Chapter 594 Romantic Entanglements

The longer Nico remained quiet, the more disappointed Summer felt.

Treyton immediately chimed in, “A man should have the courage to admit if he likes a woman, Nico. If you don’t answer the question properly tonight, you’ll be the one suffering and regretting it in the future.”“”

That was something Cedrick and Kieran had both experienced before.

“Back then, I, too, failed to notice I had already fallen for Inez long ago,” said Kieran.

“Think carefully before you speak, Nico. I was only able to obtain forgiveness after I narrowly escaped death from the fire previously,” advised Cedrick. “In fact, you personally witnessed my journey. While there aren’t many complications between you and Summer, if you answer the question erroneously, you’re certainly gonna have a hard time groveling on your knees.”

Nico was struck dumb. “L…”

Gwendolyn also reminded. “How about this? Imagine a future where Summer’s dating another man.

What do you feel when that image is in your mind?”

He considered her words seriously.

Something similar had happened when he was with Charles. The latter had said he had his eyes on Summer and wanted to steal her away.

Nico had been furious when he heard that. It was like watching a plant he’d spent time and effort in taking care of being eaten by an animal before it could blossom.

At that time, he thought if Charles truly dared to do that, he would beat the latter to a pulp.

Upon wrapping up his thoughts, Nico answered. “I’ll be very hurt and piqued. If her future boyfriend mistreats her, I may even butcher him.”

When everyone heard that, they laughed, which confounded him.

Satisfied, Summer cupped his scowling face and kissed his cheek enthusiastically. “Thank you, Nico! I knew I had a place in your heart. Don’t worry. You’ll be my only boyfriend in this life. If you don’t want me, I’d rather become a nun in a monastery!”

The crowd chortled, making the atmosphere livelier.

However, Nico grimaced with disdain. “Stop! Did you wipe your mouth, Summer Rongsler? My face’s all oily now!”

Upon wiping his face clean with his sleeve, he dropped his head, attempting to hide his blush. His tanned skin, thanks to his time at the border, made the redness on his face less obvious. Still, he could feel his scalding cheeks.

That was the first time a girl had kissed him so vehemently. It’s quite… overwhelming.

Cedrick understood Nico the best and could tell the latter was abashed. Despite noticing Nico’s ears turning red like a tomato, he didn’t expose his friend and merely said, “You’re not getting any younger, Nico. Since everyone’s here tonight, I, as the head of the family, can help you get engaged with her if you’re willing.”

Summer was so ecstatic that she almost jumped from her seat. “Sure, sure! Thank you, Mr. Jenson! I approve of the engagement! I don’t even need an engagement ceremony as long as Jenson Group makes an official announcement.”

Nico still hadn’t recovered from his shyness yet. In a small voice, he grumbled, “You should act a little more modest as a girl. I can’t believe you did that in front of so many people, acting as though you were trying to devour me.”

His words amused the group, making everyone guffaw.

Summer also chuckled. Mimicking Gwendolyn’s assertiveness, she grabbed his collar and stated solemnly, “Nico Jenson, ever since you saved me from that hell in Erihal, I, Summer Rongsler, have only had eyes for you. You’ll never get rid of me in this life.”

Nico patted the back of her hand. “Relax. Why would I do that? After all, I fed you and paid your tuition fees, spending so much money. I’m not leaving until I receive the fruits of my labor with interest!”

The group was in stitches at their conversation.

Treyton grinned. “Sounds like your salary in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Jenson Group isn’t that high, huh? Why are you so stingy despite being the second son of the main Jenson family?”

Nico seized the opportunity to complain, muttering, “It’s not that my salary isn’t high but that my superior has a horrible temper. He deducts my salary whenever he’s in a mood. Once he does it once or Twice, a year’s worth of my salary will go poof.”

Cedrick frowned, lowering his fork on the table.

Even though it only made a faint, dull sound, it sounded like a ticking time bomb to Nico’s ears.

Cowardly, Nico pressed his palms together in a plea. “I’m sorry, Cedrick. You’re empathetic, considerate, kind, amiable, and the best superior in the world! Never once did you ever shamelessly deduct my salary!”

When Cedrick heard the last sentence, the edges of his lips quirked up dangerously. “You must’ve been neglecting your training recently, Nico. Come to my office tomorrow. I’ll help you re–experience Hell Week.”

“No…” Nico looked despaired.

He’d heard that Craig, the former deputy director, was tortured in Cedrick’s office so severely that he couldn’t even walk afterward. Nico was terrified.

Since begging won’t be effective with him, I need to utilize the trump card he’s most afraid of]

In a trice, he turned to Gwendolyn. “Save me, Gwendolyn. He’s trying to use his position to get even and torture me! If you protect me, I’ll tell you about his secret romantic entanglements at the border!”

“Nico Jenson!”

This time, Gedrick was genuinely panicking, his tone threatening.

When Gwendolyn noticed how intense her husband’s reaction was, she instantly realized something was off.

Treyton, Asher, and Kieran, who were sitting across from the table, promptly turned toward Cedrick.

Arching an eyebrow, Asher questioned, “Cedrick Jenson, did you cheat on Kiddo behind her back?”

“Have you forgotten the promise you made when you married Kiddo? Or do you plan to experience the torment I have to offer again?” demanded Kieran.

“That’s not right, Cedrick. How can you have entanglements with others? Are you asking for a beating?” Treyton interrogated.

Cedrick pulled a long face in silence.

Gwendolyn narrowed her eyes sullenly. “Tell me the truth.”

All of a sudden, the joyous family gathering turned into a familial tribunal.

The person on trial was Cedrick, who had toiled to prepare a fancy feast for his family.

He glared insidiously at Nico, who was watching the show giddily. “You b“stard. Help me explain the situation right this instant!”

A playful smile settled on Nico’s countenance. “Only if you promise you will never deduct my salary again and provide me a two–month bonus raise.”

Cedrick snapped, “If you don’t help me explain, not only will your bonus be gone, but I’ll also deduct half a year’s worth of your salary! Are you truly eager to taste the power of the Jenson family’s whip, huh?”

At the mention of the whip, Summer quickly defended her loved one, “You can’t hit Nico! He has nothing to do with your secret liaisons and ambiguous relationships with women behind Gwendolyn’s back! Mr. Jenson, you’re the one who needs to be whipped!”

Without delay, Nico covered her mouth fearfully. “Christ! Shut up! You’re making the story even more ridiculous. It wasn’t like that! Are you trying to have me killed by p*ssing my boss off even more?”

Setting her cutlery down, Gwendolyn crossed her arms haughtily. She scrutinized Nico and Cedrick briefly with an affable smile. “So, which one of you is going to explain?”