Page 36 of Tales of Fire and Embers

I did not know if Jonathan felt attacked because of this or held a dash of jealousy at Rhylan’s invitation to stay with us, because he quickly retorted. “At least you have heard of us, which is something I cannot say about you.” Satisfied, he grabbed his wine glass and took a victory sip.

Looking back, I could not understand how I’d possibly been with him. We met when I visited their firm at my father’s suggestion to get more acquainted with the team and brainstorm a few ideas, which he blatantly rejected and made me feel incompetent and awkward. Only to then stop me on my way to the elevator and ask me out for coffee, to discuss more about those dreadful ideas. One coffee led to another, then to dinner and when dad found out we'd had dinner together, he insisted on inviting him over to the house. He got along with Erik so he kept coming and all of a sudden we were dating. I’m still not sure if the double dates we kept having with my brother and whatever girl he invited that particular day kept us together, because as soon as Erik passed, I realised I felt nothing towards my wannabe fiancée.

When I broke things off, he made a huge scandal about a wedding ring he had prepared and how he asked my father’s hand in marriage, how both our families loved our union, and urged me to think of the damage I was causing to an already damaged family.

Then I went to Evigt, met Ansgar, and never thought about him again. He still popped in from time to time with business excuses, but I almost always made sure to make my presence scarce when he was around.

“I do not feel the need to prove my manhood by shouting my name every time I do business,” Rhylan’s words pulled me to the present. He also added, “Nor do I own a brand that requires me to do so.” And I knew that was to my dad’s benefit.

“Really?” Jonathan asked. “Is that what your vast experience taught you? How many businesses do you own, Rhylan?”

My dad wanted to interject, but Rhylan made a gesture to tell him there was no need and continued. “At the moment, I own five, though after investing in Anwen’s, it would be my honour to add a sixth.”

“Are they small shops in Europe we haven’t heard of?” My ex grinned like an idiot, but the entire table quieted and I realised everyone was curious about Rhylan’s business. Even I had an interest to know what lies he would spin this time.

“I own Meldan’s, Harriet’s, and TGX,” he said and all our jaws dropped. They were huge stock companies that made millions a day and were famous all around the world for their immense growth and acquisition techniques. “If you want something more generic, then Larry Mex and Bretnum,” Rhylan raised his shoulders as though owning a huge fashion enterprise and an automobile manufacturer was as easy as a stroll in the park.

Even dad struggled to swallow his drink. “We are very proud of our daughter for finding such a diverse investor, I am sure she will benefit from your knowledge, '' he finally said.

Jonathan kept his mouth shut for the remainder of the evening and only spoke when needed to or when someone asked him a direct question.

As soon as Rhylan mentioned all his companies, which probably made him a thousand times wealthier than anyone sitting at the table, the entire mood shifted and everyone was ready to bow to his will. A lot of unnecessary flattering, silly questions to boost his ego and appraisals of his business model replaced what was supposed to be a formal dinner.

I was glad that I did not have to speak too much since Rhylan enjoyed the attention and answered all kinds of questions about how we met and what our plans for the future involved. While he bragged about his imaginary life, I enjoyed two courses and a dessert, along with two glasses of wine.

The evening lasted longer than any of us had planned, everyone remained delighted by Rhylan’s presence and they kept asking him questions and talking until the late hours of the night. I couldn’t take it any longer and faked a few yawns, preparing an excuse to get back to my room at the earliest opportunity.

Finally, when mom and dad were busy sharing a honeymoon story, I quickly excused myself and headed to the door, but Jonathan stood as well and intercepted me on my way out.

“Anwen, wait,” I heard his voice and stopped, even though I really wanted to ignore him and move on.

“Yes, Jonathan?” I said with a tired tone of voice, trying to relate my sleepiness to him.

“I just—” he paused, surprised by my attitude, “wanted to know how you were,” he stopped and looked at me questioningly.

“I’m fine,” I replied quickly, “Thank you for asking,” and headed towards the stairs. Jonathan hurried his step and grabbed my wrist, much to my annoyance. I pulled back and snatched it away, making my bones crack with the sudden movement.

“You said you weren’t ready, you said you didn't want to date and now I find you bringing a guy home?”

He didn't have a long time to huff his discontent, because Rhylan appeared through the door and shoved my ex out of the way and into the nearby wall. “If you ever lay a hand on her again, I will cut it off,” he threatened and I realised he had seen Jonathan grab me.

“It’s fine.” It was my turn to grab something, in this case, Rhylan’s hand to stop him from harming Jonathan or do something crazy, like reveal his power.

“I’m fine,” I repeated and he finally turned from my ex towards me. The rage piercing through his gaze dissipated into softness at the sight of me.

“Please, let’s go upstairs,” he pleaded and I did not protest, only turned and started climbing the stairs. His steps followed behind, letting me know he was guarding my back. They followed slowly, giving me space but close enough to know he was there. Rhylan trailed me until we reached my room and I turned to him. I didn't know what to say, what to do, so I mumbled a thank you.

“You didn’t have to fake all that, but thank you for the business slap show you offered tonight,” I said sincerely, struggling to catch a few strands that escaped my bun and arrange them somewhere behind my ear, hoping they would find their own way.

“I didn’t,” he replied, blinking slowly while his gaze extended across my body.

“Do you really expect me to believe you own all those companies when you forced me to bring you to my house so you can enjoy a certain lifestyle?” I huffed.

“Princess, daddy’s been busy in the past seventy years and I got bored, so I made sure I lived comfortably whenever I actually got the time to go on holiday,” Rhylan smirked proudly and those eyes—nope, Anwen, focus.

“I hate myself for saying this, but Ansgar is a big improvement on this guy,” I heard him speak all of a sudden.

My eyes widened, I expected him to say anything but that. It was the first time he spoke about Ansgar without a mocking attitude or an insulting nickname for him or his kind. I nodded again, unable to find a reply.

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