Chapter 49

Even with my back to Jonathan, I could feel his icy 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 Gabrielle 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 sat a curvy woman in formal attire, her demeanor elegant and composed.

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

I nodded and followed Gabrielle’s lead to greet them. It could have been my imagination, but Brenda looked at me as if sizing me up. Jonathan walked in with Alicia and greeted Jeffrey and Brenda, but his expression remained cold. Compared to the crowd of sycophants, he looked completely out of place.

However, Jeffrey looked at Jonathan enthusiastically. “Long time no see, Jonathan.”

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

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

Clenching my fists, I turned to Gabrielle and whispered, “What’s going on? Did Jeffrey just back down like that?” I expected some small talk, but Jeffrey didn’t waste any time offering an olive branch to Jonathan. He seemed to be waiting for Jonathan’s response.

Jonathan said nothing, his face calm and distant. Jeffrey and Brenda exchanged a glance before looking over their shoulders. Frederick came forward, and Jeffrey nudged him toward Jonathan. “Young people bump heads sometimes. Talk it out, and it’ll be fine.”

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

Jeffrey’s face fell, looking troubled. Frederick clenched his fists, staring at Jonathan. “What’s the point of getting others involved in our mess?”

Jeffrey yelled, “Shut up!” He glared at Frederick and pulled him back. “I told you to face what you did at the family cemetery. Have you actually reflected on anything?”

Frederick frowned. “I didn’t even do anything wrong. I’ve got nothing to reflect on.”

Jeffrey scolded, “This is outrageous!” He scowled at Frederick. “He’s young and way too full of himself. I’ll make sure he gets a proper lesson, Jonathan.”

Jonathan remained silent, tapping the table with his fingers. Next to them, Brenda quickly stood up, smiling and trying to smooth things over. “Alright. Let’s take it easy. No need to be at each other’s throats.”

She walked over to Alicia, took Alicia’s hand, and sighed. “I was so worried when I found out you were injured. I asked around for the best doctors to see if there was anything they could do about the scar. You’re so pretty, and it would be a shame if a scar messed that up.”

Alicia forced a smile. “Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Guzman.”

Brenda sighed and gently touched Alicia’s face. “I’m really sorry. No matter what, it was Frederick’s fault. What can we do to make it up to you, Alicia? We’re more than willing to make things right.”