Lunar Legacy: Rise Of The Beastlord-Chapter 265: Aileen’s Mansion

The ride to Aileen’s house took about twenty minutes, during which Jessica and Tasha chatted about tournament strategy while Jayden stared out the window, only half-listening. The city passed by below...a tapestry of silver buildings and green spaces, transport vehicles weaving between structures in organized chaos.

Eventually, Jacob guided the car down toward an upscale residential area Jayden hadn’t visited before. The houses here weren’t just large... they were estates, each one sitting on expansive properties with manicured gardens and high walls.

The car descended in front of an impressive modern chateau, all clean lines and floor-to-ceiling windows, fronted by ornate golden gates that gleamed in the sunlight.

"Here we are," Jacob announced, bringing the vehicle to a gentle stop. "You kids have fun. I’ll come pick you up when you’re done."

"Thanks, Dad," Tasha said, leaning forward to kiss his cheek before climbing out.

Jayden and Jessica followed, stepping onto the pristine walkway as Jacob’s car lifted off and disappeared into the traffic flow above.

For a moment, all three of them just stood there, staring at the gates and the impressive structure beyond.

"Woah," Jessica breathed. "Aileen lives here?"

Just then, the gates swung open smoothly, inviting them in.

They walked through, their footsteps echoing on the stone pathway. The grounds were immaculate, featuring artistic landscaping that probably cost more than most people’s yearly salaries. Sculptured hedges, flowering gardens, and even a fountain with a golden centerpiece depicting some kind of mythological scene.

"Aileen told me she lived in a fancy house," Tasha murmured, her eyes wide as she took in the estate. "But I didn’t think it’d be this fancy."

"This is insane," Jessica agreed, spinning slowly to take it all in. "This place might actually be even better than Cassie’s."

As the approached the mansion, the main doors suddenly opened. A man emerged, tall and lean, with slicked-back black hair showing hints of silver at the temples.

Jayden and the girls recognized him immediately. It was Walter. Aileen’s driver. He wore an impeccably tailored suit that somehow managed to look both formal and practical, and he moved with a precision that spoke of military training.

"Good morning," Walter greeted, his voice cultured and professional as he approached. "Please, come in."

They followed him through the entrance into a foyer that made them all stop and stare. The space was enormous, with a vaulted ceiling that rose at least twenty feet high. A grand staircase dominated the center, its railings gilded in what looked like actual gold. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, catching the light streaming through the tall windows and scattering it in rainbow patterns across the marble floor.

But what really caught their attention was the art. Paintings lined the walls... not prints or reproductions, but original pieces that looked like they belonged in museums. Sculptures occupied alcoves and corners, each one a masterpiece of form and craftsmanship.

Everything had a touch of gold. The picture frames, the door handles, the decorative accents... it all gleamed with warm, metallic luster that somehow managed to look elegant rather than gaudy.

Walter led them through the foyer into the living room, which continued the theme of opulent elegance. Plush furniture in cream and gold occupied the space, arranged around a fireplace large enough to roast a whole animal. More art adorned the walls, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the estate’s gardens that looked like something from a painting itself. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Walter said, gesturing to the seating area. "The young Miss will join you shortly." Then he left with the same precise, economical movements he’d used to arrive. The moment he was gone, Jessica turned to Jayden.

"Okay, is it just me, or does that guy scream ’ex-military special ops’?"

Jayden had been thinking the same thing. "Yeah, he’s definitely not just a driver," he stated. "His energy signature is extremely high and he looks like he’s experienced in real combat."

"You think he’s a bodyguard?" Tasha raised a brow.

"Perhaps," Jayden mused theoretically. But he had already checked Walter’s status. The man was above level 50.

Who hires someone above level 50 to be their driver?

It was something even Jayden found baffling.

Before they could speculate further, a trio of maids entered carrying silver trays laden with snacks. There were pastries, fresh fruit, small sandwiches, and what looked like expensive chocolates arranged with artistic precision.

They set the trays on the coffee table, offered polite bows, and departed as silently as they’d arrived.

