Chapter 147: The Prodigal Uncle
Meanwhile, in another part of the city at the airport on the East Bay Side, Sterling Romano, Alexander's uncle, was far from thrilled that his nephew had found a better half and was taking his anger out on Katy, the latest addition to his collection of exotic women.
Sterling is the younger brother of the now-deceased Charles Romano. He and his brother were never really so eye to eye, so he had always been traveling a lot. But with his brother dead, he made it a point to make sure Charles's children do not destroy the company he helped build.
As his private plane was landing. Sterling was still engaging in sensual activities with Katy. His conjugal activity was halted by the sound of his alarm ringing and he let out curses as he glanced down at his watch and realized that he was late to the Romano family breakfast.
He abandoned Katy on his bed on the private plane and hurried to get dressed and ready.
Arriving at Alexander's penthouse, he passed his niece Sophia as she walked out. She did nothing to acknowledge him and it took all his self-control not to yell at her then and there.
At the dining room entrance, he was met with his disgusting nephew who had dared covet the position which was rightfully his as the new CEO of Romano Empire. It was like a series starring all the characters he wanted to smack hard until they had some good sense.
'I must get my anger under control. Someday soon, this will all be mine.' He reminded himself as the thought of shooting his niece and nephew nearly took control and directed him to do exactly that.
As his eyes moved across the room, they met with the bitch who helped Alexander usurp his position. At the sight of her pale skin and slender figure, his stomach contorted with rage.
"She deserves to be punished," he thought to himself.
"Good morning, uncle," Alexander said with his cold and aloof look. The instant he had seen his uncle coming towards him, he decided not to leave just yet. Instead, he watched his movements like a hawk.
Sterling heard the greeting addressed to him but didn't bother to spare the usurper a glance, and instead took his seat at the table.
He was served almost immediately and began eating.
Jennifer, unsure of what to do, attempted to greet her in-law but was met with a cloud of harsh-toned retort.
"Do you have no manners? I thought Johnathan's little wrench would at least have better manners than his son. But I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree."
Sterling was yelling at her at the top of his lungs for no apparent reason and all she could do was look to Alexander for help, terrified.
"Why does every male in this household hate me so much? The females are angels. Alexander's hatred makes total sense since he was forced into marrying me but what have I done to this guy?" Jennifer wailed inwardly.
Ignoring her pleading eyes, Alexander turned to his uncle, Sterling with a glare that spoke in volume what he needn't say in words. Then he walked out of the dining room.
Jennifer had been too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice the exchange and she believed she had been saved from further onslaught of yelling by the sound of Sterling's phone ringing.
Sterling took one look at the restricted caller and made his way out of the dining room, leaving Jennifer alone, with a horrible feeling in her stomach and unable to swallow any more of the delicious breakfast.
"Yes, what is it?" Sterling rudely asked whoever the caller was. Upon hearing the reply, his angry expression morphed into one of devious glee.
Having returned to get something he had forgotten, Alexander caught sight of his uncle's expression as he passed the hallway and a sense of foreboding took root in his mind.
The next day. Jennifer jolted upright, her scream piercing the silence of the room. "Isabella!" she cried, her voice cracking with desperation. This was the third time she would be having dreams of Isabella and they started to take a toll on her.
The door to her bedroom burst open, and Alexander stormed in, his expression a mix of concern and irritation. "What the hell is going on, Isabella?"
She clutched her chest, trying to steady her breathing. "I… I had a nightmare."
"You scared the hell out of everyone with that scream. Is this your idea of a joke?" His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her every move.
Jennifer shook her head, her hands trembling. "No, it wasn't a joke. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"Save it." Alexander cut her off, his tone cold. "We don't have time for your theatrics. A lot is riding on you and this marriage. Don't think for a second I will be here to take care of you and your insane dreams."
"I know that!" Jennifer snapped back, her frustration bubbling over. "I'm trying, okay? This isn't exactly easy for me either. And didn't we agree to call Jennifer?"
Alexander's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Jennifer let out a shaky breath and fell back onto the bed, her mind swirling with fragments of the dream. Isabella's childhood, the constant fights between her parents, the love she had for Isaac-all of it felt so real. But now, she had to focus on the present. She had a role to play, and she couldn't afford to slip up.
At the other end of the city, a Woman and two others sit around a small orb. They were all draped in a cloak.
One of the clocked figures asked, in a concerned tone "Madam, the girl is getting too drained by the necklace, if we don't hurry it will kill her."
The clocked figure at the center of the room answered "It's fine, she will come to me, soon enough."