Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I lifted my face just. . .staring at the space.
This was the thing.
I didn’t know why I had expected a normal family home inside. In my mind, I had imagined neutral carpet, white walls, comfortable furniture, a simple tv, maybe a little watercolor painting here and there.
Clearly, I had not been paying attention since being in the East.
Oh my God.
Lotus Blossom had been designed like a mini palace inside—expensive oriental rugs covered parts the sky blue marble floors. Priceless paintings adorned the walls with frames that had the nerve to be encrusted with gems.
Jo is going to. . .pass out right in the foyer. . .while Chloe is going to stroll around like a princess.
I spotted a lavish living room further away from the grand entrance, showcasing another chandelier, plush velvet couch, marble coffee table, and grand piano by a massive floor to ceiling window.
I turned to the left.
Ummm. . .what’s going on over there?
A staircase stood with dark blue pillars and a staircase lined with gold detailing. But even more. . .the goddamn hand railing was a whole motherfucking dragon just carved and painted there. . .and it was fucking frighteningly real.
Like. . .the dragon looked close to waking up and swallowing us all.
So uh. . .that will take some time to get used to.
Staff moved quietly around, dusting, polishing, and cleaning.
Three men were in the open space by the staircase removing this huge painting.
Swallowing down shock, I walked in that direction, trying to get a better look at the painting.
My ladies-in-waiting followed us, yet maintained three feet of space.
In the image, Leo stood next to his wife, Jing.
Lei’s mother really was beautiful.
Meanwhile, Lei and his sister were right in front of them, super young with grinning faces.
Aww.
Leo noticed my gaze and maintained his stride with mine. “All of my personal items will go in the palace’s vaults. I would like these items to be preserved for my grandkids. Remember, Moni, they must know about Jing and me.”
I blinked. “Okay. . .so. . .we really have to address the elephant in the room.”
“What elephant? There’s only a dragon in here.” He chuckled leading me by a massive kitchen where more staff members wiped counters and other surfaces.
I frowned. “Why did you pick me, Leo? And even more how did you pick me?”
“There are things that occur in the East that you must remember, practice, and imbed within your very DNA to be the perfect Mountain Mistress for my son.”
“Leo. . .respectfully. . .that’s not an answer.”
We went around a corner that led us back to the huge living room.
There, he stopped us.
“For formal gatherings, many bow like this in the East.” Keeping eye contact, Leo did a half bow. “Try it. Please.”
I repeated what he did.
“Good, but remember. . .the bow is from the shoulders and should be greater if the person you are greeting has a higher status than you, which will not be many besides my sisters, brother, and older cousins.”
“Alright.”
“However, this is most of the older generation’s way. Many that are your age and younger will give respectful nods, dramatically bowing their heads but not their bodies.”
Man. . .I don’t care about this shit.
“For casual greetings, handshakes are standard.” He extended his hand to mine.
Frowning, I shook his.
“No, Monique. Your grip is too strong.” He chuckled. “You have been around my son for too long. You must be lighter.”
I followed his direction.
“Excellent.” His smile deepened and he headed forward in the direction of the foyer again. “Now. . .when walking into a space, always greet those that are older than you first. It is a sign of respect in the East.”
“Okay.”
“Age and rank matter here. Never forget.”
“I won’t.”
He led us toward the stairs. “I was told that Duck snuck you some of our ancient text.”
I did my best to keep a neutral expression on my face. “I do not know that to be a fact.”
“I have eyes everywhere.” Leo winked. “Those eyes told me that you stayed up one night reading and studying the Four Aces’ books.”
I swallowed.
“It has also come to my attention that you petitioned to be a Friend of the Four Aces.”
“I did.”
“That is cute, Monique.” All humor on his face left. “But, you are to be the new Mountain Mistress. Nothing else.”
“Well. . .” I sighed. “I believed that this current position will help me get used to the Four Aces. It’s always helpful for a manager to go down to ground level and know how things work at the bottom.”
Leo didn’t appear impressed at all with my statement. “If you are a Friend of the Four Aces, my son will not behave with your negotiating meetings between the South and East, even with your familial connections he will still be violent.”
I blinked again.
“Besides, you will be able to get more deals done in the South as his Mountain Mistress.”