Chapter 94

MAX POV.

If he suspected anything, he didn’t let it show. But there was a glint in his eye that made me uneasy, like he was filing away every detail for later.

I needed to get out of there. The longer we stayed, the greater the risk of someone saying or doing something that would blow our cover.

Nadia must have sensed my unease because she shifted closer to me, her hand brushing against my arm.

“Let’s not overstay our welcome,” she murmured, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

I nodded subtly, my mind already working on an excuse to leave. But as I glanced around the room one last time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched, that every move we made was being scrutinized.

The game was getting more dangerous by the second, and if we weren’t careful, it would all come crashing down.

MR JACOB POV.

What exactly is Kenneth trying to prove? The thought churned in my mind as I sat in the overly lavish sitting room, the grandeur of my stepbrother’s wealth glaring in every corner.

It wasn’t just the crystal chandeliers or the Persian rugs…it was the arrogance that Kenneth carried, an air of superiority that grated on my nerves.

I watched him closely, his voice booming as he entertained his guests as he kept bragging about his son-in-law to be Richard Garrison.

He was basking in the attention, his wife Danielle seated beside him, beaming as if they were royalty.

Max and Nadia sat quietly, though I noticed the occasional glance they exchanged. Something about those two felt off, but I’d deal with them later. For now, my focus was on Kenneth and his ridiculous charade.

Why had I even come here? To check on him after his hospital discharge? Hardly. I had come because I needed to understand what game Max and Nadia was playing and why he was here, cozying up to Kenneth.

And, of course, I had to keep my eyes on Richard, the so-called “youngest multimillionaire” and Kenneth’s precious son-in-law-to-be.

The very idea made my blood boil. Richard wasn’t anything special, but Kenneth paraded him around like a trophy. Was this his way of flaunting his success? His way of reminding me that he was the “better” brother?

I glanced at the corner of the room where the wedding gifts were neatly arranged…luxurious boxes wrapped in gold and silver, no doubt filled with extravagant items.

It was all so excessive. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fought to suppress my jealousy.

Don’t let it show, Jacob, I reminded myself. Play it cool. No one needs to know what you’re thinking.

Kenneth’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Maria,” he called out to one of the maids. “Take this fruit bouquet to the kitchen and wash three of the apples for me. Bring them here.”

My heart skipped a beat. The fruit. My mind raced as I recalled the syringe Max had pulled out earlier in the parking lot. What had he done to those apples?

I leaned back in my chair, feigning indifference as Maria picked up the bouquet and disappeared into the kitchen.

My eyes immediately shifted to Max and Nadia. They remained composed, but I noticed a faint smirk tugging at the corner of Max’s lips.

So, this is your plan, I thought. But why? Why poison Kenneth?

I needed to tread carefully. If I exposed them now, I’d risk ruining my own plans. No, I had to wait for the right moment. Let them think they’re in control.

Kenneth turned to me, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Jacob, it’s good to see you. I wasn’t expecting you to drop by.”

I forced a smile. “Well, I heard you’d been discharged, so I thought I’d come and say hello. It’s good to see you looking well.”

Kenneth beamed, clearly enjoying the attention. “Thank you. I’m feeling much better.”

He gestured toward Richard, who was seated beside Tammie.

“And, of course, we’ve had plenty to celebrate. Richard has been such a blessing to our family and I'm very sure he would pamper Tammie once they are married. He delivered so many wonderful gifts for the wedding earlier today. Isn’t that right, Richard?”

Richard smiled modestly. “Just doing my part, sir.”

I felt a surge of irritation as Kenneth continued to sing Richard’s praises. Was this what he wanted? To rub it in my face that his daughter was marrying a wealthy man? To remind me that he had everything while I had nothing?

I glanced at the pile of gifts again, the jealousy bubbling inside me. But I couldn’t let it show. Instead, I nodded and said,

“You’ve done well, Richard. Tammie is lucky to have you.” That was all I could say as I rolled my eyes stylishly,

Richard smiled politely, but I could see a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. Was he starting to pick up on the tension in the room?

Kenneth clapped his hands together. “It’s all coming together beautifully. The wedding is going to be a grand affair. I couldn’t be prouder.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. We get it, Kenneth. You’re living the dream.

Inside, I was seething. Was this his way of bragging? Of telling me that he had the perfect life, the perfect family, and now the perfect son-in-law? It was infuriating.

As I stewed in my thoughts, Maria returned with a tray holding three apples. She placed them on the coffee table in front of Kenneth, who reached for one.

Before he could take a bite, I cleared my throat loudly.

Everyone turned to look at me, their expressions ranging from curious to confused.

I forced a smile and said, “Sorry, just needed to get that out of my system.”

Kenneth chuckled, clearly amused. “No problem, Jacob. Are you sure you’re feeling well?”

“Oh, I’m fine,” I replied, waving a hand dismissively. “Don’t mind me.”

But as I watched Kenneth pick up an apple, my mind raced. What was Max’s endgame?

And why was Nadia involved? I needed answers, and I needed them fast and then I cleared my throat again as everyone looked at me once again.

NADIA'S POV.

Sitting there in the luxurious Johnson mansion, I tried to focus on the conversations flowing around me, but my thoughts betrayed me.

My eyes flitted between Mr. Kenneth Johnson and his stepbrother Jacob as they exchanged words.