Chapter 139

I was startled; I had no idea what Frederick was about to do. Jonathan noticed him too and immediately stepped in front of me, frowning. But Frederick walked straight toward the microphone. Standing at the center of the stage, he glanced at the crowd and smiled. His face, usually hinting at mischief, somehow looked warm and charming.

“Well, since we’re making announcements, I’d like to use this opportunity to share something too. My parents are very fond of Elise…”

The moment he paused, the atmosphere, which had just begun to relax, instantly became tense again. My heart skipped a beat. I was terrified he was about to say something outrageous. Jonathan’s expression turned ice-cold, his glare fixed on Frederick. But Frederick smiled at me and continued. “My parents adore her, and my sister is as close to her as a real sibling. So what I’m going to announce is… Starting today, Elise will be like a sister to me. My parents intend to officially take her in as a goddaughter. And anyone who messes with her from now on is messing with us.”

I let out a small breath of relief, only to tense up again immediately. I was relieved because he hadn’t said anything drastic or irrevocable. But I was tense because I had no idea what he was thinking. Why would Frederick suddenly announce me as his parents’ goddaughter? That would essentially make me his sister.

Jonathan’s face darkened. His grip on my arm tightened as he shot Frederick a frigid look. “Frederick, this isn’t the place for you to cause trouble.”

Frederick looked at him calmly. “Mr. Ford, you have Alicia close to you. Surely you understand how it feels to care about someone, right? From the moment I met Elise, I felt a natural bond. I already have a sister, and treating her like another one feels just right.”

“She doesn’t need a brother like you,” Jonathan cut in coldly, his tone laced with irritation. “She has me, and that’s enough.”

“Is it, though?” Frederick gave a casual shrug and smiled. “A husband and a brother are completely different. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.”

“There’s no need.” Jonathan’s voice remained icy, but Frederick turned to me and winked. “But we should let the person involved have a say, don’t you think? Elise, what do you think?”

I didn’t say anything. Frederick stepped closer and whispered in a low, slightly hoarse voice, “You’d better say yes, or I’ll be pretty embarrassed up here.”

I let out a quiet breath. I didn’t have much choice, so I gave a small nod. Jonathan grabbed my hand even tighter, obviously displeased. “Elise, are you really going to go along with him?”

I yanked my hand away and walked to stand beside Frederick. “Looks like I am. So that makes him my brother now.” I gave a light smile, suddenly realizing it wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

“You’re allowed to have a woman by your side with no blood relation. Why can’t I have a brother who’ll look out for me? Seems pretty fair to me.”

“Elise, are you doing this just to get back at me?” Jonathan looked at me with unblinking intensity. His gaze was a brewing storm, and the air around him had turned cold and oppressive, like a fortress of steel closing in, but I was long past being fazed.

“This has nothing to do with you. Frederick’s been genuinely kind to me.” I looked straight at him. “And I get along well with Aria. It makes perfect sense for me to accept him as a godbrother.”

Frederick broke into a wide grin, clearly enjoying Jonathan’s reaction. “Well, since Elise has agreed, then there’s no reason to object. You’re her husband, not her master. Am I right?”

Chapter 140