The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 59: Into the Lion’s Den

Chapter 59: Into the Lion’s Den

The family of four was stunned when they heard Erik angrily shout at Justin not to flirt with his sister-in-law.

"What is the commotion here?"

Grandpa Lee approached them. He was holding a rare narwhal walking stick with a Turk’s head handle and a spiraled section to the lower shaft. The silver-plated mount highlighted the intricate carvings on the upper shaft. Even a commoner like Aryana could tell how expensive the cane was.

"It is nothing, Grandpa," Erik replied casually.

"What are you waiting for, let’s have dinner."

Everyone went out to the brightly lit and well-decorated garden where tables and chairs had been set according to the number of family members. The sons and daughters of George were seated on his table according to the order when they were born.

Erik sat beside Aryana on the table for the family of Henry Lee.

"Brother, what do you mean earlier when you said that she is my sister-in-law?" Justin asked.

"What is not so clear about it? She is your sister-in-law." Erik said sternly.

Both Justin and Megan nodded. Aryana glanced at them but she could see that they did not take it seriously.

Erik was called by his grandfather to join him at their table to discuss business matters.

"I’ll be back," Erik whispered then he left.

Martha smirked.

"You have a pretty face no wonder you are able to seduce Erik, you shameless bitch." Martha’s voice was ruthless.

Aryana’s hand that was holding the spoon trembled. She breathed deeply to calm herself before answering gently. "I did not seduce Erik Mrs. Lee."

"Ha! Do you think you can fool me, you pretentious slut! You want Erik’s money right?" Martha was like a venomous snake that wanted to strike and bite her.

Aryana continued eating and treated Martha like air. Her nonchalant attitude irked Martha even more.

"Do you think Erik will love you? Dream on. There is only one woman that Erik loves." Martha continued with her monologue.

Aryana paused. Her eyelashes fluttered but she continued to eat as if she heard nothing.

Martha gritted her teeth.

Justin chuckled.

"I never thought that my sister-in-law is capable of angering my mom without doing anything." He looked at her with interest. The more he looked at her, the more that she looked beautiful in his eyes. The envy in his heart grew deeper.

’How am I different from Erik? How come he always gets the good stuff." He thought bitterly.

Megan looked at the three people sitting with her and continued to enjoy her meal as if nothing mattered to her except the food.

"Where do you work Aryana?" Justin asked in a charming tone.

Martha glared at him.

"I am a training assistant at Gaeya Corporation," Aryana answered casually.

Martha’s eyes bulged.

"Indeed you are capable. You have gotten yourself a position in the company. I guess no other company will accept you that’s why you climbed into Erik’s bed to get this position right?"

Aryana turned to look at Martha. Her gaze was piercing.

"Mrs. Lee, don’t go overboard. I did not speak earlier because I respect you as an elder and as Erik’s Mom. But please stop talking nonsense." Aryana gave her a smile that did not reach her eyes.

"You have the audacity to talk to me like that?" Martha spoke a bit too loud that it attracted people from other tables.

Aryana lowered her head and continued eating.

"Hello, Auntie and cousins. Long time no see. Sorry I am late. Looks like this is the only table with a vacant chair so I hope you don’t mind if I sit here." A pleasant deep voice startled Aryana. She thought that the voice sounded familiar. She looked at the man who took the seat beside her and asked the waiter to replace the plate and cutlery with new ones.

"You." Aryana blurted out. ’Is he a Lee?’ She thought to herself.

Jax was more shocked than Aryana.

"What are you doing here?" No matter how much he speculated he can’t think of a reason why Aryana was in the Lee patriarch’s private birthday gathering unless Erik brought her. But why would Erik do that?

"Cousin, big brother brought her here. She is his girlfriend." Megan said casually.

Jax was surprised then he looked at Aryana gloomily.

"Are you related to the Lees?" Aryana asked before Jax can say anything else.

"Sort of." He answered with a hint of melancholy in his voice.

"Hmp. So you also know this bastard. You are really capable." Martha snorted from the side. "Jax, your family’s table is over there. Why don’t you move there?" She harshly pointed to the table to their left.

Jax turned to look in the direction she pointed and smiled smugly.

"Don’t worry Auntie, I’ll definitely greet my father later after I have my fill. I am starving." Jax said nonchalantly.

"Jax, how are you related to Erik?" She asked Jax in a soft voice.

"He is Uncle Jaime’s son from his mistress." Justin volunteered the information for her.

"I see." Aryana hummed softly.

"What now. Are you also looking down at me because of my status?" Jax’s sarcastic tone caught Aryana off guard.

"No. What right do I have to judge someone else?" She looked at Jax with her clear bright eyes. She actually pitied him. Based on her observation, Jax was not liked by his family at all.

Jax leaned to her and whispered softly.

"I don’t know what is on Erik’s mind to bring you here. But one thing I am sure of is he found a beautiful pawn and brought her straight into the lion’s den."

Aryana stiffened before leaning away from him. Of course, she knew what Erik’s motive was, to be his shield and to spite his father. He was honest with Aryana so she doesn’t have any grievances at all.

"Mr. Cuenca you are invading my personal space. Please mind yourself." Aryana said coldly.

Jax lifted both his hands in the air and straightened his body.

"I am not an enemy Aryana. In this family, you need an ally. I can be that ally." He lowered his voice so only Aryana heard him. He smiled meaningfully. His gaze lingered on her ring finger.

"What beautiful engagement and wedding rings you have there Aryana. The last time I saw you at the company banquet your ring finger is still empty. Poor me I was too slow. Haven’t expected Erik to move so fast." He sighed.

Aryana glanced at her hand and looked at Jax and smiled at him. Jax was mesmerized by that smile especially when the tiny dimples appeared making her look even more charming.

Jax suddenly felt a chill on his back. He looked back and saw Erik sitting beside his grandfather and throwing daggers at him with his stare. He cast a furtive glance at Aryana before raising the champagne glass in his hand towards Erik then downed the contents in one go.

***

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