipes on the control panel, she had a complete grasp of the house's entire defense system.
Full-coverage motion-capture cameras, intelligent alert systems, high-strength anti- intrusion measures...
It was just as Nicholas had said—a military-grade security system.
If the people from Norvane tried to sneak in, they would suffer heavy losses just trying to get through the defenses.
And that would give her more than enough time to react and respond.
She was very satisfied.
After familiarizing herself with the system, Serena began to look around the standalone villa.
The interior was decorated in cool tones, with open spaces and excellent views.
It suited her aesthetic quite well.
After living in rooms decorated in pink and white for so long, staying in a house with such a minimalist design was a nice change.
Just then, the sound of an engine came from outside the villa.
Nicholas had arrived.
He was dressed in a black shirt, and his long trousers accentuated his straight, slender legs, making him look tall and elegant.
Following behind him was a woman in her forties with a gentle face and a surprisingly sturdy, powerful build.
"So, what do you think of the villa? Are you satisfied?" Nicholas asked, his captivating eyes sparkling as he saw the girl standing in the living room.
"It's not bad," Serena nodded.
Nicholas strode forward on his long legs and stood in front of Serena. He glanced sideways and gestured with his chin toward the middle-aged woman bening behind him. That's
She's an excellent cook. Whatever cuisine or dish you want, just tell her, and she can make it."
Fiona immediately greeted her with a cheerful smile. "Hello, Miss Lancaster. If you need anything at all, just let me know."
Serena's gaze fell on Fiona.
The middle-aged woman had a gentle appearance and wore a clean apron, but her steps were steady, her breathing was deep and even, and there were noticeable calluses on her knuckles...
Those weren't the kind of calluses one gets from doing housework.
She was a trained fighter, and her skills were likely impressive.
She nodded. "Hello, Fiona."
After greeting her, Fiona turned to Nicholas and said, "Young Master, I'll take your luggage upstairs for you."
Serena's gaze shifted to the simple gray-black suitcase, then swept up and down the man's lean figure, clad in the form-fitting shirt. "You know my situation. Ären't you afraid moving in here?"
Nicholas suddenly leaned in, his elegant, pine-like scent enveloping her.
A lazy, seductive smile played on his lips. "Of course I know. That's why... I'm here to protect you."
Serena glanced at him. “You? Are you up to it?”
The dazzling smile in the man's eyes deepened, spreading across his cool, ethereally handsome face.
He deliberately drew out the last syllable of his low, magnetic voice, almost like a lover's whisper. "Why don't you try me... and find out exactly what I'm capable of?”
Serena looked at Nicholas's peacocking display and couldn't even be bothered to respond.
She lazily stuck her hands in her pockets and walked straight toward the stairs. "Where do I sleep?"
"There are plenty of rooms in the villa, all with different decorations. Take your pick, whichever you like," Nicholas's voice, full of amusement, followed close behind her.
The low, magnetic laugh seemed to
have a hook in it as he drew out kis
my master
words again the best location and
bedroom has gom
an incredible view. The bed is big enough, too. I don't mind sharing."