Jonathan sat silently, his gaze shifting to Ethan. It was clear he wouldn’t intervene. Years ago, during a pivotal moment in the family’s history, Jonathan had made a promise not to meddle in such decisions.
The room seemed to hold its breath as Ethan finally broke the silence, a light chuckle escaping his lips. “So, Kane, you’re thinking of coming back?”
Kane nodded solemnly. “Yes, I am. I’m not as young as I used to be, and keeping up with everything has become more challenging. I’d like to return and spend more time with Dad. He’s getting older too, and having his family around him would mean a lot.”
Kane paused, a calculated hesitation before adding, “As for my role in the company, you’re in charge, Ethan. Assign me wherever you think I’d be most useful.”
Jessica couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes. It was obvious Kane was playing on Jonathan’s emotions, painting himself as the dutiful son. Yet, his willingness to defer to Ethan suggested he was prepared for any outcome.
Ethan’s expression betrayed nothing. If Kane’s words had any effect, it didn’t show. He responded with a faint smile, his voice measured. “If you’re set on returning, Kane, then by all means, you can.”
The room collectively froze, save for Jessica, who watched with keen interest. Everyone else gawked at Ethan, stunned by his apparent acquiescence.
But Jessica knew better. This wasn’t the end of Ethan’s response.
Casually, Ethan added, “You’ll start working tomorrow at Vortexsun.”
The name landed like a quiet bomb.
Kane’s composure faltered for a split second, his brow tightening. “Vortexsun?” he repeated, his voice tense. “That’s just a minor subsidiary.”
Indeed, Vortexsun was one of the smaller branches of the family business, notorious for its poor performance and limited influence.
“That’s correct,” Ethan said evenly, his calm tone masking his sharp intent. “Is there a problem? Are you unwilling to work there?”
Kane’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the subtle jab in Ethan’s question. He had expected, despite their history, to be given a managerial position in one of the more prestigious divisions of the Triumph Consortium. Being relegated to Vortexsun felt like a deliberate slight.
After a brief pause, Kane’s lips curved into a measured smile. “Of course not. I can work there. You’re the CEO, Ethan. I trust your judgment and will follow your direction.”
The two brothers locked eyes, the atmosphere between them taut with unspoken tension.
Ethan had his reasons for agreeing to Kane’s return. For one, he was curious about Kane’s true intentions. For another, he knew Jonathan deeply missed his eldest son. Despite his outward silence, Jonathan’s longing was undeniable. Grace had once confided in Ethan about finding Jonathan late at night, standing on the balcony, gazing at an old photograph of himself and Kane, sighing heavily.
Jonathan, oblivious to the silent battle between his sons, beamed with satisfaction. “Excellent, that’s settled, then. Now that everyone’s here, let’s enjoy dinner.”
The patriarch’s delight was genuine. Though he had long given up alcohol, he instructed Hooper, the butler, to bring out a bottle of wine, ready to indulge in celebration.
________________________________________
Dinner was lively and cordial, the family doing their best to maintain appearances.
Midway through the meal, Enzo made an unexpected move. Picking up a serving of fish, he placed it on Jessica’s plate with a charming smile. “Here, Jessica. Try some fish.”
Jessica glanced at the fish, her expression impassive, before calmly transferring it to an empty plate. “Sorry, I don’t eat fish.”
Her blunt refusal was met with a moment of awkward silence.
Though visibly taken aback, Enzo forced a tight smile. “That’s alright,” he murmured, masking his irritation.
From across the table, Ethan shot Enzo a sharp, warning glance. His piercing gaze left no room for misunderstanding, a silent message to tread carefully.
________________________________________
After dinner, Ethan stepped outside to take a phone call. Jessica retreated to her room, her presence a distant memory to those left in the living room. Kane and his family remained with Jonathan, basking in his company as the evening stretched on.
Yet Kane’s attention wasn’t entirely on Jonathan. He had noticed Enzo’s subtle but persistent interest in Jessica throughout the evening, and it unsettled him. When Jonathan excused himself to use the restroom, Kane seized the moment.
He pulled Enzo aside, lowering his voice. “What’s with all the questions about Jessica?” Kane’s tone was firm, his brow furrowing deeply. “What are you planning to do here?”
Caught off guard, Enzo hesitated before offering a disarming smile. “Nothing, Dad. I’m just being polite.”
Kane’s expression hardened. “You think I don’t know you by now? Leave her alone, Enzo. I won’t warn you twice.”
Enzo raised his hands defensively. “Alright, alright. No need to get worked up. I was just being friendly.”
Kane’s sharp gaze lingered on his son, his unease growing. Something about Enzo’s interest in Jessica didn’t sit right with him.
As Jonathan returned to the room, the conversation abruptly shifted back to lighthearted pleasantries. But Kane’s mind was elsewhere, turning over questions he couldn’t yet answer.