Lance braced himself for a beating from Manley, absorbing a couple of punches and defensively hugging his head. “Manley, I was wrong, I admit it,” he whimpered. “I won’t dare again, I swear. Please, just let me off this once. I’ll follow your lead from now on!”

It was clear to him: cross Jonathan, and his whole family paid the price; cross Manley, and he got roughed up.

Manley, having vented his anger and delivered one last kick to Lance, growled, “Get lost, and make sure I don’t see your face again!”

Disoriented from the beating, Lance scrambled away as soon as Manley loosened his grip.

Leaning against the wall, Manley lit a cigarette, drawing in a deep breath. A sly smile cracked his lips. He didn’t care what others thought of him, but knowing this got under Jonathan’s skin made it all worthwhile.

As Manley left, the banquet hall erupted in whispers. Mr. Scott, dismayed by the “incident,” lamented the misfortune that had befallen his family. Realizing the marriage arrangement with the Bradshaw family was now a pipe dream, he retreated upstairs.

In the shadow of a grand Corinthian column, Estelle and Jonathan had also witnessed the spectacle.

Jonathan was somewhat pleased with Lance’s performance. It wasn’t as heartfelt as Charlie had described, but it was effective nonetheless.

tell me you

messing with me. And if he dares to bother you again, I’ll send

“Alright, he’s probably fuming by now. Let’s just leave

curved into a thin smile. “Defending

“Jonathan!” Estelle frowned.

his heart. Deepening his eyes, he grasped her chin and pressed her against the

window looking out onto a terrace. Anyone could pass by, and Estelle, nervous, grabbed

lips, “Don’t side with

his kiss, her eyes locked

found it hard to resist, wishing he could just

nothing more

so it was usually

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