By the time Citrine and Sebastian emerged from the library that afternoon, the sky had faded to a dusky gray.

Just as Sebastian was about to ask about dinner, Citrine turned to him and said, "Come home with me tonight. My family wants to meet you."

Over the past few months, their relationship had steadily deepened. So, when her family had asked her that morning to bring Sebastian home for dinner, Citrine

hadn't hesitated to agree.

Sebastian froze, visibly stunned.

His only family had been his mother, who had passed away, and he had already taken Citrine to visit her grave shortly after they got together.

He loved Citrine more than anything. From the moment he'd won her heart, he knew he would hold onto her no matter what.

But he also knew her past made it difficult for her to fully trust and accept someone.

Sebastian had been prepared to wait for as long as it took. He'd never expected her to let him into her life so completely, so soon. A wave of shock and elation washed over him, and he beamed like a child who'd just been given a lifetime supply of candy.

Seeing his expression, Citrine paused. "What's with that look? You don't want to go?"

Sebastian cleared his throat, nearly biting his tongue in his haste. "No! I mean, yes, I want to go."

A wide, genuine smile spread across his face. "I'm just... really happy."

Happy that she was finally letting him all the way in.

Though Citrine didn't fully grasp the depth of his reaction, his joy was infectious, and she couldn't help but smile back.

That evening, the entire Saunders and Carmichael clan had gathered in the living room, waiting. When Citrine walked in with Sebastian, all eyes turned to them.

Citrine was perfectly composed, but Sebastian was another story. It was, after all, his first time meeting her family as her boyfriend, and his nerves were getting the better of him.

"Mr. and Mrs. Saunders, good evening." The man who commanded boardrooms with unshakeable confidence found his fingers trembling slightly. He looked as flustered as a nervous teenager. Updates are released by Find~Novel.net

"Hmph," Raymond Carmichael grunted, his nod barely perceptible.

"Sebastian, please, have a seat," Hilda Saunders said with a kind smile. She'd initially been wary of any man in Citrine's life, but Raymond's words had resonated with her. This was the man her daughter loved, and because of that, she felt a budding affection for the young man standing before her.

Once they were settled, Herschel Saunders announced, "Alright, now that everyone's here, let's eat."

With his decree, the family moved to the dining room.

At the table, Sebastian sat between Citrine and Hilda, feeling like a new recruit being inspected by a panel of stern generals.

Herschel kicked off the interrogation. "So, Sebastian, how many girlfriends have you had before our Citrine?"

Sebastian took a sip of water, coughed, and quickly replied, "None. I haven't been in a relationship before."

"None, you say?" Herschel's eyes lit up, clearly pleased with the answer. "A clean slate, then. Good. That's what our Citrine deserves."

After Herschel, Inez Saunders took her turn. "Can you cook?"

"A little," Sebastian answered honestly.

At this, several family members shook their heads. Inez clicked her tongue in disapproval. "A man's greatest asset in a marriage is his skill in the kitchen. And you only know *a little*?"

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, and Sebastian's anxiety spiked.

"Our Citrine doesn't like eating out," Inez continued, shaking her head. "She much prefers home-cooked meals."

The implication was crystal clear. Sebastian immediately understood and straightened up. "I can learn. I'll learn from your chef. Whatever Citrine likes, I can make it for her."

He glanced at Citrine, his expression tender, before turning back to Inez with sincère determination. "Grandma Saunders, starting tomorrow, come here and learn. from your chef every day until I've mastered all of Citrine's favorite dishes. You can test my progress anytime you wish." FindNovels

Inez's initial disapproval melted away at his earnest response, replaced by a smile. She decided not to press him further.

The rest of the family seemed satisfied with his answer as well, and he passed that test.

Next was Hilda. Looking at the man

who was poised to steal her

daughter away, she felt a mix of emotions-mostly a profound

reluctance to let go. The thought of

losing the daughter she hadjust found again pained her deeply. FindNovels

Hilda's gaze sharpened. "Citrine is my only precious daughter. Since she chose you, I won't stand in your way. But if you ever dare to do anything to hurt her, I promise you, the Saunders family will make you regret it."

Sebastian met her intense stare with unwavering reverence. "Mrs. Saunders, you have my word. I will never do anything to betray Citrine's trust."

Remembering that Hilda had only recently been reunited with her daughter, he paused in thought before adding. "I've already decided. Once Citrine and Lare married, I'll buy the house next door so she can come home whenever she wants." Cóntent belongs to FindNovels

He took a breath and continued, laying all his cards on the table. "Furthermore, all

my assets and properties can be transferred into her name. And our future children can take her surname."

He laid out his intentions in one clean sweep. Hilda's sharp expression softened, her initial defenses crumbling. She gave a slow nod, saying nothing more.

His declarations left no room for criticism. Even Raymond, who had been openly skeptical, now looked at him with acceptance.