Page 20 of A Billionaire's Second Shot

“She’s in the garden,” Andrew replies, still grinning. “Probably planning another flower arrangement for the wedding.”

I feel my cheeks heat at the mention of the word “wedding,” but Andrew seems to relish my discomfort. He gestures for us to follow him inside, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve just stepped into the lion’s den.

The estate is buzzingwith activity as family members and close friends arrive for the weekend retreat. Levi’s mother, Eleanor, is a whirlwind of elegance and efficiency, overseeing every detail with the precision of a general. She’s kind enough to me, though there’s a hint of curiosity in her gaze that makes me feel like I’m being studied.

Andrew, on the other hand, is relentless.

“So, Tania,” he says over lunch, his voice carrying across the dining table. “How did Levi manage to convince someone as beautiful as you to marry him?”

“Andrew,” Eleanor says sharply, her tone laced with warning.

“What?” he asks innocently, leaning back in his chair. “I’m just saying, it’s impressive. My brother’s never been much for commitment.”

“Maybe he just needed the right person,” I reply, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

Levi glances at me, his green eyes softening for a moment before he turns his attention back to his plate. Andrew doesn’t miss the exchange, his grin widening.

“I like her,” he declares, raising his glass in a mock toast. “She’s got a backbone. You’re going to need it with this one.”

Levi sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Can you go five minutes without being insufferable?”

“Not a chance,” Andrew replies, clearly enjoying himself.

After lunch,Eleanor insists on giving me a tour of the garden. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, with vibrant flowers blooming in carefully curated arrangements and a winding path that leads to a serene koi pond.

“I hope Andrew wasn’t too much for you,” Eleanor says as we walk. “He means well, but he has a knack for pushing buttons.”

“I can handle it,” I reply, though I can’t help but wonder if I should be more worried about her approval than Andrew’s teasing.

“You must mean a great deal to Levi,” she continues, her voice thoughtful. “He’s never brought anyone here before.”

Her words catch me off guard, and I glance at her, unsure of how to respond. “I think he just wanted to share this part of his life with me.”

Eleanor nods, though her expression is difficult to read. “Well, whatever his reasons, I’m glad you’re here. He seems… steadier with you around.”

The comment lingers in my mind long after the tour ends.

The dinner is a formal affair,with everyone dressed to the nines and the table set with enough silverware to make my head spin. Levi stays close to me, his hand occasionally brushing mine as we navigate the room. It’s a small gesture, but it feels grounding, like he’s silently reassuring me that I’m not alone.

Of course, Andrew can’t resist making things more complicated.

“You know,” he says as dessert is served, leaning toward me with a conspiratorial grin, “Levi used to be terrible at sharing. When we were kids, he once hid his favorite toy car just so I couldn’t play with it.”

“Is that true?” I ask, glancing at Levi.

Levi shoots his brother a warning look. “Don’t encourage him.”

Andrew ignores him, his grin widening. “Oh, absolutely. He’s always been territorial. I’d watch out if I were you, Tania.”

Something about the way he says it makes my stomach flip. I glance at Levi, expecting him to brush it off, but instead, his expression darkens.

“That’s enough, Andrew,” Levi says, his voice low and firm.

Andrew raises his hands in mock surrender, clearly amused. “Just making an observation.”

The rest of the dinner passes in a tense haze, and I can’t shake the feeling that Andrew’s words struck a nerve.

I findLevi on the terrace, staring out at the vast expanse of the estate. The cool night air is a welcome relief after the stifling formality of dinner, but the tension between us lingers.

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