Chapter 102 Oriana’s eyes welled up, and tears began to cascade down her cheeks, a picture of utter distress. Keaton, with a dark expression clouding his face, made his way towards Oriana, but before he could reach her… “Stop right there!” Jessamine’s sharp voice cut through the air. It was then that Keaton realized his older sister was also present. He was taken aback and quickly mustered an apologetic grin. “Jessamine, what are you doing here?” “First, you’re going to explain to me what the deal is with this woman.” Without hesitation, Keaton owned up, “She’s my girlfriend.” “Your girlfriend? Have you lost your mind, or did you donate your eyes to charity? You’re picking up random chicks off the street now! What, are you running a junkyard?” “Come on… let’s talk this out. Why the anger? It’s not good for your health; it’ll make you age faster.” “Shut it! If Mom and Dad were here, they’d be furious! We Hubers may not care about family background when it comes to choosing a spouse, but we insist on integrity and kindness. And look at what you’ve brought home? Her friends have already started pointing fingers and hurling insults at me. What’s next? Fisticuffs once she’s through the door? I might not be important, but the Huber family’s reputation is. She’s already throwing her weight around now; imagine the havoc she’ll wreak once she’s part of the family…” “That’s nonsense. You’re the most important.” “Cut the slick talk! You’re not getting any younger. I told you to settle down and find a decent wife, but you’d rather hang around these no–good women. You’re a disgrace! A real disgrace!” Jessamine, unable to contain her fury, landed two slaps across Keaton’s face. Keaton, awkwardly wishing he could sink into the ground, could only try to cajole Jessamine. “Come on, give me some credit here. I am your brother, after all.” “If you weren’t, I’d have had you thrown into the river by now!” Keaton’s mouth twitched in discomfort. “Let’s talk this through. What’s the problem? Did Oriana upset you?” Jessamine ignored him, turning instead to Elysia. “Ms. Thorne, what exactly happened here? Don’t be afraid of them: I’ve got your back. Speak freely.” Only then did Keaton notice Elysia, his eyes narrowing slightly as a look of intrigue flitted across his face. “Well, well, Ms. Thome, fancy seeing you here.” Elysia was speechless. She hadn’t expected the woman’s backup to be Keaton! She didn’t know Keaton personally, but she was aware of who he was. Just last night at the Jinpeach Restaurant, she had stumbled into a private room while trying to avoid Gage. He was there with Tarquin… Considering they knew each other, Elysia immediately frowned, her distaste for Keaton apparent. Keaton noticed her reaction and with a puppy–dog look, said innocently. “Ms. Thome, don’t be so hostile. Even though Oriana is my girlfriend, I promise I won’t take sides. Just tell your story.” Jessamine saw her brother grinning at Elysia and scolded him. “Move aside, and keep your distance from Ms. Thorne. Not every woman falls for your charm, and Ms. Thorne is definitely not interested.” Keaton was speechless. 1/2 09:38 Was there any other sister in the world who thought her brother wasn’t good enough for a married woman with children? “Ms. Thome, go ahead,” Jessamine encouraged her. Elysia steadied herself and recounted the events that had unfolded earlier. Jessamine was livid. “Just as I thought, a piece of work who thinks too highly of herself.” She turned her wrath on Keaton, “She’s using your influence to bully others, and you’re aiding and abetting hert What’s your solution? If you don’t make this right for Ms. Thorne today. I swear I’ll thrash you myself!”