Supreme Casanova: Ultimate Harem System-Chapter 286: Dinner! (2)

The drive to Emily's house was supposed to be smooth, effortless, a simple ride to dinner.

But from the moment Hugo turned the key in the ignition, he could feel the heavy awkwardness sitting between them like an unwanted third wheel.

The car's expensive leather seats were pristine, the dashboard gleamed, and the soft purr of the engine filled the silence.

But none of it helped.

Emily, who was usually calm and quick to create smooth conversations, was sitting uncharacteristically stiff, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her gown as she stared out the window.

Hugo cleared his throat, deciding to break the silence before it stretched into something truly unbearable.

"So, uh… nice weather tonight, huh?"

Emily turned her head slowly, blinking at him like he had just announced his intention to run for president.

Damn it. Nice weather? What kind of prehistoric conversation starter was that? He might as well have asked her if she'd seen any good rocks lately!

"Yeah," she finally replied, offering a weak smile. "Nice… weather."

Silence.

Hugo gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. Okay. Time for Plan B.

"So, about this dinner," he said, sneaking a glance at her. "Anything I should know? Any forbidden topics? Does your dad have a favorite football team I should pretend to like? Or—oh god—do I have to know about wine?"

That finally got a reaction. Emily let out a small chuckle, though the nervousness still lingered in her expression.

"No, you don't have to know about wine."

"Oh, thank god," Hugo sighed dramatically. "Because the only thing I know about wine is that it comes in red and white, and both taste like regret."

Emily actually laughed at that, but then just as quickly, she went quiet again.

Hugo's eyes narrowed slightly. Something was definitely up.

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Normally, Emily was the type to enjoy conversations. She was a bit playful and always teasing him in some way.

But now? She was sitting there like someone was about to read her crimes in court!

"Alright," he said, tapping his fingers against the wheel. "You're acting weird. Spill it."

Emily stiffened. "I'm not acting weird."

Hugo shot her a look. "Emily. You're so nervous you're making me nervous. And I don't even know what I'm supposed to be nervous about."

Emily bit her lip, looking hesitant. Then, finally, she let out a sigh. "It's just… my dad is a little… intense."

"Intense how?" Hugo asked warily. "Like, businessman who scares interns intense or mafia boss who makes people disappear intense?"

Emily hesitated.

Hugo's grip on the wheel tightened. "Emily. That was a joke. Please tell me that was a joke."

She gave him a reassuring smile. "He's not in the mafia."

"Okay, but the fact that you had to clarify that doesn't make me feel better."

Emily sighed again. "Look, just… don't be too cocky with him, okay? He's old-fashioned. Very strict. And he will test you."

Oh. Great. So not only was Hugo underdressed, but now he was walking into some kind of rich people gladiator match. Fantastic!

And then, as if his situation couldn't get any worse, they finally arrived at Emily's house.

Or… estate.

Hugo actually had to slow the car down as they approached the front gates, because holy hell.

He had expected Emily's family to be rich, sure, but this? This was a different level!

The mansion was huge. No, it was enormous. The kind of place that made you wonder why anyone needed this much house.

The driveway alone was so long that it could have been a runway, lined with perfectly trimmed hedges and actual fountains.

The building itself had massive white columns, golden lights glowing softly in the night, and a staircase leading to the front doors that looked like they belonged in a historical palace.

Hugo parked the car, but for a moment, he just sat there, staring at the ridiculous amount of wealth in front of him.

I do not belong here.

He definitely did not belong here. He was a college student in a questionable suit, driving a Mercedes that he barely worked for, about to have dinner with a man who might actually murder him if he used the wrong fork!

This was not his world.

"You okay?" Emily asked, looking at him curiously.

Hugo turned to her, expression blank. "Emily. This is not a house. This is a final boss fight."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Come on. You'll be fine."

Hugo wasn't convinced. But he followed her anyway, swallowing his nerves as they walked up the ridiculous staircase and through the massive doors.

The inside of the mansion was even worse.

Crystal chandeliers. Gold accents on everything. A fireplace that could probably fit an entire person.

Paintings of ancestors who were definitely judging him from beyond the grave.

As Hugo took it all in, footsteps approached.

"Emily, darling!"

A woman's voice—sophisticated but warm.

Emily's mom appeared, dressed in an elegant evening gown, her makeup flawless, her expression friendly but poised.

She was beautiful, just like Emily, but in a way that suggested she could crush someone in a high-society scandal if she wanted to.

"And this must be him. Hugo," she said, eyes twinkling. "It's wonderful to finally meet you."

Hugo immediately straightened. "The pleasure's all mine, ma'am. I have to say, your home is… intimidatingly beautiful."

Emily's mom chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Then, just as Hugo was starting to feel relatively safe, another voice cut through the air.

A deep, authoritative, and slightly terrifying voice.

"Emily."

Emily visibly tensed.

Hugo turned his head, and there he was.

Emily's father.

Tall. Broad. Dressed in an immaculate suit that probably cost more than Hugo's entire wardrobe.

His expression was neutral, but his eyes? Sharp. Calculating. Like a man who could sense weakness from miles away.

Oh. Oh no.

"Father," Emily said, her voice carefully polite. "This is Hugo."

Her dad's gaze slowly shifted to him. And just like that, Hugo felt like he was being analyzed by a military general.

He barely resisted the urge to straighten his posture like he was standing at attention.

"So," her father said, his voice calm but dangerously unreadable. "You're the one dating my daughter."

Hugo smiled smoothly, keeping his tone light. "That's me. Though, I prefer to think of it as your daughter dating me. Makes me sound less like a suspect."

Silence.

Emily's mother chuckled. Emily looked horrified.

Her father?

Did not laugh.

Hugo suddenly felt very, very screwed.

_____

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