"We’re being treated like royalty," Jessica said, reaching for a pastry despite having just eaten breakfast. "What kind of family does Aileen come from?"

"Old money, obviously," Tasha replied, selecting a strawberry from the fruit tray. "But this level of wealth? We’re talking billionaire territory, not just millionaire."

Jayden remained quiet, examining the room more carefully. His eyes lingered on the paintings. They were originals, he was certain, and not just any originals. One of them looked suspiciously like a work he’d seen in an art history book, supposedly housed in a private collection. Another bore the hallmarks of a master from centuries past.

"You okay, Jay?" Tasha’s voice pulled him from his observations.

He turned to find both girls watching him with varying degrees of concern.

"Yeah," he said, managing a more genuine smile this time. "Just admiring the collection. Whoever decorated this place has impeccable taste."

The girls agreed.

Then... movement at the top of the grand staircase caught their attention. Aileen appeared, descending slowly, and Jayden felt his breath catch slightly.

She was wearing pajamas... soft pink with little cloud patterns, and her short blonde hair was adorably mussed from sleep. But it was her face that struck him. She wasn’t wearing her usual glasses, and without them, her features were more delicate, more striking. Her golden eyes, usually hidden behind lenses, seemed to glow with an inner light.

She looked beautiful in a way that was almost ethereal.

"Hey, guys. Good... morning," Aileen said, her voice drowsy as she stifled a yawn with the back of her hand. She reached the bottom of the stairs and padded over to them on bare feet, looking much younger than her sixteen years.

"Oh, Aileen," Tasha said immediately. "Did we wake you? We must have arrived too early. I’m so sorry..."

"No, no," Aileen interrupted with another yawn. "This is on me. I was working all night and I guess I lost track of time." She offered them a sleepy smile. "I’ll just go freshen up and be right back."

She turned and headed back up the stairs, moving with the languid grace of someone still half-asleep.

The moment she disappeared, Jessica leaned over to whisper, "Did you know she was that cute without the glasses?" she asked.

"I did," Tasha chuckled.

Jayden said nothing, though he filed the observation away. There was something about Aileen... something that had always seemed slightly off, though he could never quite put his finger on what. The way she sometimes looked at him, as if seeing more than she should. The casual brilliance she displayed that went beyond just being a coding prodigy.

He pushed the thought aside as they settled in to wait, sampling the snacks and making small talk. About thirty minutes passed before they heard footsteps on the stairs again.

Aileen descended, and the transformation was remarkable. She’d showered and changed into a bright yellow tracksuit that somehow made her look both athletic and stylish. Her hair was still damp but neatly combed, and she’d put her glasses back on. She looked fresh, alert, and ready for anything.

"Much better," she announced, joining them with a smile that was now fully awake. "Sorry about the wait."

"Don’t worry about it," Jessica said. "We’ve been enjoying your hospitality. These pastries are amazing, by the way."

Aileen settled into one of the armchairs, tucking her legs under her in a way that somehow managed to look elegant despite the casual posture. "I’m glad you like them. My Chef makes them fresh every morning."

"You have a chef?" Tasha asked, eyes widening.

"And maids, and apparently an ex-special forces driver," Jessica added with a grin. "Girl, you’ve been holding out on us."

Aileen laughed, the sound light and musical. "I suppose I never really mentioned much about my lifestyle," she chuckled nervously. "But it’s nothing, really."

"But I have to say, your house is incredible," Tasha said, gesturing at their surroundings. "The art collection alone must be worth a fortune."

"Some of it’s been in the family for generations," Aileen explained with a modest shrug. "My parents are... collectors. They appreciate beautiful things."

"Speaking of your parents," Jessica said, leaning forward with curiosity, "Where are they? We haven’t seen them around."

"Oh, they’re on another continent at the moment," Aileen replied casually, as if that were the most normal thing in the world. "They travel a lot for business. I stay here and manage things."

There was a beat of shocked silence.

"Wait," Tasha said slowly. "You live here alone?"