Chapter 17 Cousins’ Confrontation
LUCIAN
I wasn’t going to lie, homemade meals had a different, better taste. This was the most enjoyable meal I’d had since returning to the country, but of course, no meal could compare to Sienna—the first “meal” I had the day I got back. Now, she was stuck in my head, and I didn’t know how to get her out.
After dinner, I followed Grandmother to her study, and the conversation about a daughter-in-law continued. Despite everything I said to steer her onto another topic, she didn’t listen. She kept returning to the same subject, and every assurance I gave that I would make the right decision soon fell on deaf ears.
Eventually, the conversation ended, not because she had nothing more to say, but because it was time for her medication, and she needed to rest immediately afterward.
“You cannot go home today, Lucian. Make sure you stay in the house until I’m done with you tomorrow,” she instructed.
I held her hands and nodded. “I will do just as you say, Grandmother. Just take your medication and rest. I still need you to stay alive for your great-grandchildren,” I told her.
Her lips parted. I could have sworn I saw a hint of a smile, but it vanished before I could confirm it.
After leaving her room, I checked my wristwatch and shook my head. It was already 9 p.m. I couldn’t believe I’d spent over three hours listening to Grandmother tell me why I should bring home a wife as soon as possible.
Just as I climbed down the stairs, I saw Martins walking toward me with his hands in his pockets. Gosh! The anger I thought I’d contained earlier erupted suddenly. The mere sight of his face sent waves of fury through me, spreading like fire across dry leaves. There was no way Martins had come here without audacity in his pocket.
He knew I would be here, yet he still came. Did he think I didn’t know he had drugged me and planned to invite the reporters after setting me up?
He started approaching me. I didn’t move. The moment he got closer, I swung my balled fist into his face, catching him off guard and sending him sprawling to the ground.
Before he could catch his breath, I towered over him and grabbed his collar. Another punch landed on his face. “I mistook you for a brother, Martins, and I apologize for that,” I spat in his face before standing upright.
He lay on the floor, chest heaving from heavy breaths. After a few seconds, he got up and adjusted his tie.
I didn’t let him finish. I rushed forward, grabbed his collar again, and pulled his face close. “Next time, it won’t just be a punch on your face. I’ll make sure you rot in a prison farther than others.”
His gaze lowered to me. He hissed and pushed my hands off his collar. “Next time, you’ll be busy trying to clear your name because you won’t be lucky enough to escape my wrath.”
Defensive. Not an ounce of remorse or guilt in his eyes or voice.
I was shocked. This wasn’t the boy I grew up with… or maybe this was always who he truly was, and I’d been too blind to see it. Had growing up brought out his true nature? Had he accepted it without fighting it?
He smirked, the kind of smirk that could send shivers down my spine if I weren’t a man. “You should thank your stars my plans failed. If not, I’d be the CEO of Limelight Corporation.”
The sound of a thud echoed as he staggered backward, holding his cheek.
“So this was all about my father’s company.” My chest heaved as I struggled for breath. Humans were unpredictable. I wouldn’t have guessed he was after the company—my father’s company, not his parents’.
Before he could recover, I closed the gap and grabbed his collar again. “Listen carefully, because this is the last favor I’ll do as your former brother,” I grunted. “Dissipate your greed and focus on your father’s company. Try to claim what isn’t yours, and you might pay an even higher price.”
He didn’t respond, his smirk unwavering. Gritting my teeth, I shoved him backward and walked past him. In that moment, I knew whatever bond we shared as brothers was dead. I no longer considered him my cousin—he was an enemy. And even if it ruined him, I would do anything to protect my father’s hard work.
•
“What are you talking about? It’s late. Who goes out at this hour?” Sienna asked.
“Me, Sienna. Us. It’s Friday, for goodness’ sake. The only right thing is to unwind. Trust me, girl… you’ll enjoy it,” Angel urged. She’d been trying to convince Sienna to go to the club, but Sienna kept making excuses.
Her face twitched. “I love sleeping, Angel. I value my sleep so much that I can’t share it with other activities.”
“Well, Madam Sleeping, you have no choice but to follow me tonight. You can refuse next time,” Angel insisted.
“I really…” Sienna started, but Angel stopped her.
“Enough, Sienna. You are coming to the club, and that’s final.”
Her mouth opened as she watched her friend fling a cloth to her lap. “Just this once. Clubbing shouldn’t be that bad,” she mumbled.