That evening, four men who hadn’t seen each other in a long time gathered at Eric Kendall’s newly opened bar.

Looking around at the bar, Jonah Spencer remarked, "Not bad! It looks like you’ve started getting serious about business lately."

Eric Kendall chuckled. "With all of your careers taking off, I can’t just be content with being left in the dust!"

Mason Lawson picked up his wine glass, took a sip of red wine, and said nonchalantly, "Eric, did something happen to you? I feel like you’re not yourself anymore."

Hamilton Hale quickly chimed in, "Right, right, I get that feeling too. I heard you got Crimson Spring Resort up and running again after it reopened, and now this bar’s business is booming right after its grand opening. You used to say you didn’t have a head for business, but I’m not so sure that’s true!"

Jonah Spencer laughed and joked, "Don’t tell me you’re Eric’s long-lost twin brother or something."

Hamilton Hale nearly burst out laughing. Even though Mason Lawson was in a bad mood, he couldn’t help but crack a small smile at Jonah’s remark.

After taking the teasing from his friends, Eric Kendall spoke, a hidden meaning in his voice. "This is just the beginning. What I want... is everything the Kendall Family has."

When he finished, the other three men exchanged glances. They all felt that Eric had changed a lot during their time apart, but none of them could figure out why.

Jonah Spencer was sitting next to Mason Lawson. He lowered his voice and asked, "What’s really gotten into Eric? Whenever we used to hang out, wouldn’t he have a woman on each arm? How come there isn’t a single one here today?"

Mason Lawson shook his head. "I guess... something must have really gotten to him."

Jonah Spencer shot him a look. "Speaking of which, it looks like something’s gotten to you, too. You’ve either been scowling or completely out of it since you got here. What’s wrong? Now that both women are in town, finding it hard to choose? Want us to offer some advice?"

Mason instinctively furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?"

Jonah Spencer asked in surprise, "You didn’t know? Joanna Sullivan opened a dance studio here in Rivaster."

Mason paused for a second, then said dismissively, "I think I heard something about that. So what? What does this have to do with Eve Vaughn?"

Jonah Spencer explained, "Apparently, Mia Kendall was taking dance lessons and happened to sign up with Joanna Sullivan. I heard she paid fifty thousand. Later, she must have found out about Joanna’s connection to you and wanted to quit, but Joanna refused to refund the money. So, wouldn’t you know it, Eve Vaughn brought her to me this morning, asking me for help. But I figured it’s only a matter of forty or fifty thousand, not worth my time to get involved, so I just sent them on their way."

Mason’s gaze darkened, and his grip on his wine glass tightened unconsciously.

’No wonder that girl, Eve, has been so awkward with me lately.’

’So that’s what the problem was.’

’Joanna must have said something to her to make that silly girl lose her composure like this!’

Jonah Spencer said gossipily, "I hear that with Julian’s wedding coming up, Old Mr. Lawson is coming back from overseas. How long are you planning to keep Eve Vaughn stashed away? If your grandfather finds out you’re involved with Julian’s ex-girlfriend, you and Eve Vaughn are both totally screwed!"

Mason’s frown deepened, and it was a long time before his brow smoothed out again.

Jonah seemed to realize something. "Don’t tell me you’re actually planning on marrying Eve Vaughn? Your grandfather didn’t even approve of Joanna Sullivan’s family background back in the day, let alone Eve’s. He’s grooming you to be the heir right now. There’s no way he’ll let you marry her. Mason, you need to think this through. Don’t throw away the entire Lawson Family over Eve Vaughn."

Mason shot him a look. "You’ve said all this. Do you have a solution in mind?"

Before Jonah could even open his mouth, Eric cut in from the side, "What else is there to do? Just keep her on the side. As long as you keep her out of the spotlight like you are now and don’t cause a big scene, I doubt Old Mr. Lawson will say much. In families like ours, who doesn’t have someone tucked away on the side? Mason isn’t stupid enough to give up his bright future for some little girl!"

Only Hamilton Hale remained silent, listening quietly to their discussion. For some reason, a heavy feeling settled in his chest.

Later, before their get-together was over, Mason left early. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Eric Kendall and Jonah Spencer exchanged knowing smiles, as if wondering whether he had gone to find Joanna Sullivan or Eve Vaughn.