Mia's POV
When I came downstairs after changing, the house already smelled like a full family dinner.
Roasted chicken.
Garlic butter vegetables.
Fresh bread.
And my mother's famous tomato soup.
Voices drifted from the living room.
Kevin's.
Luis's.
And my father's.
I paused for a second at the staircase.
Interesting.
When I walked in, the three of them were already seated on the couch.
Kevin sat straight, posture perfect, the image of a polite corporate professional.
Luis looked relaxed, leaning slightly back, one arm resting casually along the couch.
My father looked like he was enjoying himself.
Dangerous combination.
Dad noticed me first.
"Ah, Mia. Finally."
Kevin turned and smiled.
"There you are."
Luis stood immediately.
That small gesture did not go unnoticed by my father.
Kevin noticed it too.
Of course he did.
Mrs. Alps entered from the dining room.
"Perfect timing. Dinner is ready."
She gestured toward the table.
"Come, everyone."
---
The dining table was already filled with dishes.
Kevin immediately pulled a chair for me.
Luis noticed.
But instead of reacting, he simply pulled a chair for my mother.
Smooth.
My father chuckled under his breath.
We all sat.
For a few minutes, everyone focused on food.
Then Kevin spoke.
"So, how was the site today?"
He looked directly at me.
Ah.
Straight to business.
"It was good," I said. "Actually better than expected."
Kevin nodded slowly.
"I assumed you and Luis would check it personally first."
Luis calmly cut a piece of roasted chicken.
"We needed to see the terrain ourselves before finalizing anything."
Kevin leaned back slightly.
"So the joint project between Alps Builders and Aetherion Land & Holdings might really move forward."
My father answered.
"If everything aligns."
Kevin smiled politely.
"Well, if it happens, it will be a big opportunity for Alps Builders."
Luis nodded.
"That's the idea."
Kevin looked between the two of us.
"You two must have had a long discussion while inspecting the area."
I shrugged casually.
"We had to. It's still in the early planning stage."
Kevin gave a soft chuckle.
"Makes sense."
Then he added,
"You mentioned yesterday that you were going to check the land with him."
I nodded.
"Yes. We wanted to confirm if the area could support the type of project we're planning."
Kevin tilted his head slightly.
"And?"
Luis answered this time.
"The elevation is stable. Natural tree lines provide privacy. It's a strong candidate."
Kevin tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
"You already sound convinced."
Luis smiled.
"I prefer to confirm things personally."
My father nodded approvingly.
"That's the correct approach."
My mother suddenly placed more food onto Luis's plate.
"Eat more, Luis. You're too thin."
Luis laughed.
"Yes, Mrs. Alps."
Kevin froze for half a second.
My father nearly choked on his soup trying not to laugh.
Kevin smiled.
Politely.
Very politely.
But I could see the tension in his jaw.
Then my father spoke again.
"So, Luis. Are you leading the development on your side?"
Luis nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"And Mia will handle the design?" Dad asked.
Kevin answered before I could.
"That's right. Mia always handles our most important architectural plans."
He looked proud saying it.
My mother smiled warmly.
"Our daughter is very talented."
Luis nodded sincerely.
"I know."
Kevin glanced at him.
That single word sounded… loaded.
I cleared my throat.
"The land actually allows a lot of possibilities."
Dad leaned forward.
"Explain."
"The terrain slopes naturally to the west," I said. "Good drainage. Rock formations in the north side. The tree lines make it easy to control visibility."
Kevin nodded.
"That does sound ideal."
Luis added calmly,
"And there's enough distance to create separated structures if needed."
Kevin looked at him.
"Separated structures?"
"Different operational zones," Luis said smoothly.
Kevin hummed thoughtfully.
"Smart."
But I could see him thinking.
Always calculating.
Then my mother suddenly said,
"Luis, do you still like the strawberry pie I used to bake?"
Luis smiled immediately.
"Of course. It's still the best."
My mother clapped her hands.
"I made one tonight!"
Kevin blinked.
My father finally lost control and laughed.
"Luis used to eat half the pie himself when he was a kid."
Luis grinned.
"I was a growing boy."
Kevin forced a laugh.
"I didn't know you visited here often before."
Luis answered easily.
"Mia and I grew up together."
Kevin's smile tightened.
"Yes… she mentioned."
I quickly grabbed my water.
This dinner was turning into a battlefield.
Then Kevin changed the topic.
"So when does construction begin?"
Luis answered smoothly.
"Once final designs are approved."
Kevin nodded.
"And permits?"
"Already being reviewed," Luis said.
My father raised an eyebrow.
"Efficient."
Luis gave a small shrug.
"I prefer preparation."
Kevin smiled again.
"But of course, Alps Builders will handle the construction workforce."
Luis nodded politely.
"That would make sense."
Kevin leaned back slightly.
"Good."
My mother suddenly stood.
"Dessert!"
She returned with the strawberry pie.
Luis's eyes lit up.
Kevin noticed.
I noticed Kevin noticing.
This was getting ridiculous.
My father sliced the pie.
Luis took a bite.
His face brightened immediately.
"Still perfect."
My mother beamed.
Kevin ate a piece too.
"It's very good, Mrs. Alps."
But my mother was already looking at Luis.
"Take some home later."
Kevin nearly inhaled his fork.
My father burst out laughing.
I covered my mouth to hide my smile.
Luis bowed his head slightly.
"Thank you, Mrs. Alps."
Kevin forced another smile.
"Yes… thank you."
Across the table, Luis met Kevin's gaze.
Both smiling.
Both polite.
Both pretending.
But underneath the table,
This wasn't dinner.
This was war.
And strangely…
I was enjoying the show.