Just as Nick was about to persuade Noah further, the door to the private room was pushed open from the outside, and two equally tall men walked in.
“You really took your time! Everyone’s been waiting for you two,” Noah said sarcastically as soon as he saw them.
Franklin glanced at Noah, his expression indifferent as he took his seat.
Jaydon, on the other hand, sneered, “If it weren’t for Isaac, do you think I’d be here? I wish I never had to see your sarcastic face.”
“Jaydon, what are you saying? Aren’t we brothers? We share the same father, is this necessary?” Noah couldn’t sit still after Jaydon’s retort and stood up, pointing at him. “What did Franklin offer you to make you so loyal? Don’t forget, it was Nick and I who grew up with you!”
Jaydon lazily glanced at him, “And? Aren’t you close with Isaac too? You can’t stand me being closer to Franklin? I haven’t stopped you from hanging out with Isaac, you’re really meddling.”
Jaydon had a handsome face, with charming eyes slightly slanted, exuding charisma.
If he were born in ancient times, he would be a graceful gentleman.
He wore a simple white shirt paired with black jeans. The cuffs of the shirt had blue floral patterns, adding a touch of vitality and making him even more dashing.
On his feet were white sneakers, youthful and stylish.
Compared to Noah and Nick’s more ordinary looks, he was strikingly noticeable.
Even standing next to Franklin, he didn’t pale in comparison. Franklin exuded a cold aura, while Jaydon was charismatic.
The two had distinct yet equally eye-catching temperaments.
Same father, yet Jaydon and Franklin were so good-looking.
While he and his brother Nick were just average.
Noah felt extremely unbalanced inside.
Growing up with Jaydon was acceptable, but now that he was close with Franklin, Noah felt even more displeased.
Seeing Franklin was an eyesore.
How could Franklin compare to Isaac? As soon as Isaac returned, he gave the brothers a big project, allowing them to earn a fortune.
Who would complain about having too much money?
After everyone ordered food, it wasn’t long before the waiter brought dishes and filled the table.
Cloud Restaurant’s dishes were always abundant and appealing in color, aroma, and taste.
Isaac pretended not to notice the strange atmosphere in the room and instead invited his brothers, “Come on, let’s take a group photo for Facebook.”
“Didn’t expect you to have such girlish hobbies,” Franklin finally spoke, his words full of mockery.
Isaac’s intention to post on social media was obvious. Wasn’t it just to show the hospitalized president?
Brotherly harmony was always the president’s wish.
“It’s rare for us brothers to gather together; posting on Facebook is just recording life,” Isaac smiled faintly, not angered by Franklin’s sarcasm.
He raised his phone and asked everyone to sit together, directly requesting the waiter to take a photo for them.
After taking the photo, Isaac snapped two more pictures of the dishes before posting on Facebook.
The caption matched his usual demeanor: “A small gathering with my brothers today, unfortunately missing father. Hope father recovers soon so the family can reunite.”
Isaac was truly cunning.
Franklin couldn’t help but like the post.
Jaydon and others also had to like it; appearances had to be maintained.
After all, who couldn’t pretend?
Nick found the atmosphere too awkward and started a topic. Somehow, he began talking about Master Y. It wasn’t his fault; Master Y had been too popular lately.
Isaac remained silent.
Franklin also stayed silent.
After some discussion among them, someone said, “I seem to have seen her wearing an electronic shackle on her foot; did you see it?”
“No way?”
“Really?”
Franklin squinted slightly; Sylvia had also mentioned Master Y wearing one.
Isaac raised an eyebrow, “Impossible. Someone of Master Y’s level would be pampered and cherished; how could she wear an electronic shackle? Lucille is too smart to do such a foolish thing.”
“That’s true; maybe it was a mistake.”
“Yeah! Isaac is right.”
They then shifted to other topics like which beauty had debuted recently in the entertainment industry or whether they should have a meal together or go on vacation with Marco.
Franklin found it all dull; if not for showing off to the president, he wouldn’t cooperate with Isaac at all.
Just as he was feeling bored, Isaac’s phone rang.
He immediately smiled slightly, “Father. How are you today?”
“Oh, okay okay, thank you.”
“I’ll visit you at the hospital tomorrow.”
After hanging up, his gaze swept over his brothers’ faces and finally landed on Franklin. “Father is very pleased; he thinks we’re getting along well and is very gratified. This meal is on him.”
