SWNOVELS Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Rowan picked up his glass and took a polite sip of juice before he asked her, “How did your get in here?”
“Let’s not get into it, it was a whole production,” Karla waved her hand dismissively, looking thoroughly exhausted.
Glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention to them, Karla slid into the seat. beside Rowan and started to vent about the trials and tribulations of her journey. Her expressions were animated as she spoke, and Rowan watched her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, his whole demeanor relaxing.
Landon swirled his wine glass, deep in conversation with a group of French business associates, when his peripheral vision caught sight of Rowan in the corner. He had expected his son to be sitting alone, a solitary figure, but instead, he found him engaged in easy. conversation with a maid.
Landon prided himself on understanding his son–usually silent, a bit of a loner with a dark aura, rarely approaching others. Yet, here he was, chatting away with a stranger as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Landon couldn’t make out the woman’s face, as she had her back to him. Just as Landon was about to make his way over, someone called out to him. Weighing his options, he decided to turn and follow the caller instead.
With Landon gone, Karla let out a sigh of relief. She had been keeping an eye on Landon’s movements, ready to get up and leave at a moment’s notice if his gaze lingered on them too long. Thankfully, he didn’t come over.
“Is something wrong?” Rowan was oblivious.
Karla smiled, “It’s nothing.”
“May I sit here?” A smooth, polite voice cut through the air. Karla looked up to see a young man approaching with an affable smile. He addressed Rowan, but regardless of whether Rowan agreed, he had already taken the liberty of sitting down.
Karla appraised the newcomer. He was in his thirties, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that somehow still managed to look soft. His smile was warm and welcoming, the epitome of approachability, and he had the handsome looks that you could tell made him a favorite among the ladies.
Nicholas noticed Karla’s gaze on him, but he didn’t mind–it was something he was used to.
“You’re Rowan, right?” Nicholas kept his eyes friendly as he looked at Rowan.
Rowan remained silent, his face expressionless and icy.
Undeterred, Nicholas continued, “I’m Nicholas, a friend of your mother, Joana.”
Karla was taken aback. Nicholas? Was this the man Joana fancied? Rowan furrowed his brow, clearly aware of Nicholas‘ existence.
“I have a letter I’d like you to pass on to your mem. But you mustn’t let your dad see it. Would you be willing to help me?” Nicholas‘ tone was earnest, not condescending because of Rowan’s youth.
MIS
Rowan’s frown deepened, but before he could say anything, Karla interjected with a question for Nicholas, “What are you trying to do?”
“And you are?” Nicholas only now seemed to realize that Karla wasn’t just there to entertain
the child.
Karla, on guard, spoke with an undeniable authority, “I’m the one asking the questions. What are you trying to do?” Her experience interrogating suspects shone through, her presence imposing, clearly dominating the conversation.
Nicholas caught the change in Karla’s demeanor, from the warm, big sister next door to a commanding presence with just a tilt of her mouth and a hardening of her eyes.
Rowan noticed Nicholas‘ gaze lingering on Karla, and his expression soured. “Why should I help you?” he asked.
Nicholas turned back to Rowan, his expression slightly troubled. “Could we find a quieter place to talk?” he suggested. Nicholas knew he couldn’t keep Landon at bay for long.
Rowan instinctively looked to Karla, who met his gaze and read his intentions. Karla’s thoughts were a tangle. She wasn’t sure what role Nicholas played, what impact he might have on Rowan’s future, and whether she had the right to make decisions for him.
Rowan seemed inclined to go. He wanted to know what Nicholas was up to. After a moment’s hesitation, Karla simply said, “It’s your call.”
With that, Rowan followed Nicholas, and Karla trailed behind. After all, she was there to keep an eye on him.