The Marvelous Elijah’s Return

What do you want?

Even though the atmosphere of the Hayes mansion was calm, their expressions as the family sat around the table were anything but peaceful.

Slowly, Madam Jewel set her glass down, then looked up from her plate at everyone else sitting with her.

“Iris, honey… It’s been a while since you have stopped by the mansion… I hope your father is not still mad at Josh.” Madam Jewel said calmly.

“Well,” Iris mumbled, holding back her words.

“If he is, we can try to explain it to him and make amends. But in all honesty, Josh really didn’t know that Elijah was in a gang and had so many men to his name, you know? It wasn’t like Josh knew what he did for a living… He didn’t know he was a thug.”

“The thing is,”

A nervous look crossed Iris’s face as she darted glances around the table and back to her grandmother-in-law, letting out, “My dad is still upset… I tried talking to him, but he wouldn’t listen to anything that has Josh’s name in it.”

There was a brief pause as Iris remembered how disturbed her father had been lately and mumbled, “He also said I should stay away from Elijah and not meddle in you guys’ family matters anymore because I would be better off if I just minded my own business.” Silent settled among them, and shock covered every one of the faces at the table. The other members of the family glanced at each other, not wanting to believe Mr. Fangio would actually tell his daughter to stay away from Elijah, instead of taking revenge like they thought he would do.

‘First Mason and now, Fangio… If we don’t handle this mess soon, our family is going to lose great contacts because of that scumbag!’ Dean thought bitterly, trying to suppress his anger. Slowly, Josh clutched his fork and stabbed at his food, rage rising in him as his jaw started clenching.

eyes, Madam Jewel sighed, feeling her own sense of annoyance rise up. “Iris, my dear… Maybe I should speak with your father then since that

“Yes,” Amanda agreed immediately.

all of the eyes of the family to turn to her as she suddenly blurted out in frustration,

her head or what she actually

that has happened… my father would want to talk about it with you guys or about Elijah, so maybe it’s best we gave him time,”

shouldn’t say, while Mrs. Jewel looked like she was on the verge of losing her patience. Suddenly, Butler Gary walked into the dining room with his hands behind his back, bowing before saying, “Excuse me, Madam Jewel, Elijah, and Peach are here, requesting to meet you with a guy named Matt along with them.” Everyone’s mood

see him happy with another woman, especially not Peach. “Yes, madam.” Butler Gary replied, before turning around and

Peach and Elijah walked into the dining room, both wearing matching expressions of calmness on their face as they made their way toward the table with Matt,

Melina… So why recently? What is their relationship? How much does he know about Elijah?’ Elmer thought, studying Matt, standing by Elijah. It was clear from everyone’s expression that no one wanted them there, and yet, they all sat quietly, waiting for someone to break the silence first. Thinking about her last interaction with Peach two weeks ago and the embarrassment she felt then, Madam Jewel scowled at

and she eyed Elijah, feeling bad that he only came because of her and wondering what he was thinking. “I didn’t expect that everyone would be here,” Peach whispered, talking more to Elijah than the entire family. “I thought it was just going to be you here today, grand…ma.” “You two should sit,” Madarn Jewel

mumbled,” limm, I just came 10.. we came here because my mother

give you.”

or whatever,” Madam Jewel interrupted, her voice

her to wince and avert her stare as she thought, ‘It was stupid of us to overlook and disregard you when you were married to Melina, but this time around, we will learn from that mistake.’ “Mmm, okay…” Peach mumbled, giving Elijah a sideways glance, before

from her seat and looked Peach in her eyes, asking calmly, “Can

off guard, including Peach, and yet,