Owned by a Rich Man |19+|

Chapter 21 - Pride and honor

"Madame, let me show you around the mansion," Steward Ben respectfully and amicably told Anika some time after Leon left.

Anika had let Adelaide play back in her room with Nanny, while Steward Ben took her to tour around the place.

"Um, just, just call me Anika," She shyly told the old butler.

Steward Ben looked at the bashful woman and sighed inside. He could tell the young woman was kind and innocent, and his paternal heart can't help but soften for her. He also knows her past circumstances, so he decided he needed to take care of this soft-hearted woman more.

"Alright, Anika dear, let me take you around," Steward Ben said still respectfully, but much warmer and closer.

Anika sighed and smiled. She was more comfortable if people treat her comfortably as well. She was still new to all of this and being treated as someone high up makes her flustered. Plus, she likes her name. She finally has a name and she wanted to be called with it more often.

She nodded to the elder steward and followed him.

"Let's start outside," Steward Ben said as he led Anika out to the garden.

Anika became excited going outside, as she still hadn't been outside much. And she remembered when they arrived yesterday, she saw many magnificent and interesting things.

"Madame, this is the garden.." The steward showed her the carefully trimmed and cultivated plants and trees. Colorful flowers also filled the place, and Anika had the urge to run through them.

She saw table set-ups and benches in the garden, perfect for a nice rest under the sun with the cool breeze.

"Sir Leon plans to put up swings and playgrounds for the little miss here. By that time, you can play with the little child with all your heart," The steward smiled warmly.

Anika looked at him, even though she didn't know what those were, but just hearing the excitement in his words, she felt they were good. She can't help but have anticipation in her heart as well.

"Let's now move on to the pool area," Steward led her to the large blue pool, the sound of water enticing people to jump in.

Anika looked at it in awe. She had caught a glimpse of this yesterday, and seeing it fully now, she can't help but marvel.

The world really has so many wonderful things.

The steward saw the wonder and curiosity in Anika's eyes and his heart softened.

"Is this Anika's first time seeing one?" He asked gently.

Anika heard this and nodded with a small smile.

Aye. Poor child. Steward can't help but feel a tinge of distress for the young woman. But he comforted himself that everything will be okay from now on, as she had the Sire now.

"Well, wait till you see the ocean!" He tried to cheer her up as well as they went around the pool.

"Ocean?" Anika asked innocently.

"It is a much bigger body of water than this. So large that you cannot see the end of it!" Steward tattled to the ignorant woman.

"So big?" Anika whispered in amazement.

Steward Ben smiled kindly at her.

"I bet Sir Leon would take you some time. You would see then," He assured her.

Anika blushed slightly but gave off a merry smile.

After they strolled outside, they came back inside.

"Madame, this is the living hall.." Steward Ben showed her to all parts of the mansion.

There was the living area, dining area, receiving area, library, studies, gym, and movie room. She particularly remembered the library, which had so many shelves with piles and piles of books. Also, the movie room, which was dark with comfy sofas and a large, large, black screen. These were very novel to Anika who hadn't seen them yet.

Even though the mansion was not as big as the tower, Anika still felt she would be lost if she would walk around by herself. Even back at the mansion, she wasn't allowed to go anywhere, just staying in their own bedroom.

"While these are the collections of the Sire. He has a knack for appreciation of art." The steward showed Anika the paintings on the wall. All of them were mesmerizing and breathtaking, even Anika who didn't have any idea about paintings was captivated.

Steward Ben said more paintings are displayed in every part of the house. And with the collection, one can see the taste and meticulousness of the owner of the house.

"Well, this part here I arranged myself. It is all the trophies and awards the Sire received since he was young," Steward Ben then proudly showed a bunch of shelves with shining trophies, medals, and plaques.

"That boy is not very particular and interested in this project, but I took it to myself to arrange them, so that one could see how far and high the Young Master had reached till this day," The steward shared emotionally as he gazed at the prizes of Leon Albrecht.

The young Sir was a genius since birth, but he had a cold and aloof personality since his arrival in the Albrecht family from the research institute. Not much is known about his real parents, all was they were researchers working at the institute that died in the accident. He assumed the parents were smart from the fruit they had left, a young genius prodigy.

But maybe because of that, Leon grew up as a quiet and composed kid, more composed than kids his age. Since young, he knew he was adopted, as he became aware of the world relatively early.

For him, these awards were nothing, as what was valuable for him was his knowledge and experience. And the previous master didn't care much too, only focusing on cultivating the perfect heir for him.

But for Steward Ben, who almost raised the child under his knees, he held pride in the talent and intelligence of Leon, so he kept and made sure to present all his achievements throughout the years.

And until now, these were all what he accumulated.

Anika listened attentively to the butler, and also looked carefully at the awards before her.

From student competitions, awards for research and business entrepreneurship, to sports and nobel awards, one could say he was good at everything.

Anika once again realized how great of a man he is. He was very good, working hard since young, building a name for himself, and even surpassing the leading business empire, conquering them for himself. He was someone that should be out of reach.

Anika's heart felt a surge of emotion. Pride and admiration for the fine man, but also, she can't help but feel insecure about herself.

He was too good for her.

She knows nothing, and she was very dependent on him. She couldn't probably live without him.

Anika felt sad about this. But she made up her mind to do anything she can for him.

She would use the extent of her power just to help him and be of use to him. With this, Anika felt like she had another good reason to continue living.

She then felt comforted, as like other normal people, she also has a goal here on earth.