Falling for the Goddess

Father-in-Law

Sara Hart stood frozen for a few seconds, her eyes widening in surprise. Then, without hesitation, she walked forward and softly called out, "Dad."

Adrian Blake, who had been about to approach her, stopped in his tracks.

The man standing beside Lucas Harris — Mr. Smith— looked equally stunned. "Mr. Harris, this... is your daughter?"

Lucas Harris gave a slight nod.

Mr. Smith's expression shifted awkwardly. He had heard the rude remarks his daughter had made just moments earlier. He turned to her, his tone stern. "Apologize to Miss Harris right now!"

Lucas Harris glanced at Sara, then said calmly, "This is my daughter, Sara. After her mother and I divorced, she took her mother's surname."

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Lucas Harris wasn't part of South City's old-money elite, but he was a prominent figure in the business world. He had built his success from scratch, starting with a small automobile manufacturing company. In recent years, he had invested heavily in developing electric vehicle batteries, and his company now led the industry.

At forty-something, Lucas Harris was one of South City's most eligible bachelors — handsome, refined, and successful. While people knew he was divorced, he had never spoken publicly about his ex-wife or children.

No one expected Sara to be his daughter.

The arrogance drained from Miss Smith's face. Her cheeks flushed red, then paled. She knew her father was in the middle of negotiating a business partnership with Lucas Harris. Embarrassed and angry, she stomped her foot and fled the scene.

Mr. Smith looked mortified. He forced a smile and turned to Lucas Harris. "My apologies, Lin. My daughter was out of line. We had no idea Miss Hart was your daughter. Please forgive us."

Lucas Harris's gaze remained calm. "So, if she weren't my daughter, it would've been fine to insult her?"

"I—" Mr. Smith faltered, utterly embarrassed.

In South City's elite circles, those without power or influence were easily ostracized. Mr. Smith understood the stakes, but there was no way out of this situation.

Lucas Harris turned to Sara. His voice softened. "Sara, what do you want to do?"

His tone was firm. If Sara wanted to pursue the matter, he wouldn't hesitate to sever ties with the Shens, even at the cost of a lucrative business deal.

Sara shook her head gently, her gaze lowered. "It's Grandma's birthday. Let's not make a scene."

She wasn't interested in escalating the issue over a few careless words.

"Grandma?" Lucas Harris looked at her, puzzled.

In the study, the Blake family's Old Madam greeted Lucas Harris with a wide smile. "Please, have a seat, Mr. Harris!"

Lucas Harris's expression remained cool. "Thank you, Madam Blake. I apologize for interrupting your celebration. But this matter between Sara and Adrian was too sudden. I'll be taking her home with me."

Adrian stood silently beside Sara, his gaze steady. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but firm. "Mr. Harris, about my relationship with Sara—"

Lucas Harris cut him off. "Adrian."

He addressed Adrian by name, without any acknowledgment of their familial bond. His tone was laced with disapproval.

"Sara is my daughter — my only daughter. And you married her without meeting her family, seeking permission, or even a proper wedding. I see no sincerity in that."

His words carried weight, each one striking like a hammer. "I've been overseas for the past few months, unaware of what happened. I need to talk with Sara first before we discuss anything further."

His firm stance left little room for negotiation.

Adrian, who had always been composed in business and personal matters, was momentarily at a loss. He understood Lucas Harris's reaction — any father would be upset to find out their daughter had secretly married without their knowledge.

Sara tugged gently on Adrian's sleeve, speaking softly, "I'll go home with him for now. I'll return to the Villa tomorrow."

There were things she needed to clarify with Lucas Harris. Their relationship had always been distant, more like strangers than family. Since his divorce from her mother, Lucas Harris had focused on his career, spending most of his time abroad. He rarely contacted Sara, though he ensured she was well taken care of financially.

When Sara married Adrian, she had been uncertain about their future. She hadn't told anyone about their marriage — not Lucas Harris, not her friends. Now, faced with the sudden reunion, she wasn't sure how to explain everything to Adrian.

She hadn't expected to meet her father again under such circumstances.

"Grandma," Sara turned to the Old Madam with a soft smile. "I'll take my leave for now."

The Old Madam nodded, her expression kind but understanding. "Very well, my dear. Adrian, please see Mr. Harris and Sara off."

Sara kept her gaze lowered, avoiding Adrian's eyes. She felt guilty, unsure if he was upset with her for not disclosing her family background sooner.

Suddenly, Adrian's hand wrapped around hers. He squeezed gently, a silent reassurance.

"I'll walk you out," he said softly.

Lucas Harris walked ahead without acknowledging their interaction, his demeanor composed yet distant.

As they descended the stairs, the curious gazes of the guests followed them. Whispers rippled through the crowd as everyone tried to piece together what had just happened.

"Adrian, no need to see us off," Lucas Harris said flatly. "My driver is waiting outside."

Adrian gave Sara's hand one last squeeze. "Very well. I'll visit you tomorrow."

Sara offered him a small nod before following her father out. Adrian stood at the entrance, watching them leave.

From behind him, Eric Thorne approached and gave his friend a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Tough break."

Lucas Graves joined them with a cheeky grin. "Damn, Adrian. Your father-in-law's not an easy man to deal with. He looks like the type who'll make you jump through hoops."

Adrian glanced at them, his lips curving into a faint smile. "That's fine. I'm prepared to do whatever it takes."

He wasn't the least bit discouraged.

In the car, Lucas Harris glanced at Sara, his stern expression softening just a little.

"Sara," he said gently, breaking the silence. "Tell me everything. I want to know exactly how you ended up marrying Adrian."

Sara took a deep breath. "It's a long story, Dad."

"We have time," Lucas Harris replied, his tone unwavering. "I want to hear it all."

Father and daughter sat together for the first time in years, ready to bridge the distance that had kept them apart for so long.