Chapter 11 Banquet
A silence fell between them as they stood there, each lost in their thoughts. After several seconds, Brooklyn broke the silence. She approached Sebastian, her high heels clicking against the pavement, and linked her arm through his. The contact sent her heart racing, as if she had just stolen a priceless treasure.
A sense of unease washed over her, but it was tinged with a hint of joy. "I know you didn't want to come, but now that you're here, behave accordingly. Remember your role and your worth," he said.
His words extinguished her fleeting moment of happiness, replacing it with a pang of heartache. She gritted her teeth and shot back, "Don't worry. I know!"
"You better," Sebastian retorted, his tone laced with a fierceness and anger that Brooklyn couldn't quite decipher.
As Sebastian and Brooklyn crossed the threshold into the courtyard of Kingsley Villa, a tall figure garbed in pristine white clothing emerged hastily from the house, halting abruptly before them.
"Sebastian! At last, you've arrived!" he declared with an air of relief.
Brooklyn's eyes widened in surprise. The impeccably dressed young man standing before them, clad in a white tuxedo, was the same street ruffian who had sought directions from them earlier in the day!
Despite being brothers, Quinn and Sebastian bore little resemblance to each other, both in appearance and demeanor. Sebastian was a man of few words, always maintaining a certain distance from others. Quinn, however, was the polar opposite. His warm and sociable nature made him instantly likable.
Recalling their earlier encounter, a knowing smile passed between Brooklyn and Quinn.
"Ah, my sister-in-law, Brooklyn, greetings! I've heard tales of your beauty, and today I finally have the pleasure of witnessing it firsthand. You surpass even the rumors, Sebastian, you're a fortunate man!" Quinn declared.
A smile played on Brooklyn's lips. Before she could respond, Sebastian interjected with a stern expression, "Perhaps you should focus more on your studies abroad rather than concerning yourself with such matters."
Quinn scratched his head in response, "Of course, academics are important. But I do take an interest in your marital life as well."
Sebastian shot him a glance before handing over a handbag that the driver had just delivered. "This is the gift Brooklyn picked out for you."
Brooklyn studied Sebastian's profile, searching for any hint of emotion. Yet, it seemed as though all his feelings were directed solely towards Quinn, leaving her entirely unnoticed.
"Sister-in-law, thank you! I'm sure I'll love whatever you've chosen," Quinn assured her.
Brooklyn chuckled lightly. "It's nothing extravagant. As long as you're pleased with it."
Sebastian's expression momentarily faltered.
"Our parents are waiting inside. Let's not keep them," he suggested, turning towards the house. Quinn cast a fleeting glance at Brooklyn, a thought crossing his mind before he quickly dismissed it.
As they ascended the stairs, Sebastian addressed Quinn, who had lingered behind, "Aren't you coming in?"
"I'll be right there. Just enjoying the night scenery!" Quinn quickly fell into step with them.
Brooklyn mused to herself, 'They haven't seen each other in five years. Shouldn't they be exchanging pleasantries and complimenting each other's growth?' Yet, the thought of Sebastian complimenting someone's appearance seemed almost terrifying.
Upon entering the living room, Brooklyn attempted to unfasten the crystal buckle of her high heels while juggling her handbag. As she was about to place the bag on the shoe cabinet, two hands simultaneously reached out to assist her.
Sebastian and Quinn's hands hovered in the air together. Quinn shrugged, retracting his hand, while Sebastian took her bag, changed into his slippers, and proceeded into the house.
Brooklyn stood there, stunned. 'Did Sebastian just pretend to be considerate towards me in front of Quinn? That must have been quite a stretch for him.'
Quinn lowered his voice and chuckled, "Sister-in-law, my brother does have a considerate side, you know."
Brooklyn responded, "Yes, he can be quite thoughtful."
Quinn added, "Sister-in-law, despite his cold and domineering exterior, my brother can be quite gentle too."
Brooklyn's eyes narrowed as they fell upon Sebastian's towering figure, a sneer tugging at the corner of her mouth. 'Does the word gentle even exist in his vocabulary?' she mused, her gaze icy.
The spacious living room was bathed in the soft glow of a retro crystal chandelier, casting dancing shadows across the dark red wooden sofa that sat empty. At the dining table, Brian Kingsley, Sebastian's father, was engrossed in trimming flowers, scissors glinting in his hand.
"Dad," Sebastian and Brooklyn greeted in unison. Without lifting his gaze from the delicate petals, Brian responded, his voice barely above a whisper, "You're here. Sit in the living room."
"Okay," they echoed, their voices swallowed by the oppressive silence of the room.
Suddenly, Quinn lunged forward, snatching the scissors from Brian's hand and shielding the flowers with his arm. His voice was a playful lilt as he chided, "Dad, I finally come back for a visit, and you're more interested in the flowers than me. I'm heartbroken."
Brian's gaze shifted to Quinn, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "When did you become so good at pleasing others? You've grown up, be more serious."
"But you're my dad. I'm happy to please you. Come, Dad, let's sit together," Quinn retorted, her actions leaving Brooklyn taken aback. 'Quinn is so bold, pretending to be cute in front of Brian? And he's not angry?' she thought, her mind spinning. In her memory, Brian was always stern, his face rarely betraying any emotion. But in Quinn's presence, he seemed to transform into a different person.
"Everyone is back, let the servants prepare the food," came the gentle, elegant voice of a middle-aged woman from the upstairs. Jennifer Lewis, adorned in a crimson dress, descended the stairs with a dignified grace. Though she was over fifty, her face was smooth and unlined, her soft hair neatly coiffed into a bun, a simple hairpin her only adornment. Two blue sapphire rings glinted on her supporting hand, and her slightly plump figure moved with a slow, graceful stride.
Sebastian, Brooklyn, and Quinn rose to their feet as Jennifer approached. Sebastian stepped forward, his voice softening as he greeted, "Mom."
Before Brooklyn and Quinn could utter their greetings, Jennifer had already taken Sebastian's hand, her fingers gently tracing his cheek. "Why have you lost weight? It's only been a few days and you've already thinned. I told you to stay here, but you didn't listen. Who's taking care of you when you're living outside? Look at your face..."
Brooklyn's smirk was cold, her thoughts bitter. 'Jennifer is indirectly blaming me. How clever.'
"I'm fine, you don't have to worry. I'm an adult and know how to take care of myself," Sebastian replied, his tone laced with impatience.
Quinn leaned in, his eyes scrutinizing Sebastian. "My brother's complexion is rosy and radiant. He's doing just fine under Sister-in-law's care."
Jennifer's gaze slid past Quinn, landing on Brooklyn. "I don't care what you've been doing at the hospital, but once you're home, your husband should be your top priority. Instead of spending time taking care of the elderly, weak, and sick at the hospital, you should be taking care of your husband at home."
Sebastian's frown deepened as he interjected, "Today is Quinn's first day back in the country, Mom. Let's not lose sight of that."
Brooklyn's surprise was evident, her thoughts whirling. 'Is he standing up for me?'
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