It seemed fate was too cruel to Nadine that night. Not only did she feel deflated by Vlora’s words, but she also had to witness firsthand how Andreas embraced the woman intimately. To add insult to injury, Andreas even planted a kiss on Vlora’s temple.
The sight of such intimacy evoked a range of emotions within Nadine’s heart. She felt humiliated as this incident did not escape the prying eyes of a few onlookers. It was no wonder Nadine noticed some people looking at her with pity.
How pathetic.
“You should have listened to what I said, Nadine. You shouldn’t have entered a relationship with Andreas. Now, look what has happened? He dumped you for another woman.”
A heavy voice rang in Nadine’s ears. She turned and her face instantly changed upon seeing who approached her.
“Jonas.”
It was Jonas Sanders, Bryan’s eldest son from his second wife, standing right beside Nadine. He held a drink in one hand and the other rested in his pants pocket.
Jonas ignored Nadine’s gaze as his focus shifted to Andreas. He sneered, remembering the commotion caused by the man, but furrowed his brow when his attention shifted to the woman by Andreas’ side.
“I have never seen that woman before,” Jonas commented, taking a sip of his drink. “Have you?”
Nadine sighed deeply and shook her head. “Never.”
Jonas hummed for a moment. Then he turned and looked Nadine up and down, a subtle smile on his handsome face.
“Nice dress.”
Jonas’ compliment meant nothing to Nadine. She appeared indifferent, and Jonas could clearly see why.
“Enough, Nadine. Why waste your time on Andreas? You should have known from the beginning that he’s not right for you. You deserve someone else.”
Nadine blinked slowly. Her eyes focused on Jonas, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind his words.
“What do you mean?”
Jonas only smiled faintly. Without answering, he withdrew his hand from his pocket. He lightly touched Nadine’s bare upper arm. It was a brief touch, but the softness of Nadine’s skin sent a shiver down his spine.
“I’ll be around for a little while.”
Jonas moved away from Nadine. His steps were relaxed and unhurried. He took a moment to place his glass on the tray of a passing waiter.
His stride continued. Jonas arrived at his intended destination, precisely at the table where Andreas and his partner were seated.
Without hesitation, Jonas pulled out a chair and sat down. He leaned back casually, one hand resting on the table, tapping it gently as he looked back and forth between the two of them.
“Hey, Reas.”
Andreas raised his head, releasing the spoon from his hand. He sighed before speaking.
“The least desirable dinner companion,” Andreas said, turning to Vlora. “Meet your future brother-in-law, Vlo. His name is Jonas.”
Vlora and Jonas exchanged glances, assessing each other silently.
“Vlora,” Vlora introduced herself briefly. She looked at Jonas without blinking, her breath caught in her chest as she tried to remain composed.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Jonas said with a slight smile. “Jonas,” he added, briefly glancing at Andreas. Then his gaze returned to Vlora. “I have never seen this woman before, Reas. Honestly, it feels a bit strange to see you announcing your relationship.”
Andreas rolled his eyes lazily. He shook his head and chuckled.
“Don’t you think you should see a doctor? Clearly, you’re showing symptoms of early-onset dementia,” Andreas retorted without hesitation. He emphasized, “This woman’s name is Vlora. Remember it.”
Jonas laughed. “I apologize, Vlora. I hope you understand. As time goes by, it seems I’m having difficulty remembering all of Andreas’ lovers. Ah, but forgive me if I offend. Are you one of his many lovers?”
Andreas scoffed, and Jonas cleared his throat. His forehead wrinkled as he put on a fake thoughtful expression.
“I’m not sure if you were one of Andreas’ lovers all this time.”
“No, she wasn’t. Vlora is clearly too valuable to be lumped together with those foolish women.”
Jonas’ arrival at Andreas’ table was clearly not for pleasantries. Andreas knew that. Their relationship had never been good, and Andreas did not hesitate to remind Jonas of the three-year age gap between them.
“That’s why I think you should thank me. When I decided to marry Vlora, my adventures came to an end. I’m willing to let you take them in. Ah!”
Andreas raised his hand, pointing his index finger as he responded to Jonas with an expression that suggested he had almost missed something.
“I just remembered. Weren’t you in love with Nadine all this time?” Andreas asked without waiting for Jonas’ answer. A mocking smile played on his face. “Congratulations, Jonas. Now you can have her. I’ve had enough fun with her. It’s your turn.”
Andreas’ words sparked a reaction in Vlora. It seemed that the rivalry between the half-brothers was more sensitive than it appeared on the surface.
Just watch. Andreas successfully turned Jonas’ calm expression into a deep red.
“One piece of information for you. Nadine is terrible on top. So, I hope you can try a different style.”
Jonas’ face transformed in indescribable ways. His jaw tightened, and his mouth closed firmly. No more gentle tapping on the table; now his fingers clenched tightly.
“Nevertheless, I’m sure it won’t be a problem for you. After all, you must have inherited your mother’s traits. Anything will do, as long as it can provide a livelihood and fulfill your desires. Isn’t that right?”
Jonas remained silent. Only his clenched fist and hardening face were a response to Andreas’ words.
A small smile adorned Andreas’ face. He looked amused and waited to see what Jonas would do. Would Jonas erupt with emotions and disrupt the event?
The answer was no. Jonas managed to regain control and took a deep breath. It was difficult, but he tried to appear calm again.
“I’ll let you say whatever you want, Reas. I consider it your way of comforting yourself. What’s the term? Ah… consolation.”
Jonas sighed and nodded repeatedly. His face brightened again, preparing for a planned attack that had formed in his mind.
“I know you need consolation because you have to let me take over Progun now.”
Andreas’ small smile turned into a smirk. Now he took a deep breath and tried to appear relaxed as Jonas touched on the main family business, Progun.
*