Noah immediately grinned, “Wow, Isaac, you’re something! Father seems to favor you.”
Nick added, “Father must be happy seeing us brothers dining together.”
Noah pouted again, “Unlike someone who seems out of favor. No wait, never favored at all!”
Franklin looked down at his phone as if Noah were talking to thin air.
Jaydon’s ears were hurting from listening. “No one will think you’re mute if you don’t speak; it’s just a meal.”
“Alright alright, Jaydon, my brother didn’t mean it.” Nick quickly tried to smooth things over and changed the subject. “By the way, I’ve heard that there are some terrorists stirring trouble at the border lately; it’s quite distressing. I wonder if father will send someone to handle it.”
Noah inexplicably showed a gloating expression. “Franklin, don’t you know how to fly planes? I’ve heard your shooting skills are good too; why not volunteer? I’ll definitely throw you a farewell party. If you return victorious, I’ll throw you a welcome party. How about it?”
“Noah!” Nick was almost driven mad by his outspoken brother and couldn’t help but warn him with a stern look.
Franklin’s handsome face remained indifferent without showing any emotion. He spoke in a low voice, “Noah, it’s not impossible for me to go. A man should aspire to fight on the battlefield rather than stay in Capital City listening to some drakes quacking every day. It’s painful on the ears.”
His words were sharp as ever.
Jaydon almost burst into laughter.
“Who are you calling a drake?” Noah’s face turned red with anger. “Try insulting me again.”
“Whoever takes offense is who I’m referring to. Noah, why are you angry?” Franklin glanced indifferently at Noah before looking at Isaac. “I’ve finished eating; I’ll leave first.”
Jaydon followed suit and stood up. “Everyone, I’m done eating too.”
The two prepared to leave.
Just as Franklin strode to the door ready to open it-suddenly!
A plate flew toward the back of his head.
Jaydon was startled. “Franklin!”
In a flash, Franklin swiftly tilted his head and dodged it.
It was as if he had eyes on his back.
Jaydon glared angrily at Noah; his beautiful eyes filled with fury as he spoke coldly. “What’s wrong with you? If Franklin got hit, could you afford it? Father just praised Isaac; do you want trouble? If so, go cause it directly in front of father!”
Franklin lazily looked at Isaac with warning in his eyes. “Isaac, keep your lapdog in check. Be careful one day when you take him out and can’t bring him back; it’ll be a big loss.”
Isaac’s face turned very unpleasant. “Franklin, I’m glad you’re okay.” Then he looked sharply at Noah. “Apologize to Franklin! Luckily he dodged; if he got hurt and ended up in the hospital, how would you explain it to father?”
Noah didn’t care much inside but had to comply under Isaac’s sternness. “Sorry, I have a short temper; don’t take it to heart. We’re still good brothers.”
Franklin smirked slightly without saying anything and left.
Jaydon followed him out.
The private room fell into an awkward silence. Nick was at a loss for words. “Noah, can you please not be so impulsive? I’ve told you so many times.”
Noah, as nonchalant as ever, retorted, “If Franklin has the guts, let him take me down! I bet he doesn’t dare.”
“Enough, stop arguing,” Isaac interrupted Noah’s bluster, clearly losing his appetite. “No matter what, this time you acted recklessly. Franklin isn’t someone to be trifled with. Be careful these days.” He stood up, adding, “I have things to attend to. I’ll head out now. Call me if anything comes up.”
The room grew cold and quiet after Isaac left. Noah snorted, “What a waste of all this food. If you guys aren’t eating, I will.”
Nick, exasperated, said, “Who’s the older brother here, you or me? I’m the younger one, yet I’m constantly worrying about you. Can’t you be a bit more mindful? All you care about is eating-it’s driving me crazy!”
“What’s it to you if you’ve lost your appetite? Did I ask you to meddle in my business?” Noah shot back defiantly. “I just want to teach Franklin a lesson. How dare he call me a duck!”
“Is the issue really about being called a duck? The real problem is why you provoked him in the first place! Just because we support Isaac doesn’t mean we should let him use us as pawns, understand? Do you know how to protect yourself?” Nick was genuinely furious. “This is like the ancient struggle for the throne! One wrong move, and it could mean certain doom.”