Chapter 9: FAMILY DINNER
-Levi POV-
"So it was you. The reason he works here is because of you." Knowing the truth, I gave him my death glare.
"Yeah, and all I have to say is that I'll be working there too, so wait for me." Louis smirked. I make my steps towards him, ready to punch him if he dares to say another word.
"Btw, It disappoints me that you just realised it later, considering you are the smartest. It seems like you must be really in love with him, even though my true intention was to use him as a weapon to bring you down. However, you have only improved over time. Well, it doesn't matter to me anymore, I can still use him for another purpose." He said it without even feeling guilty, and he looked at me with his evil smile.
I couldn't hold it any longer. He dares to use the person I love. I grab his collar and punch him in the face. Before I could punch him more, his words made me stop.
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to beat me here, brother. You don't want your beloved Mr. Auclair to see you beat me if he doesn't leave yet, right? And more importantly, we have family dinner tonight." He smirked. If he's not my blood relative, I would kill him right here and now. I released his collar in a harsh way and left my office. Mr. Auclair has already left his office.
-Ackerman Family Residence-
"Young master Levi and young master Louis are here." The maid said once Louis and I entered the dining hall. Everyone is here, including Lauren's family, Uncle Miller and Luke. Is there something important happening tonight? I took my seat at the front, the one closest to my grandfather.
"You're late, Levi." Grandfather spoke. I haven't seen my grandfather in two weeks.
"I'm sorry, grandfather, there was a traffic jam." I said it politely, and he just smiled.
In this family, only my grandfather and my late mother treat me with love. They never once scolded me or laid a hand on me. As for the others, they mainly treat me well because of my abilities. Well, I'm used to it, and I never care. In fact, they all need to respect me, even if they don't want to.
I looked at all the people at the table and noticed one unfamiliar face. A guy with blonde hair and blue eyes is sitting beside Laura. I know him. Dylan Moore is a well-known actor, model, and director at Moore Entertainment Company, which his father, Declan Moore, owns. Moore Entertainment is one of the biggest entertainment companies in the US. I guess I'm right. There might be something tonight.
"I've been looking at everyone earlier, actually, there is a new face tonight! Who are you?" Louis spoke excitedly while pointing at Dylan.
"Louis, quiet." Grandfather warned Louis about making a fuss. Serve you right, brat.
"Dylan Moore, the famous actor and model, is it? So, why are you here?" Everyone looks at me as I speak to him. Who cares? I can ask for everything I want.
"As expected from my brother, he knows everyone in this world." Louis spoke again, making my grandfather glare at him.
"It's because Levi is not an ignorant kid like you." This time, it's Lauren speaking. She glares at Louis. Tch, these two brats.
"What did you say? Don't forget that I am even smarter than you!" Louis raised his voice. What a mess.
"Enough both of you! We have a guest here, please be respectful." Grandfather also raised his voice. Of course, he needs to protect the Ackerman Family name.
"I'm sorry, grandfather." Lauren said in hushed tones while staring at Louis, who was not even apologising.
"Dylan Moore is the son of Chairman Moore, the owner of the Moore Entertainment Company in the United States. The reason he's here is because he will be a part of our family soon as Laura's husband." Grandfather spoke calmly. Everyone was shocked, including me.
I look at Lauren, making the sign as if I'm asking, "Did you know this was coming?" and then she just replies by shaking her head. I thought she didn't know.
"Wasn't that unexpected? So, what's the reason of this sudden marriage? Is it an arranged marriage because of business or a love marriage?" My aunt, Kimberly Ackerman, spoke. The reason she asked like that is because she is also married to David Miller because of the family business. Like my parents, but unlike my parents, Aunty Kimberly gradually accepts Uncle David, and they are now happy together.
"No, that's not it. I love Laura with all of my heart! We love each other!" Dylan suddenly stood up and spoke, making all eyes look at him, and I could see Laura's face turning red. Yes, they are serious about each other. Unlike Lauren, Laura is a shy person, which is why people found it hard to believe when she said she was going to get married.
"Well, that's good, then. Don't you think, Levi?" Aunt Kimberly looks at me, waiting for my answer. Honestly speaking, she respects me more than she did my grandfather.
"I agree with you, Aunty Kimberly. Since my grandfather already approved, why wouldn't I? But you know, if things go wrong, you know the consequences, right?" I look at Dylan straight in the eyes, as if I'm giving him a warning. Laura is my cousin, and of course I wanted the best for her too.
"I promise to take good care of Laura." He said this while looking me in the eyes with confidence. Laura did find someone who was compatible with her.
"When will the wedding take place?" I asked, holding the glass of apple juice, and drank it after that.
"3 months from now." Grandfather answered my question.
"Wow, that was fast." I rested my chin on my palm.
"Your grandfather insisted that since our family company's new hotel will be finished in three months, he wanted Laura's wedding to be held there." This time, Uncle Kenny answered my question.
"So, how did the two of you know each other? Sis Laura is really a shy girl, you know. How did you manage to win her heart?" Lucy asked excitedly, making both Laura and Dylan blush.
"Since I'm your sister, I wanted to know that also." Lauren also spoke out. Wow, Lauren rarely spoke during family gatherings.
"Ahem. Let's save that story for later, shall we? Let's eat first, the food is going to get cold." Before anyone else could speak, I quickly interjected because I noticed that Aunty Kimberly was about to say something but hesitated when I spoke. If my grandfather doesn't say anything, I'm the second in command in this house.
They will listen. That shows how influential I am in this family. My father? He simply remained silent from the beginning.
Then I look at Lauren and Louis, who are still glaring at each other. Something else could happen after this. No, it will obviously happen.
TO BE CONTINUED…