Chapter 20
Chapter 20:
The grand living room fell so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Trinity kept up her concerned charade, but inside, she was doing a victory jig.
Louisa Evans, Emmanuel’s better half, scanned the room without saying a word. Sharp as a tack, she knew it was best to stay out of the fray.
Irene caught Jeff’s eye, her chest swelling with pride. Her son always had her back when the chips were down.
Jeff smirked at Irene’s approving look and then shot Elliana a look that screamed, “You’re done for, loser p>
“Get on your knees!” Ruben’s roar shattered the silence.
The whole room jumped at Ruben’s fury. Normally cool as a cucumber, Ruben turned into a fire-breathing dragon when riled up, and the family knew it.
When Elliana didn’t flinch, Jeff leaped in. “What’re you still standing there for, you eyesore? Grandpa said kneel! You… Owl!” With a heavy thud, Jeff hit the floor, knees first.
Everyone blinked, realizing Ruben had smacked Jeff’s knee with his cane.
Jeff grimaced, clutching his leg. “Grandpa, why’d you hit me p>
Ruben’s eyes burned like coals. “I asked you to kneel p>
Shock rolled through the room. Jeff, still full of himself, muttered, “I didn’t do anything wrong p>
Ruben snorted. “Elliana is Cole’s wife—the lady of this house! Disrespecting her isn’t just rude. It’s disgraceful. If I don’t rein you in now, this family will look like a circus p>
Jaws dropped around the room. No one had expected Ruben to turn his wrath on Jeff instead of Elliana—the rule-breaker with the pet. The whole script had flipped.
Trinity smelled trouble and started inching toward the shadows, trying to fade into the background.
Irene, gutted for Jeff, spoke up. “Ruben, please, Jeff was just trying to follow your rules p>
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“You kneel too!” Ruben thundered before she could finish.
For years, Irene had walked around with the air of a queen. Now, the thought of kneeling in front of everyone shattered her pride like glass. But Ruben’s steely stare left no room for protest. After a pause, she glanced at her husband, hoping for backup. “Bertram…” But Bertram didn’t flinch. “Dad said kneel, Irene. Do it p>
With clenched teeth and burning cheeks, Irene dropped beside Jeff, the humiliation crashing down on her.
Ruben’s eyes narrowed at the pair. “Jeff’s insolence is a direct result of your spoiling, Irene. You’re both grounded for three days. Use that time to chew on what you’ve done p>
Tears slid down Irene’s face as she said, “Understood p>
Still nursing his pride, Jeff protested, “Fine, I’ll take the hit for disrespecting Elliana. But she broke the no-pet rule. That’s gotta count for something p>
Before Ruben could respond, Cole smoothly stepped in. “If pets are a problem, Elliana and I can just move out. No need to stir the pot.” At these words, everyone froze.
Jeff shut up instantly. If Cole moved out over this, his punishment wouldn’t stop at being grounded. Ruben would probably tan his hide. “You little brat!” Ruben tapped Jeff’s head with his cane. “Cole’s the family lead. If he wants to let Elliana have a pet, he has every right. Who do you think you are to question that p>
Jeff’s face drained of color. “But Cole’s allergic to pet fur p>
Jeff got another cane tap and a glare from Ruben, who stated, “He is a grown man. He doesn’t need some snot-nosed kid fussing over his health p>
Chastened, Jeff looked up. “So, can I get a pet too?” He’d been dreaming of getting a fierce, majestic Alaskan Malamute. If Elliana was allowed a pet, maybe the door was open for him too.
Ruben’s expression turned to stone. “One pet is more than enough for this house p>
Jeff’s shoulders slumped in defeat. So much for that dream!
Across the room, a few exchanged looks. Ruben’s bias was loud and clear—he’d do anything to keep Cole content.
Elliana, enjoying the sweet perks of being Cole’s wife, had to stifle her laughter.
Cole felt like chuckling but kept it classy. After a quick farewell to Ruben, he took Elliana’s hand and led her upstairs.
Once they were upstairs, Elliana peeked at Cole. He’d let her keep the cat even though it made him sneeze. Her heart melted a little. “Thank you p>
“How exactly do you plan on thanking me p>
This familiar question made Elliana wary. Wary of another “kiss request,” she yanked her hand back. “No kissing. But I’ve got a present for you p>
Cole paused, interest piqued. “What kind of present p>