Adam couldn’t contain his joy. Kicking his little feet, he stared wide–eyed at his dad.
Carlos and Yana exchanged a wary glance.
Carlos thought to himself, ‘Why would Yosef show up at the Lamberts‘ house, and right at dinner time? What are they up to?
I may dislike the Campbells, but since Yosef came with gifts, he’s a guest. No matter what, I can’t be rude to a guest.
‘Especially with Adam here.”
After a brief hesitation, Yana instructed the maid to show the guest in.
Yosef handed the gift he was carrying to the maid, then gave a polite nod to Carlos and Yana. “Mr. Lambert, Mrs. Lambert, my apologies for dropping by unannounced.”
“What brings you to the Lambert family so suddenly, Mr. Campbell?” Carlos snapped the moment he saw him.
“How could I possibly forgive the man who broke my daughter’s heart and spirit? No father could ever let that go,‘ Carlos thought bitterly.
Yosef knew he wasn’t welcome by the Lambert family, but he couldn’t care less about how Carlos felt about him.
With measured politeness, Yosef said, “Mr. Lambert, I didn’t realize Skylar was Adam’s mother when I asked her to treat Adam’s condition. I haven’t properly expressed my gratitude. My apologies for intruding like this, please don’t take offense.”
Carlos thought to himself, ‘Gratitude? He had plenty of chances before, so why show up today of all days? He’s definitely up to something.’
Carlos maintained a neutral expression. “Of course not.
“There’s no need for such formalities, after all, Adam is part of our Lambert family.”
Yosef gave a light chuckle. “You’re absolutely right, Mr. Lambert.”
Carlos forced a tight smile. “Well, since you’re here, why not stay for dinner?” He said it out of politeness, but his eyes were anything but welcoming.
“I’d be honored,” Yosef replied, then took an empty seat that happened to be right next to Brada.
On Brada’s other side sat Adam, who was next to Skylar. Skylar was seated beside her parents, Carlos and Yana. On Carlos’s other side was Freya, sitting directly across from Skylar.
Brada turned her head slightly toward him. “You came here today on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Not at all,” Yosef said coolly.
Brada curled her lip in disdain and said, “Yeah, right. Like I’d believe that.”
Brada fumed inwardly, ‘He’s obviously here for me, he just wants to ruin my time with Skylar’s family.
‘What a vicious bastard!‘
Brada angrily jabbed at the food with his fork, viciously stabbing each piece as if it were Yosef’s face,
Yosef’s unexpected arrival cast a pall over the dinner table. Out of consideration for his presence, everyone fell silent, and an uneasy tension filled the air.
Brada subtly shifted his chair away and angled it to the side, determined to avoid sitting anywhere near Yosef, or even looking at him.
1/2
། ༅་ཆ་ ཻ་ཝ ཾཆ༴་
He picked up the serving fork in front of him and placed some food on Skylar’s plate. “Skylar, I just tried this dish, it’s absolutely delicious. You should
have some too.”
Skylar looked up at him with a faint smile. “Thank you, Brada.”
“But you don’t have to serve me food, I can do it myself.”
Brada smirked but said nothing.
Brada still kept putting food on Skylar’s plate from time to time. Not wanting to turn him down, Skylar ate whatever he served her.
Yosef’s eyes turned icy cold.
‘She’ll eat from Brada’s fork, but won’t touch anything I offer,‘ he thought bitterly.
A heavy weight pressed against his chest, leaving him stifled and uncomfortable.
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