Chapter 24
Caleb has always been too talkative around Evelina.
They had just left the main dining area when he couldn't hold back a chuckle. "Evi, I was about to burst out laughing back there. Does that old schemer even know you've got ownership here?"
He was usually the epitome of chivalry, referring to every older woman as a "lovely lady." That courtesy didn't extend to Esme Barton, though, who he deliberately described with an added "old" to emphasize his disdain.
Evelina simply nodded, aware of the many things Esme didn't know about her.
Once they arrived at the Platinum Suite, Caleb lingered by the door while Evelina walked in.He then whispered something to the restaurant manager.
The manager appeared uncomfortable. "I'm not sure that's possible,sir..."
Caleb gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Just do as l say,and I'll handle the fallout." As the manager reluctantly departed, Caleb entered the suite, a mischievous grin on his face, and moved to lock the door.
He was trying to prevent Jasper from entering.
Evelina noticed. "Caleb?"
He coughed awkwardly and abandoned his scheme,opting to sit next to her instead.
She tousled his hair affectionately, a gesture from their childhood. "Don't you think you're too old to be playing these tricks?"
Caleb couldn't help but smile broadly. "No matter how old I get, I'll still be your little brother, Evi." ①
He harbored a wish to stay by Evelina's side forever,fearing the day someone might pull her away.
Evelina responded with a tone of endearment yet assertion, "Yes, you're my brother. The only one I'll ever have."
That response silenced him effectively. "Exactly what I needed to hear."
Rising from her seat, Evelina said, "I'm off to the restroom. Go ahead and order something light for us,will you?"
No sooner had Evelina left for the bathroom than Caleb pulled out his phone and dialed his cousin. "Hey,Damien, quick thing-what's Jasper Russell's least favorite dish?"
Recently reconnected with his aunt Vivienne Marsh-Damien's mother-Caleb enjoyed the affection of the Marsh famnily, being the sole heir to Vivienne's maternal lineage.
Damien sounded puzzled by the inquiry. "Jasper? He avoids spicy foods mostly.Why,you're dining with him?"
Then his tone turned sharp. "Listen, we Marshes aren't the type to back down-but even I wouldn't risk crossing Jasper Russell. That man's a storm waiting to happen."
If it were just his father they upset, maybe there would still be a way out. But messing with Jasper? That was a one-way road to nowhere.
The Marsh and Russell families had long been at odds,though they maintained a show of civility in public. A direct clash between them wasn't considered worth the potential damage.
"Understood, thanks, Damien," Caleb responded cheerily, ending the call. He then proceeded to fill their table with the spiciest food the menu offered.
Back in the car, Jasper had just finished a phone conversation with Florrie when lan called.
"Sir,concerning Caleb Quinn," lan said with caution."He presents a bit of a challenge. He's actually the long-lost nephew of Vivienne Marsh-yes,that Mrs.Marsh. For years, the Marsh family has been searching for their missing daughter, and Caleb is the only clue they have."
Years ago, during a hospital visit, Vivienne and her sister-in-law each had a child with them. A fire erupted,ensuing chaos, and both children disappeared.
After many years, the Marsh family finally located Caleb and are now deploying all their resources to find the girl.
lan added, "The family is extremely protective of him.They treat him like he's fragile."
This explained Caleb's bold demeanor; he had powerful support behind him.
Jasper responded coldly, "Then work out how to return him to the Marsh family."
While Jasper had no intention of causing Caleb harm,he preferred to keep him away from Evelina.
lan paused,uncertain. "Uh, sir... does this have to do with Ms. Marsh?"
Y
"Three days," Jasper said bluntly. "He goes back, or you're the one taking a flight."
With that, he disconnected the call.
lan released a long, despairing groan.