Chapter 140

After saying that, Frederick turned to the crowd and declared, “Everyone, I hope you’ll be our witnesses. Starting today, Elise is one of us. The Guzman family is her family now. And if anyone dares to call her a backwoods nobody again… well, they’ll have to check with us first.”

He said it jokingly, but his support for me was evident. I looked at him, genuinely touched. I hadn't expected him to remember the insults hurled at me. Was that why he'd done all this? Had he gone to such lengths simply to prevent people from looking down on me?

It was clear to everyone that he was protecting me. Perhaps he was also trying to provoke Jonathan.

Jonathan stepped in front of me, completely blocking Frederick’s view. The two men stared, the atmosphere instantly tense.

Worried things might escalate, I instinctively tugged Jonathan's sleeve. “If there’s nothing else, should we head back now?”

But Jonathan ignored me, his expression icy as he remained fixed on Frederick. Frederick, however, seemingly disregarded Jonathan's cold glare. Instead, he smiled at me and asked, “Well? Aren’t you going to call me big brother?”

I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in Jonathan's arm. Even through his white dress shirt, I could feel the veins bulging. I quickly signaled Frederick to stop.

There were too many influential people present; a confrontation would be detrimental to us all. But Frederick seemed determined to make a scene. He waved me over calmly. “What are you waiting for? Come on.”

I stood frozen behind Jonathan. Seeing Frederick’s resolve, I forced myself forward, knowing I needed to defuse the situation. But as I moved, Jonathan grabbed my other hand, his grip tight.

He stared at me coldly, his chilling gaze quickening my heart.

Still, I looked at Frederick and, without hesitation, walked toward him.

“Elise,” Jonathan called, his voice hoarse and raw.

But I didn’t respond. I approached Frederick, lowered my voice, and said, “Don’t push this too far.”

“I know,” he whispered, close to my ear. “But don’t you think Jonathan’s face right now is kind of hilarious?”

I said nothing, simply pressing my lips together. The room fell silent. No one dared speak.

Frederick suddenly clapped. “Thank you all for being witnesses. From now on, Elise is officially my little sister. Anyone who tries to mess with her is messing with the Guzmans.”

Others quickly followed suit, clapping to diffuse the tension. Alicia’s parents looked furious, but they continued with the event.

“It’s Alicia’s birthday, and who would’ve thought it’d also bring about such a beautiful new bond? All the prestigious families here in Harthville are one big extended family…”

Their smiles were strained; their anger was palpable. The Ford family had always favored the Zimmers, but the Guzmans' involvement would divide those exclusive privileges. No one liked losing their share.

Jonathan's expression was glacial as he pulled me into his arms, his possessiveness evident. His sharp gaze fixed on Frederick. “I don’t care what game you think you’re playing,” he said flatly. “Stay away from her.”

Chapter 141