Chasing the Unexpected

Sitting at the center of the living room, Pedro surveyed his family with a hard gaze, finally settling on Jane.

his eyes

This granddaughter of his was typically flawless, whether in business or personal matters. She was the one he’d entrusted with organizing his birthday celebration.

“Jane, you were in charge of the party. Since Pauline pushed Ms. Kinsey, I want you to get to the bottom of it and give Mr. Sumner and Ms. Kinsey a satisfactory answer,” Pedro announced.

Jane took a few steps forward and glanced at Pauline, who was cowering on the floor. She began, “Grandpa, Pauline claims she accidentally bumped into Ms. Kinsey. She denies any outside influence, and there were so many people around today–”

She didn’t get to finish before Damon cut her off icily. “Are you saying that my girlfriend intentionally staged this scene to frame the Wilkies?”

Meeting Damon’s gaze, Jane replied calmly, “Mr. Sumner, that’s not what I meant. I’m only suggesting that this incident might truly have been an accident.

“Regardless, we support whatever decision you and Ms. Kinsey make, whether to settle privately or involve the authorities.”

Then, with a look of feigned compassion, she added, “Pauline has worked for our family for over 20 years. If you do want to settle privately, we’ll cover any compensation.”

Jane looked every bit the picture of righteousness and reason, though Nyla knew the whole thing was her doing. To anyone else, she might have seemed genuinely compassionate.

Before Nyla could respond, a laugh suddenly broke the silence.

In the stillness of the living room, all eyes turned toward the source of the sound.

Pedro’s face darkened with anger as he scolded, “Theo! We’re dealing with something serious here–stop goofing around!”

Theo Wilkie, Pedro’s oldest son’s son, was also Jane’s elder cousin. Lacking her talents for business, he had often been compared to her unfavorably and harbored deep resentment because of it.

“Grandpa, I want to stay serious, but I can’t help myself here,” Theo quipped. Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Visibly exasperated, Pedro pounded his cane on the floor, chiding, “If you can’t keep it together, then get out! You’re a disgrace!”

If this had been any other time, he might have overlooked it, but for Theo to act this way now was an embarrassment to the Wilkies. 1

Theo shrugged, unfazed by his grandfather’s anger. He pointed directly at Jane. “Grandpa, the one bringing disgrace to our family isn’t me–it’s her!”

Jane’s eyes widened as she glared at him. “Theo, what nonsense are you spouting?”

She looked furious, but Theo noticed her hands clenching at her sides.

Hah! Now she was scared? Where was that fear when she had sent Pauline after Nyla?

Theo was sick of everyone constantly comparing him to Jane, sick of hearing that he was useless and would never match up to her. If he wanted to take back control of the company, he’d have to make Pedro see Jane’s true colors!

“Jane, you’re the one who ordered Pauline to go after Nyla. Stop pretending to be the innocent one here!” he declared, his voice loud and clear.

The room fell silent.

Pedro turned red with fury, raising his cane to strike Theo. “You really have lost it! How dare you say such things?”

Theo didn’t dodge, taking the blow. His face turned pale from the pain.

Quincy Mayberry, Theo’s mother, rushed over to support him.

“Dad, even if you’re biased, you can’t just hit Theo whenever you please! Jane is your granddaughter, but Theo is also your grandson!” she challenged Pedro.