Chapter 49

Even with my back to Jonathan, I could feelhisicy stare burning into me.

I heard Alicia’s voice behind me. “Why is she ignoring you, Jonathan? That’s seriously out of line. Everyone is watching

Jonathan didn’t say a word. I kept a straight face and followed Gabrille into the hall, where two prominent seats stood in the center.

On the left was a well–dressed man with slicked–back graying hair and gold–rimmed glasses. He was probably in his 50s but looked well put together.

Beside him was a curvy woman in formal attire, her demeanor elegant and composed.

Gabrielle whispered into my ear, “The man on the left is Frederick’s dad, Jeffrey Guzman. He is also the current chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Next to him is Frederick’s mom, Brenda Walton.”

Inoddedand followed Gabrielle’s lead to greet both of them. It could have been my imagination, but Brenda looked at me like she was sizing me up.

Jonathan walked in with Alicia and greeted Jeffrey and Brenda, but his expression stayed cold. Compared to the crowd of sycophants, he looked completely out ofplace

However, Jeffrey lookedatJonathan enthusiastically without hiding it. “Long time no see, Jonathan.”

Jonathan remarked, “I was planning to have a proper chat with you at the next meeting. I didn’t expect we would meet like this instead.”

Jeffrey sighed. “I apologize for Frederick’s behavior. He was out of line with Ms. Zimmer.”

clenching my fists, couldn’t help but tum to Gabrielle and whisper, “What’s going on? Did Jeffrey just backdown like that?”

expected some small talk, but jeffrey didn’twasteany time offering an olivebranchto Jonathan. He looked like hewasjust waiting for Jonathan to respond.

Jonathan didn’t say akord, his face calm and distant, Jeffrey and Brenda exchanged a glance before looking over their shoulders.

Frederick came forward, and Jeffreynudgedhim toward Jonathan “Young people bump heads sometimes. Talk it out, and it’ll be fine.

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Jonathan drummed his fingers on the table, looking Indifferent. “Alicia’s forehead was nearly scarted. Do you really think this can be seccled with just a few words?

Jeffrey’s face fell, looking a little troubled,

Fredericcclenched his fists, staring at Jonathan. “What’sthe point of getting others involved in our mess?”

Jeffrey yelled, “Shut up!”

He glared at Frederick and pulled himback. “I told you to face what you did at the family cemetery. Have you actually reflected on anything?”

Fredericktrowned. “I didn’t evendoanything wrong. I’ve got nothing to reflect on

jettrey scolded. “This is outrageous!”

Hescowledat Frederick. “He’s young and way too full of himself. I’ll make sure he gets a proper lesson,Jonathan.

Jonathan didn’t say a word and tapped the table with his fingers.

Dext to them, Brenda quickly got up with a smile and tried to smooth things over. Alright.Let’stake it easy. No need to be at each other’s throats.”

She walked over to Alicia with again,tookAlicia’s land, and sighed. “I was so worried when I found out you were injured. Iaskedaround for the best doctors to see if therewasanything they could do about the scar. You’re so pretty, and it would be a shame itasear messed that up.”

Alicia forced a smile. “Thanks for your conce, Max Guzman ”

Broda sighed and gentlystopledAlicia’s face. “I’m really sorry. No matter what, it was Frederick’s fault. Whatcanwe do to make it up to you, Alicia? We’re in than willing to make things right.”