Chapter 23

Jonathan's POV

I watched as Emelda's gaze hardened, her eyes fixed on a figure across the street.

Following her gaze, my eyes fell on Natasha, Emelda's spoiled and manipulative stepsister.

Natasha's smile was cold and calculating, her eyes gleaming with malice as she locked eyes with Emelda.

I felt a surge of protectiveness toward Emelda, a fierce need to defend her from her stepsister's spite.

I moved closer to stand by Emelda's side, my body taut and ready for confrontation.

As I stood beside Emelda, my body tense and ready for conflict, I could feel the heat of her body next to mine, the tension in her muscles as she prepared for the inevitable clash.

Natasha approached, her footsteps light and mocking, her eyes full of derision.

"Well, well, well," she purred, her voice like honeyed poison. "If it isn't my dear stepsister, the naïve and gullible Emelda. What a pleasure to see you here."

I stepped forward, my voice low and deadly.

"Leave her alone, Natasha," I growled, my voice a