Falling for my ex’s uncle novel

Chapter 138 Rosemary , eat more .

Youve lost weight these past few days .

Austin picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Rosemarys bowl , his face showing no hint of panic .

It was as if he believed I hadnt seen what I had .

Or even if I had , what could I possibly do about it ? After all , everyone at the table knew that although Austin and Rosemary werent related by blood , their bond was stronger than that of most siblings .

Even if I exposed what Id witnessed , no one would believe me .

Most likely , Austin would twist the truth , accusing me of harboring resentment over our breakup and trying to tarnish their pure sibling relationship out of spite .

I wasnt about to create trouble for myself .

In fact , Id prefer if they stayed tangled up in their sordid little affair .

Maybe one day , I could even give Amanda a surprise revelation .

With Rosemarys possessive nature , there was no way she would sit back and watch another woman steal the brother who doted on her .

After the elderly couple finished their meal , they left the table.

The moment they were gone , the dining room fell into a brief silence .

I nearly laughed out loud .

So the harmonious family scene had been just for show .

This family was really funny ..

Alex .

Moms health isnt great .

You should be more understanding .

Shes only looking out for you .

Kayden spoke with the tone of someone offering heartfelt advice .

Alex looked at him with a faint smile .

Youre right , Kayden .

But if I recall correctly , didnt you run away a month before marrying Amanda ? It was Aloysius who had to send people to drag you back .

The room plunged into dead silence .

If I knew Amanda at all , she should have exploded by now , demanding answers from her husband .

But she sat quietly , her expression calm .

I couldnt believe shed suddenly found patience .

The only explanation was that shed known all along that Kayden had never loved her .

Austin had never mentioned his parents relationship troubles to me , but Id always noticed that Kayden preferred fishing , playing sports , or sipping tea alone rather than spending time with Amanda .

They maintained a courteous facade , but the distance between them was obvious .

When they stood together , it was impossible to tell that they were a couple .

Now I finally understood why Amanda disliked me so much and thought Austin treated me well .

It was because her marriage was miserable , and she couldnt stand seeing anyone else happy , not even her son .

Kayden glanced at Alex , his face betraying no anger .

Instead , he raised an eyebrow and chuckled .

That was just youthful foolishness .

Look at us now .

Havent Amanda and I built a good life together ? Indeed , Kayden , youre lucky .

Ever since you married Amanda , youve lived a carefree life , with no worries to weigh you down .

Alex sighed , his voice tinged with mock regret .

He added , I dont have your freedom .

I have endless responsibilities … At least I need one thing in my life to bring me peace .

1/3 Chapter 138 Otherwise , how could I ever feel balanced ? 1 froze for a moment .

Alex was truly something else .

He could deliver a devastating insult without a single vulgar word , cutting straight to the heart .

His message was clear .

Kayden had no burdens in life except for marrying Amanda .

While Alex juggled countless tasks , making it only fair for him to choose a wife who made him happy .

Now he resisted against his parents , but it was no big deal to him .

Kayden merely smiled , raising his tiny wine glass and draining it in one gulp .

The glass was so small , he could probably drink dozens without feeling a thing .

Alex , Kayden is just worried youll upset Mom .

It wouldnt be good if it caused a rift .

Celine Herrera , Alexs sixth sister , spoke up , trying to smooth things over .

It seemed that everyone at the table had caught the veiled sarcasm in Alexs tone .

Celine , you make it sound like Mom and I have a terrible relationship .

Since when do a mother and sonhold grudges overnight ? Alex forced a smile , one that didnt reach his eyes .

He continued , Its rare for us all to gather like this .

Strange that your husband isnt here .

Is he out of the country again ? What a coincidence .

He always seems to be missing these little family reunions .

The room instantly fell silent .

Some of the younger ones even took a deep breath and quickly lowered their heads , afraid that this invisible battlefield would somehow drag them in .

It was terrifying .

I finally understood why Austin had always been wary of Alex .

This guy had a razor sharp tongue , capable of slicing through someones pride with a smile .

It seemed that I should speak less in front of him .

No need to dig my own grave .

Trying to play mind games with him would be as foolish as wielding a blade in front of a master swordsman .

Celine was caught completely off guard by Alexs retort and found herself momentarily speechless .

She looked pitiful , but honestly , she had it coming .

If she didnt have the skill to mediate , she shouldnt have tried in the first place .

Now she was left to swallow the humiliation .

in silence .

After witnessing the interaction at the table , I saw things more clearly .

The Herrera familys influence in Newton City had a lot to do with their children , who played a major role in securing resources and connections .

Using their own children to strengthen their power was a profitable deal .

But it seemed like most of the older siblings marriages were far from happy .

Aside from Aloysius and Linda , who seemed to have a decent relationship , the rest of them barely got by .

Rosemary , can you pass me the shrimp ? I want some .

A soft , sweet voice suddenly cut through the silence , easing the tension in the room .

I looked up and saw Wanda , the young girl sitting beside Linda .

She was Aloysius and Lindas youngest daughter , barely ten years old .

She was a beautiful child , especially her eyes , which bore a striking resemblance to her fathers .

Even the way she furrowed her brows was just like him .

2/3 17:44 Mon , 17 Mar Chapter 138 3 Suddenly , my heart skipped a beat , Looking at Wanda , I couldnt help but recall a photo Rosemary and Austin had taken together .

Something about it had always felt off .

Now , I finally understood why .

But how could such a thing even be possible ? Rosemary handed the plate of shrimp to Wanda , who smiled sweetly and said , Thank you .

Rosemary , werent you at the Hill familys estate with Juliet ? How is she doing ? Linda asked casually .

As expected , Linda had a way of shifting the conversation so seamlessly that no one even noticed the change .

Rosemary sighed .

She had a high fever for several days .

I only left once it finally broke .

Oh dear , she caught a cold ? Are you feeling alright ? Lindas voice carried an unmistakable hint of disdain .

No , the doctor said Juliet wasnt sick .

She was just in shock .

Thats why her fever wouldnt go down , Rosemary quickly explained .

Ivan still hasnt returned after running away ? Linda raised her brows in surprise .

I was stunned .

Leave home ? I smirked .

So Ivan had been keeping things from me after all .

E