Is this destiny?

~ Reno, White family villa ~

Elanor was surprised to see Jeff come home for the weekend. Usually, he would stay in his apartment in Los Angeles, and come home only for holidays and events.

She was even more surprised when he asked her to talk to him in private. It's a long time since he asked her to talk to him in private. Elanor guessed that this is something important to him.

They were sitting in the family room, facing each other over a glass coffee table when he told her, "Mom... I found a woman I like." It was obvious that he is nervous.

Elanor observed his body language carefully. She does not know if she ever saw him this anxious. She slightly moved her head, as if asking him to continue, curiosity was showing in her gaze.

"I like her, and I don't want to continue this charade with Isabella. I have no feelings for Isabella. I will talk to dad, and to Isabella. It's my fault that I was passive and let it come to this stage." Jeff observed his mom, trying to predict her reaction, but the only thing he could see was that she is expecting more information.

After some silence she spoke. "Does this woman have a name?"

"JoAnna." Just saying her name calmed down Jeff's heart. His expression softened, and gaze became gentle.

Elanor noticed change in Jeff. She wanted to know more about a woman who can make her older son so anxious and so gentle at the same time.

"Tell me about her." Elanor's face didn't show any reaction.

Jeff was nervous, but as soon as he started talking about JoAnna, smile appeared on his face. "She is bold and shy at the same time. She likes to tease me, and she can drive me mad from anger, yet I can't be angry at her... smart, definitely smart. And kind. Beautiful inside and out. She changed me... I want to protect her."

Elanor was moved by his words.

"Did you disappear from work for two days because of her?" Elanor accused him.

He was surprised that she knows about it. 'Did Steve call home as well?' But he could not deny the truth. "Yes."

"Does she know about Isabella?" Elanor wanted to know how honest he is with JoAnna. Having secrets is not a good start of a relationship.

"Yes. I told her, because I don't want us to have any secrets between us."

Elanor was happy to hear that answer and wanted to find out JoAnna's reaction. "And? What does she say about that?"

Jeff closed his eyes and exhaled as frown veiled his handsome face. He looked like he is in pain. "She... I don't think that she wants to see me again until I fix this thing first."

Elanor approved. It shows that girl has integrity and self-respect.

"Is she returning your feelings?" Elanor continued her questioning.

"Yes, I believe so."

"What will you do if we don't break up the agreement with Lambert Dillen, and force you to marry Isabella?" Her gaze scrutinized him.

Jeff looked at his mother in disbelief. "Force me? If I can't be with JoAnna, I don't want any other woman by my side."

Idea of him being forced to be with any woman other than JoAnna outraged him. No matter what his parents did, it can be only on paper. In real life, he will not be with any other woman. He knows that no other woman can capture his heart, not after he experienced hurricane of emotions next to JoAnna. At the same time pain enveloped him when her realized that even if it's just on paper, JoAnna will not be with him. Jeff was already thinking about the possibility what his mother said: that they want to force him. He will not allow that to happen. He will leave. Leave his work, companies, status, everything… he does not want any of that if he can't be with JoAnna…

Elanor's expression softened seeing Jeff's determination and she smiled. "When can I meet her?"

"You want to meet her?" Jeff was surprised.

Elanor nodded. "Of course, I do... I don't remember I ever heard you talk this much. Or saw you smile like this… She did change you... Do you have her photo?"

"Yes." Jeff excitedly moved to sit next to his mom on the sofa and showed her JoAnna's photos on his phone.

Elanor examined JoAnna's face. "I don't remember meeting her, yet she looks familiar."

Jeff smiled. "She is Sarah's elder sister."

Elanor's eyes flashed at this information. "I like her already..." She has a very good opinion of Sarah. She believes that JoAnna would have similar core values as Sarah, so she can't be a bad person. "Let me know when I can meet her."

"I will talk to her and let you know." Jeff's smile widened exposing his teeth.

Elanor shook her head... "Really… I don't remember I ever saw you smile like that... you love her."

"Yes... yes, I do.", Jeff acknowledged.

"Tell me... how did you meet?" Elanor wanted to know every detail about Jeff and JoAnna. She saw that Jeff is in love, and that is enough for her to support him. The only thing that could change her opinion would be if JoAnna treats Jeff badly, but based on what she heard, that does not seem to be the case.

Jeff was happy to talk about JoAnna. Seeing that his mom is accepting JoAnna as his love interest, made him feel at ease.

"Mom, I need to talk to dad as well..."

Elanor understood that he is asking for an advice how to talk to Oscar. "It will not be easy... I don't think he will consider your feelings at this point. He already has a verbal agreement with Lambert. Treat it as when your competitor is going for something you want. How will you secure that deal for yourself?"

Jeff nodded gratefully. "Thanks, mom. I know what to do."

Jeff headed to his father's study. He stood at the door for few seconds mentally steeling himself before he knocked and entered.

Oscar was reading some documents on the table, and he raised his head to look at Jeff.

Jeff cleared his throat. "Hi dad, do you have some time? I have a deal I want to discuss."

Oscar straightened his back, removed his glasses and gestured with his hand for Jeff to sit on a chair opposite of him.

Jeff took a seat.. "First, I need you to tell me terms of your agreement with Lambert Dillen."