Chapter 238: Long Night II
What is he doing here? That was the first thought that raced through Ewan’s mind as he watched Antonio rub slow circles on Athena’s hands.
A wave of frustration washed over him, accompanied by a slight tremor in his hands and a dull, painful thud of his heart that seemed to sync with his simmering anger and jealousy.
Zane nudged him subtly, a familiar, silent reminder to keep his cool, to breathe, and to temper the emotions threatening to spill over.
"Ewan, what a lovely sight!" Florence exclaimed, oblivious of the gathering tension in the room, her voice bright with enthusiasm as she sprang to her feet and hurried over to him.
Her hands were warm and comforting as she pinched his cheeks, just as she had done so many times during his childhood.
Ewan couldn’t help but let out a muffled laugh, which drew a soft giggle from Kathleen, who was watching—amused—at the spectacle, right before she felt Nathaniel’s palm on her thigh.
Ewan’s expression was more comical as he tried to free his cheeks which were squeezed and drawn apart byFlorence’s strong grasp—making Old Mr. Thorne laugh out loud, unable to suppress the emotion any longer.
Gianna, who had determined, seconds ago, not to let Zane’s presence spoil her joyful mood, joined in the laughter too. She was in high spirits after all. She had successfully bagged a delightful new contract that had her bouncing with energy, eager to celebrate.
"Good afternoon, ma’am..." Ewan greeted once he was finally freed from Florence’s grip, followed closely by his friends.
The room then erupted into a flurry of greetings, hands shaking, laughter echoing as the awkwardness of the moment dissolved. Even Aiden, who had worn a foul mood since earlier in the day, seemed to set it aside as he anticipated the drama this evening might bring.
Kathleen and Nathaniel, however, didn’t know to navigate this waters that was knowing their father. They hadn’t greeted him, neither had they acknowleged his greetings. Not really...except a barely seen curt nod would count as one.