WHISPERS OF LEGACY

Chapter 17: Sunset and Splendor

The sprawling Vanderbilt villa stood like a masterpiece of Italian charm, blending ancient elegance with just enough luxury to make them feel like royalty. Situated atop a hill with views of vineyards stretching to the horizon, it was like stepping into another world, away from the pressures of Westbridge and the secrets they'd each brought with them.

They filed in, each friend taking in the opulent foyer with wide eyes. From the intricate hand-painted ceilings to the stone archways and polished marble floors, everything felt perfectly timeless.

"You sure you're not hiding royalty somewhere in your family tree, Gen?" Gabe asked, glancing around with a half-smirk.

Gen shrugged, clearly trying to downplay the grandeur. "I wish. But my dad just likes things...traditional."

"Oh, right, traditional," Sam joked, lifting his camera to capture a sunbeam filtering through the tall windows. "Guess my parents are behind-they think 'traditional' means wood paneling and a backyard BBQ."

Gen rolled her eyes, though she looked pleased. "You're all making a big deal out of it. It's just...where we're staying."

"Sure, sure," Lisa said, grinning as she gestured toward the luggage they'd brought along. Gen's family staff had followed them in, handling each bag with care, but Lisa couldn't resist making a show of it. "I mean, if you insist, I'll take the room with the view and the private terrace. It's practically made for me."

"No way!" Gabe stepped in front of her, blocking her path with a mischievous grin. "I called dibs on that room as soon as I saw it."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "Dibs? In your head, maybe."

"It's a gentleman's agreement," Gabe countered, crossing his arms in return. "Or are you saying you're not willing to uphold a gentleman's agreement, St. Clair?"

"Oh, please." Lisa let out an exasperated sigh, but her eyes sparkled. "If anyone deserves that room, it's me. We both know you'll only use the terrace as storage for your laundry."

Gabe laughed, but his eyes held a hint of challenge. "If anyone needs storage, it's you. I think you brought your entire wardrobe."

She scoffed, waving a hand. "For your information, it's called 'fashion variety.' You should try it sometime."

Watching the exchange, Theo chuckled and shook his head. "You guys realize there are like twelve other rooms, right?"

But neither Lisa nor Gabe backed down. Gabe shifted closer, his tone turning playful. "I'm not budging, Lisa."

Before the argument could escalate, Gen stepped in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You know, you two could always share the room," she suggested lightly.

Lisa and Gabe stared at her, expressions frozen in horrified disbelief.

"Absolutely not!" they protested in unison, their voices overlapping with a mix of alarm and defiance.

Gen shrugged innocently, trying to hide her laughter. "It was just a suggestion."

Gabe shot her a mock glare. "Remind me to never let you play mediator again, Vanderbilt."

Lisa folded her arms, casting a look at Gabe. "As if I'd share anything with him."

"Feeling's mutual," Gabe replied, but his smirk hinted otherwise.

"Then it's the room across the hall for me. But only because I'm feeling generous."

"Generous?" Gabe echoed, laughing as he threw his hands up in defeat. "Right. I'll remember that next time you need a favor."