Chapter 78

There were always people who, failing to get close to Jonathan, would take the roundabout route—cozying up to Edward, whispering sweet nothings in his ear to gain favor. In front of me, though, he always acted like he was perched on some untouchable pedestal. The only time he ever showed an ounce of warmth was when he looked at Alicia. Naturally, I wasn't about to play along. I stood my ground and said, "If you've got something to say, say it right here." His face darkened, his breathing grew heavier—and suddenly, he clutched his chest and exhaled with a sharp groan. Everyone panicked. "Mr. Ford Senior! Are you alright?" "Someone call a doctor!" Mr. Guzman's face turned pale as a sheet. He turned to me, panicked and angry. "Elise! How could you upset Mr. Ford Senior like this?" What? Funny. Most of the time, it felt like he was only Alicia and Jonathan's family. What did he ever have to do with me? I stayed still. Edward shot me an icy glare as he struggled to catch his breat