"We're your parents. We hardly ever visit, and you want to put us in a hotel? That's not very welcoming, Eugene," Hogan grumbled, his dissatisfaction evident. "He's right, darling. This villa is spacious. Your father and I can share a room; we won't be a bother. We see so little of you. I want to cook for you—you're my only child, always traveling, always working so hard. I just want to look after you for a little while," Rhea added, her voice thick with emotion, eyes glistening as if tears were imminent. Seeing his parents' performance, Eugene stood up, deciding not to indulge the charade any further. "I've already given her the access codes to this place. She comes and goes as she pleases. I don't want you meeting her right now. You might overwhelm her." "Are you living together?" "Have you already moved in together?" Hogan and Rhea practically sprang from the sofa in unison, standing alert, their faces alight with anticipation. Eugene's expression darkened slightly. Looking at his overly eager parents, he lowered his voice. "Let's be perfectly clear, Mom, Dad. Your son is still very much in the pursuit phase. Progress is acceptable, but let's just say I haven't completely won her over yet. "Alright. You must be tired from the flight. Bruce, please take them to the hotel to settle in and rest. If a good opportunity arises, I'll arrange for you to meet her properly," Eugene said, shrugging. "After all, sooner or later, our people have to meet the one who's joining our fold, don't they?" Hogan shot Eugene a look of mock offense and pulled Rhea closer. "You see, dear? Our son is already taking sides against us. How unjust." Rhea nodded, casting a glance at Eugene. "Take care of yourself. Eat properly, get your rest. Your father and I will be waiting for you to introduce us to Chloe." "Understood," Eugene replied succinctly, then signaled to Bruce with a look. Bruce stepped forward, gave a polite nod, and escorted Hogan and Rhea out. Eugene watched his parents leave and let out a soft sigh. Now that they were here, it was inevitable Chloe would find out. How should he break it to her? Their eagerness was palpable. She hadn't even officially accepted him yet. Springing his parents on her risked scaring her off completely.What was the best approach? ***** At the luxurious five-star hotel in Capaville, Hogan and Rhea, upon arriving at their presidential suite, did not follow Eugene's suggestion to rest or sightsee. Rhea stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the cityscape, her expression thoughtful. "The girl is undeniably beautiful. For our son to be so taken... it's certainly an exception for him." Hogan lounged on the sofa, his posture relaxed yet carrying the same formidable aura as his son. "The boy has always been his own man. The fact that he's making so many concessions for this woman means she must possess qualities he deeply values," Hogan mused, his voice low. "We should find an opportunity to observe her for ourselves. Meet her properly." "But what if she's just... calculating? Playing hard to get, only after his wealth and status? Wouldn't that be awful?" Rhea turned, a look of theatrical concern on her face. Hogan was momentarily taken aback by her act, then rolled his eyes. "Do you think our son is a fool? The woman who captures his attention could possibly be simple-minded?" "Well... I suppose not." "The men in our family don't hesitate once their hearts are set. When we love, we love fully. Any hesitation is a personal failure," Hogan stated, raising an eyebrow. "Need I remind you? I snatched you right from your own wedding ceremony." At this, Rhea's cheeks flushed. This man, bringing up such old stories now! It brought back all those memories from their youth. They were so young then! Back then, bound by family duty, she was arranged to marry the heir of another prominent business dynasty. It was a purely strategic match; they were practically strangers, having met only once at a formal dinner. She had learned the young man was still deeply attached to his first love. He had been brutally honest, stating that even married, he would never love her—he was merely fulfilling an obligation. A marriage without affection seemed a grim prospect. At the time, the Pierce family finances were precarious, reliant on the alliance. Feeling cornered, she had resigned herself to the arrangement. Then, on the wedding day, right there at the altar, the groom was... replaced.Hogan had dramatically escorted the young heir's beloved to the ceremony. He had publicly presented the bewildered woman, quipping, "Since you're so devoted to her, why not marry her right here? A perfect match, don't you think? Why endure a farce?"