Alan was the first to address the elephant in the room.
Despite having his own plans for Melissa, he had made sure to notify Rena in advance.
Yet, Marcusâ direct approach caught him off guard.
Assuming the role of the elder, Alan adopted a slightly patronizing tone.
âMarcus, fancy seeing you here.
Weâre simply enjoying a family dinner tonight, Iâm afraid.
.
âA family dinner, you say?â
Marcus inquired as he took a seat directly opposite Melissa, capturing her gaze with his own.
âIf this is indeed a family gathering, itâs curious that Melissaâs preferences seem overlooked.
Japanese cuisine isnât to her taste; sheâs fond of grilled lamb chops.
French-style, that is.
Jaime, perhaps you could inquire if the kitchen prepares that dish.
â
He elegantly unfolded a pristine napkin before continuing with a smile, âMelissa has developed quite the discerning palate during our time together.
â
Sylvia, barely concealing her amusement, watched from behind him.
The atmosphere shifted as the others processed his words.
Melissa, present to seek investment from Alan and despite facing slim prospects, maintained her composure.
âLetâs proceed with the Japanese cuisine.
Iâm sure I can adapt,â she stated, her eyes briefly meeting Marcusâ.
He returned her glance with a light smile.
Despite Melissaâs resolve to distance herself from him, his allure was undeniable.
She averted her eyes subtly.
Marcus then turned to Thomas, injecting a hint of intrigue into the conversation.
âAnd why do you find yourselves at Alanâs⦠family dinner? Is there a budding romance between Vanessa and Jaime?â
Thomas, caught mid-sip, nearly choked on his tea.
Weldonâs patience waned.
The histories between the Smith and Fowler families were marked by rivalry.
A past conflict nearly ruined the Smiths, and although tensions had eased, the Fowlers had offered little support over the issue with Melissa.
âAbsolutely not,â Weldon declared firmly.
Marcus nodded, seemingly relieved.
âThatâs reassuring.
Iâve always felt she and Jaime might not be the best match.
Forcing such a connection could prove futile.
â
His words hung in the air, leaving room for interpretation.
Weldon regarded the young Fowler leader with a newfound intensity, pondering his next move.
Marcusâ smile was telling, and Weldonâs gaze sharpened in response.
It was clear to him that Marcusâ behavior was driven by jealousy-a youthful trait that Weldon hadnât anticipated would lead Marcus to openly support Melissa in such a manner.
This development complicated Weldonâs hopes of reconciling with his daughter.
As these thoughts swirled, the waiter served the Japanese dishes they ordered.
Jaime, eager to make a good impression on Melissa, meticulously arranged the condiments for her.
Marcus observed but didnât intervene.