Chapter 1331: Extra

Lester was not like the other men at the table. He was not like Charles, who had maintained a patriarchal hold over his family while still showing his wife has the same power. He was not like Charles’s children—Atlas, who had made a name for himself and shone on his own rather than living in his father’s or family’s shadow. Nor Hugo, who, even from a young age, had fought for everything and proven his worth. He wasn’t as popular as Slater or as composed as Haines.

He wasn’t even like his brilliant son, Yugi.

At this table, Lester was just a father and a husband to the most beautiful woman in his eyes. He wasn’t even a side character—more like an extra. A humble man, perhaps the weakest in the room. However, tonight was an important night for Nina, his daughter.

And even though he was just human among these beasts, he was not afraid to find his voice and speak his mind.

"What changed?" he asked, offering Finn a kind and encouraging smile.

A brief look of surprise flickered across Finn’s face before a subtle smile replaced it. "I want to make it right."

"I see." Lester nodded in understanding. "You’re doing great, Finn."

"Thank you," Finn sighed in relief.

When he had spoken the truth earlier and felt the shift in the room, he knew he had dug himself into a deeper pit. But Jessa’s husband, Lester—unaffected by the tension and instead offering understanding and kindness—felt like a sliver of hope.

Just then, Jessa walked out, carrying a large pot.

"Hey, aren’t you guys going to help here?" she called, and without hesitation, Lester turned to his wife and rose from his seat to assist her.

Charles stood as well, followed by Hugo, while the rest remained seated since there wasn’t much to carry. As this played out, Finn found himself watching Jessa and Lester. A subtle smile formed on his lips as he recalled what Nina had told him about her aunt and uncle.

Jessa and Lester’s marriage had always been a mystery. Given Jessa’s personality, it was easy to assume their relationship was a disaster.

But according to Nina, one would be surprised if they only knew the truth.

Jessa was like fire, with a mouth as rapid as a machine gun. She had no filter, and her strong personality could be intimidating. It was easy to imagine that her husband was simply too afraid to ask for a divorce. After all, Jessa seemed capable of the worst.

But it wasn’t like that at all.

Because compared to Jessa, Lester was like water to her fire. He wasn’t as direct as her, but he was exceptionally kind and understanding. He rarely complained, and his patience was unrealistically long. A warm person like him could calm the blaze that was Jessa.

And seeing them together now, Finn finally understood what Nina had meant. Her uncle was, indeed, something. He may not have been as strong as the others, but his kindness was certainly not a weakness.

"Hey."

Nina’s soft voice snapped Finn out of his thoughts, making him turn to her. She studied his expression, smiling in satisfaction as she noticed he was smiling, too. She took it as a good sign, unaware that the Bennet men—including Yugi—had already silently decided they disapproved of him.

"Did everything go well?" she asked quietly.

Finn smiled back and weakly shrugged. "Dinner is long. I still have plenty of time."

"Hmm?"

Nina furrowed her brows, confused by his response, but before she could ask further, everyone settled into their seats.

"I hope you were gentle?" Allison whispered as she sat close to her husband, her brows rising curiously.

Charles huffed sharply. "I didn’t even say anything—but I heard enough."

"Heard enough...?" She frowned. "What does that mean?"

But Charles didn’t answer, leaving Allison to glance around the table, searching for clues.

Meanwhile, Yuri sat next to Yugi. She glanced at her brother before looking across at Penny, shaking her head.

Shit, Penny mentally hissed, her disappointment evident as she glanced at Finn. Yuri’s signal only meant one thing—Yugi didn’t approve. Not that Penny needed the confirmation. She could already tell from her brothers’ expressions.

Except for Slater, who had his own reasons for objecting, and Atlas, who disliked everything that wasn’t himself, Hugo also didn’t seem pleased.

"Ahem."

Penny cleared her throat loudly, gaining Hugo’s attention as he sat beside Haines. "Second Brother, what happened?"

Hugo frowned. "Nothing happened, Penny."

"Just hope it stays that way," Haines muttered, his voice low but audible to Penny.

After all, Finn had just dug himself into a pit.

He could have lied and said something better. Not that they would have believed him—no matter how skilled he was at lying. But it would have been better to conceal the truth than to tell it outright. Especially since tonight was an official dinner where Finn was asking for Nina’s hand in marriage.

That’s right... It’s better if nothing happens, Haines thought, checking his wristwatch. It’s almost time for his family to arrive.

As everyone settled, Allison kept up the conversation, ensuring the atmosphere wasn’t drowned in awkward silence. But Finn couldn’t help glancing at his watch.

His parents were never late for business deals or meetings. In fact, they were always punctual—so much so that they often left him in the care of a nanny in a massive, empty mansion.

They would be on time tonight, right?

"Finn?" Nina called softly, watching him glance from the entrance back to her. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course," he said. "I told them last night that I needed them to come."

"There’s still time," she reassured him with a nod. "I’m sure they won’t disappoint you."

Hopefully, not this time.

Nina maintained her smile, though a trace of worry flickered in her eyes. She couldn’t help but recall how his parents had left the hospital the moment he fell into a coma.

Wanting to lighten the mood, she joined in Allison’s conversation and pulled Finn in, making sure he felt included.

But as the conversation continued, everyone became increasingly aware—

The Davis family was late. Very late.

Twenty minutes passed, and the food was starting to get cold.

"Allison, right?" someone laughed, turning to Charles—only to find him staring at his watch. Her smile faded slightly at the grim look on his face.

"They’re late," Jessa stated bluntly, her eyes on Finn.

Finn tried to smile but failed. "I... I’m sorry."

Silence fell over the table. Nina’s eyes gleamed with worry as the smile she had forced herself to maintain slowly disappeared.

Then—

The sound of a chime rang, notifying everyone of someone’s arrival.

"Good evening. We are sorry we’re late."