Alanaâs mind raced as she slumped into the chair, contemplating her next move.
The idea of Abelâs love for Emmeline made her anxious, and she couldnât bear the thought of being left behind. She wanted to be the center of Abelâs attention.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in her mind. She pondered, Isnât Adam, Abelâs elder brother, still working at Ryker Group? I could use him to my advantage.
Alana carefully wrapped the photo frame and asked a security guard to deliver it to Abelâs backyard.
Adam was sitting alone inside, watching a TV show, and was about to return the next day after this brief visit.
âHi, Adam, Iâm so happy to see you, Alana greeted him warmly.
âNice to see you too, Alana. Please have a scat,â Adam responded, impressed by Alanaâs friendly demeanor.
âItâs okay. Iâm here to deliver something to Abel,â Alana declined his offer.
Adam noticed the security guard carrying a large cardboard box and asked, âWhat is it? It looks heavy.â
âItâs from Luminara for Abel, Alana explained. âI donât know whatâs inside. Can you check it for him later?â
âI see. Just leave it there,â Adam instructed the security guard to place the box down. âYou can Bero go now,â
After the security guard left, Alana smiled and said, âAdam, you have a natural aura of leadership.â
âLeadership? Me?â Adam chuckled modestly. âIâm just guiding Zahn and his mother.â
âHas Zahn started attending driving school?â Alana asked, although she already knew the answer.
âYeah,â Adam confirmed. âAbel arranged it. He suggested Zahn become a driver and get some practice.â
âZahn seems clever, Alana commented. âAbel will surely like him. You can rest assured!â
âYour words reassure me,â Adam replied, glancing at Alana. âYou must be quite close to Abel. How else would you immediately recognize me as his elder brother?â
Alana lowered her head, smiling as she twirled her hair. âTo be honest, Abel and I are in a relationship.â
âThatâs great!â Adam exclaimed. âYou truly have an open mind and a warm heart. My mother would surely adore you!â
âI havenât had the pleasure of meeting Aunt Julianna yet,â Alana mentioned. âIâll select a few gifts for you to give her. Consider it my way of showing respect to Aunt Julianna.â
âThatâs thoughtful of you, but thereâs no need to spend any money,â Adam responded.
Alana insisted, âWeâre not strangers, Adam. Thereâs no need for formality.â
âIndeed, weâre not strangers!â Adam chuckled. âItâs just that Zahnâ¦
âWhatâs going on with Zahn?â Alana asked, her concern evident. âIsnât he doing well?â
âYou have no idea, my dear sisterâinâlaw,â Adam said, his expression serious. âZahn is not an easy child, and Iâm worried about what may happen in the futureâ¦â
Alana burst into laughter at the mention of âsisterâinâlaw.â âWhat are you afraid of, Adam? Just tell me.â
âAbel has an unforgiving temper. I fear Zahn might provoke him, Adam confessed.
Alana knew this all too well. She had only seen Abel yield to Emmeline so far.
âNormally, if I tell Abel about this, it would work. But nowâ¦â Alana pretended to look troubled.
âWhatâs the matter now?â Adam asked, feeling a sense of unease.
Alana remarked, âAbel is quite indulgent, particularly toward Emmeline. He spoils her. If she dislikes someone, sheâll tell Abel, and that person is done for. I even have to cater to her wishes!â
Adam furrowed his brow. âThatâs true. Iâve witnessed Abelâs protectiveness toward her. He would go to great lengths to feed her bit by bit during meals if he can.â
âExactly!â Alana agreed fervently. âNo one dares to oppose her.â
He shared, âOn our first day here, my son and I offended Emmeline. Abel almost punched me, and Emmeline remained silent and distant during dinner. It made me incredibly uncomfortable! Now that youâve shed light on this, I understand how troublesome it is.â
She acknowledged, âYes, even though I want to care for Zahn, I canât make any promises!â
He furrowed his brow. âI grasp the situation now. Iâll talk to Abel and ensure we donât give. Emmeline too much control. The wife should make the final decision!â