Anastasio traced the lines of his lips as he observed Nathenel seated right in front of him, his handsome face looked pale, unshaven stubbles, and the dark bags under his eyes said that this man was living a nightmare. In just two days someone could look this devastated, a proud stallion like him, looked haggard and unmindful.
Anastasio had thought he would feel satisfied to find Nathenel in this helpless state,
but strangely he did not, it was rather the same reason, he had wanted him to come in person to plead to him. It would be a perfect humiliation for the Magnolia family, who would have fallen apart like a pack of cards had the Faunoas not supported them. The same Faunoas, whom his birth giver had found not suitable enough for her ambitious plans. Who abandoned him like some unwanted trash and chose this man in front of him over Anastasio. He thought he would be satisfied to watch him cower, but it was discomforting and displeasing to him, and he wanted to get over with this meeting.
Both Edmon and Foea had eluded the discomforting situation by insisting that they would have another meeting about jointly handling the PR for the time being and making schedules in sync, so that the two of them could be seen together frequently in social gatherings, before they leave for the old palace.
Nathenel had been sizing him up silently, perhaps considering how to lead the conversation.
"Let's get straight to the point Mr. Magnolia" He asserted to break the awkward silence that hung between the two people who had never had a one on one conversation in a high end VIP chamber, having coffee.
"Mr.Magnolia. Huh? How formal and here Susan, I mean Miss Palwalker was all praises about how my big brother has agreed to extended a hand of support when his little brother is in trouble."
Anastasio's smile didn't reach his eyes, he calmly responded.
"Did she now? That's surprising, because I felt that she was desperately setting up a deal for her Fiancé, who is in great trouble,to the best of his advantage."
He deliberately insisted on the word deal so as to align with what he had agreed with Susan about not divulging the entire thing to Nathanel.
Nathanel's lips formed a thin line, but he didn't protest, he was prepared that Anastasio wouldn't go easy on him, there was no brotherly affection between them, on the contrary they had always been ready to slit off each other's throats.
Nathenel shrugged and sipped the cup of coffee, and raised his eye brows, "nice."
"Look brother, I have gone through your plan of action, it's impressive. I give you that. But, why are you pushing today's press meet and party at your hotel?"
Anastasio darted a hostile gaze at him, 'So he hasn't let go off his pride completely. Old habits die hard.Obviously, because I am doing you a huge favour.'
"Still so haughty, you really are her son. All pride and no gratitude." He spatted, "Doesn't it go through your thick skull Mr.Nathenel de Magnolia, that if we have to make it look like a real warm and loving family affair, then the big brother should cut a slack of the best meat for his little bro, who is going through a rough patch?"
Nathenel opened his mouth to utter something, but refrained, because Anastasio's argument seemed reasonable.
Although Anastasio's real intent wasn't so noble. It was rather sly, because the Magnolia corporation took pride in their business in hospitality sector, but the CEO Magnolia was now compelled to share his wedding announcement with his business rival, and half brother, and that too at a hotel under the Faunoas. However Nathenel bought what he offered.
"Also, you must revise your demand for the Hotel Magnolia, I can't be a meagre partner, it was My master plan."
"If you weren't comfortable, then why are you here, didn't Susan tell you that's my only condition."
"I thought I would negotiate better. No matter how much you try, I won't let you have it. The Magnolias can even snatch prey from the mouth of a Lion."
Anastasio's lips twitched, he shouldn't have rubbed his old wound, "I know that's what you are good at, just like your father. But, remember well little brother, I am not my father. And I prefer to hunt than to snatch things. There's a reason behind everything I do, but you aren't smart enough to understand. Fortunately Susan is smarter than you."
Nathenel was dismayed, but he retorted, "Don't use her first name casually." He suddenly snapped, "She is going to be the Lady of Magnolia. Back in the days she would have been the queen of the empire, a mere Duke calling her by her name would have been taken for a felony."
Jealousy and possessiveness was all over his face, Anastasio was surprised at this new development. Everything wasn't a rumour after all, he was defending Susan Palwalker's honour blatantly even while losing a prestigious bargain. Nathenel was a flamboyant brat, for whom women were only to be taken in bed. Therefore this sudden change of demeanor meant Susan Palwalker was more than that. However, Anastasio despised this over hype about aristocratic hierarchy and bragging about a blue blood that has dried off centuries back.
"A mere Duke, or an Arch Duke, that's if you ever attended your heir classes seriously and remembered your history lessons well. I am sure Miss Palwalker wouldn't mind if I called her by her first name. Because unlike you, she is smarter, for more than cliche hierarchy, she knows whom she should honour and why."
Nathenel misinterpreted it as Anastasio's interest in Susan.
Jealous, he snapped, "Even though from a fallen family, I heard your fiance is young and beautiful. Shouldn't you be protective about her, because you never know if someone steals her, while you are busy eyeing on other's things." Nathenel clicked his tongue and added, "That's the fix an engagement could be broken easily. Unlike you I will be getting married first. Ah! A happily married life."
Anastasio couldn't help but conclude that there was no chance for him to ever reconcile with this person, he surely had the talent of getting on his nerves. Such a childish argument!
But,his devil already had rumbling laugher, holding his chalice, he cussed, 'In your dreams brat. Congratulations on your Royal wedding but I am already a happily married man, with my bride in my arms, I have no interest in eyeing up your stuffs. You rascal! While you will be announcing your wedding clicking pictures, and giving fake answers to the journalists. I will be lavishing my beautiful bride for real on our wedding night.'
However, he refrained from responding to him and smiled.
****
Anastasio chuckled remembering Nathenel's expression like an abandoned dog.
"What's the matter?" Evelyn enquired as she found him smiling by himself, which was surprising.
He shook his head, "just thinking about a lousy dog." Although confused, she refrained from asking any further.
The elevator that read 'private' engraved in golden letters.
Although there was enough room in the elevator, during this whole time Anastasio's arms were wrapped around her, making her stick to his side, teasing her with intermittent kisses, while she went on about her day.
"Then Noah hugged..."
"Did that punk hug you? Again?Evelyn, you aren't supposed to let your guard down in front of other men."
"He is a friend Sio."
"He is a man and I doubt if he sees you just as a friend."
Evelyn thanked her stars as the elevator stopped at just at the 20th floor.
They walked down a small corridor, there were only two doors with VIP labels. Anastasio walked up to one of them.
A pretty young lady stood with a pristine smile and crease-less uniform, almost like a wax statue.
"Welcome CEO Faunoa. Miss Betrice. " She greeted them with utmost professionalism.
"We are at your service, Please enjoy your stay."
"We have made the arrangements as per your instructions, shall we bring them?"
Anastasio nodded briefly, the thought of Noah hugging his woman, made him irate.
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