The Tycoon's Odyssey

[Are you saying something bad about me?] The system's tone turned icy.

"Of course not. I was just thinking about… well, the situation. It's been interesting, hasn't it? We've stirred things up a bit." Evan muttered and then asked Aurora.

"What is the current trending topic? Have things calmed down?"

[Quite a bit,] Aurora replied, her tone dry.

[But to answer your question, yes, things have calmed down. Though a few diehards have started spinning conspiracy theories, I have redirected the scandal to some celebrities. It's a bloodbath in the entertainment industry right now. Their world is… in shambles.]

Evan smirked, satisfied. "Let them tear each other apart."

_____

Several hours later, the flight finally landed in Utkal. The moment Evan stepped off the plane, he grabbed his luggage, got into his car, and headed straight home. Though he hadn't been gone for long, he felt a strange tug, a sudden longing he couldn't explain. It hadn't even been a few days, but he found himself missing…

As the car pulled into the driveway, he wasted no time. Walking into the house, he called out, his voice echoing through the hall. "Suri, look who's back!"

He stepped into the living room, expecting to see Suri's familiar face light up in response to welcome him. But the sight that greeted him brought him to an abrupt stop.

His parents were seated on the couch, their expressions composed and expectant. Opposite to them sat Suri with a stranger next to her—a woman who met his gaze with an equal mix of curiosity and coldness.

Evan's smile faded, his confident stride faltering as he tried to process what he was seeing when he felt a sudden chill settle over him…

Who was this person?

Wait a moment! Why does she look quite familiar?

__________

After entering the hall of his home, Evan's eyes settled on the stranger, and for a split second, he could hardly believe his eyes.

The woman seated opposite to his parents had a striking resemblance to Suri now that they were sitting side by side, yet there was something more intense about her presence that set her apart.

Her amber hair shimmered in the light, cascading over her shoulders with a warm, rich hue, like liquid fire. Her eyes—nearly the same shade as Suri's—were fierce and assessing, as they held a quiet, calculated intensity that felt almost piercing and impossible to ignore.

She had a slender, statuesque figure, one that carried both grace and authority. Her expression, though polite, held the kind of calm power that could put anyone on edge.

Claire and Roy stood up and patted Evan on the shoulder, "I think we should give you time to get to know each other."

Evan casts curious glances at his parents who gave him thumbs and ran away but before leaving Roy seemed to whisper, "Don't underestimate her."

"Roger that!" Evan gave a silent salute.

Evan collected himself as Suri cleared her throat and introduced her mother. "Evan, meet my mother, Amelia."

Amelia's lips curved into a polite smile as she offered her hand, her voice smooth and surprisingly warm. "Nice to finally meet you, Evan. I've heard some interesting things about you from Suri. She just can't seem to stop singing praises about you in front of everyone."

Evan's instincts screamed in warning as he took her hand. Her grip was firm and steady.

Something in her gaze made it clear she was sizing him up, searching for any sign of weakness.

His mind raced, and he quickly scolded Aurora in his thoughts.

"Aurora, what's going on here? Why didn't you inform me that her mother was here? I could have at least brought a gift or something."

[Sir, I'm innocent in this.] Aurora replied with a hint of mischief. [Miss Suri specifically requested this as a surprise.]

'Who's the true boss here, me or her?' Evan cursed inwardly.

But outwardly, he maintained his calm, offering Amelia a warm, respectful smile. Stepping forward with as much composure as he could muster, he racked his brain to find the right way to address her. He didn't dare call her "mother" yet—that felt too presumptive, and he sensed she wouldn't appreciate the familiarity.
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'Perhaps "Aunt" would work,' he decided.

"Aunt Amelia, you look so young and beautiful. If Suri hadn't told me, I'd have sworn you were her older sister."

The compliment worked just right—Amelia's smile softened slightly, her eyes reflecting a hint of quiet amusement and satisfaction. "You are quite the charmer, aren't you? I wonder how much Suri has picked up on your sweet-talking tricks," she replied with a light chuckle.

Evan took this as his cue to continue, pouring on the charm in an attempt to get on her good side. "Honestly, I'm the lucky one. Suri is incredible—her intelligence, strength, and the kindness she shows to everyone around her are all qualities I admire deeply. I think that's a reflection of the way she was raised, and I have to thank you for that."

Although Amelia's gaze softened a little more, her eyes never lost that keen, assessing glint. "Suri has always been a handful, but I suppose she's chosen well if you can keep up with her. Though I wonder… are you prepared for what it takes to be by her side?"

Evan felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew this was a test—a way for Amelia to gauge his intentions and strength. He nodded, meeting her gaze directly. "Absolutely. Suri deserves someone who can stand by her, not just in the easy times, but when things get difficult. I'm committed to becoming that person, and I'll do whatever it takes to make her proud."

Amelia's smile remained composed, but something in her gaze softened, even if it was just for a moment. "Good to hear. But actions always speak louder than words, though," she remarked, raising an eyebrow slightly. "And Suri is a woman who will never settle for less than what she deserves."