Claimed by My First Love’s Brother Novel

Chapter 16 Going to the Gala I looked up , surprised , and right into Reynaldo's cold eyes . My heart tightened . " Uh … What's up now ? " I asked carefully . Reynaldo squinted his sharp eyes and leaned in . " I get the vibe that you're kinda into this gala . You didn't actually sign up , did you ? " " N - No … " I shook my head , sounding sure . He let out a cold hum . " Good . That's not a place for you . " I was totally confused . It was just a dance gala . Why couldn't I go ?

But I didn't dare ask anymore right then . After Reynaldo warned me , he got another call . It was probably from his crush . He walked over to the window while he answered , and his voice was soft and sweet . I watched him , and I couldn't help feeling a little jealous . He had never talked to me like that . I didn't want to listen to him being all lovey - dovey with his crush , so I went to the bathroom .

From there , I could faintly hear Reynaldo telling his crush that he had got a business trip to Steelville tomorrow . So there was no way he was gonna make it to that gala tomorrow . Thinking about it , I finally felt at ease . I figured that after Reynaldo talked to his crush , he'd go right over to see her . But when I came out of the bathroom , he was still in the room .

He was leaning against the window , smoking , and staring off into the distance with a faraway look in his eyes , like he was thinking about something serious . I didn't want to interrupt him , so I tiptoed over to the bed . " Come here ! " Reynaldo's voice , cool and steady , stopped me in my tracks . I paused , then turned around and walked over to him , doing what he said . When I got close , he reached out , wrapped his arm around my waist , and pulled me into a hug .

The smell of tobacco was in the air . I looked at him . I don't know if it was my imagination , but I thought I saw a little bit of sadness in his eyes . For a moment , he seemed like the old , quiet , and gentle Reynaldo again . He looked at me without saying anything . His eyes were focused and deep , almost like he was feeling something strong . Chapter 16 Going to the Ga 11 If I didn't know he had a thing for his crush , I'd almost think he liked me .

After I got myself together , I grinned at him and asked , " What's the matter ? Did you have a fight with your crush ? " Reynaldo frowned , and the gloomy look in his eyes disappeared right away . His gaze turned sharp and intense . He snorted , " I wouldn't fight with her , no way . " " Oh , " I replied casually , but I felt a bit off inside . Winston was right . Reynaldo's crush was special to him .

" I'm heading to Steelville on a business trip first thing tomorrow , " he said out of the blue . I nodded and asked , just to be polite , " How long are you gonna be gone ? " " How long do you want me to be there ? " he shot back , staring at me with those deep eyes . My heart started pounding uncontrollably . I looked away and smiled , " You should stay as long as you need . You gotta finish your work before you come back , right ? " He let out a sudden , cold laugh .

" You seem like you'd be happy if I stayed longer , like you'd love it if I never came back , right ? " " Of course not ! " See , he got suspicious again . Reynaldo pushed me away with a cold shrug . " Pack up . You're coming with me to Steelville tomorrow morning . " Chapter 16 Going to " What ? " I was caught off guard and quickly refused , " I … I don't wanna go . " " What ?

" Reynaldo gave me a sideways look , his eyes cold and a little intimidating I stammered , " Steelville is so far away . I… I haven't been feeling great lately . I shouldn't be traveling . " If you're bored on the trip , you could always bring your crush along . " I had no clue what I said that ticked him off , but his face darkened all of a sudden . I backed up a couple of steps and watched him carefully . " Don't get mad . I really don't wanna go to Steelville .

" I had got that gala to go to tomorrow and the 500 thousand dollars to earn . No way I was going to Steelville with him . Reynaldo took slow puffs of his cigarette , staring at me with cold eyes for a good minute . I wrung my hands nervously and didn't dare say another word . When the cigarette burned out , he stubbed it out and said indifferently , " Fine , forget it if you don't wanna go . " I let out a sigh of relief . He straightened up and walked outside .

As he passed me , he glanced at me and said in a cool tone , " While I'm gone , you'd better behave yourself and not do anything to make me angry . " Chapter 15 - Going to the Gala " Yeah , I definitely will , " I promised firmly . Without another look at me , he walked right out .. Reynaldo was probably still mad because he stayed in his study the whole night . Madisyn made some mushroom soup and asked me to take it to him .

I figured it couldn't hurt to try to butter him up , so I brought the soup over with a big smile . But he didn't even look at me . When I told him to eat it while it was hot , he ignored me . After I went back to my room and got into bed , I couldn't sleep . My mind kept flashing back to all the times I used to boss Reynaldo around . Back then , he'd try to make me happy and be super nice , but I never even looked at him . Now that he was treating me this way , I guess I deserved it .

When I woke up the next day , Reynaldo was already gone . Madisyn said I didn't have a heart . I knew Reynaldo was leaving early for a business trip but didn't get up to see him off . She also said Reynaldo looked kind of upset when he left . She thought he would've been happy if I had seen him off . But I thought Madisyn was reading too much into it . I wasn't Reynaldo's crush . He'd only be happy if his crush saw him off .

Chapter 16 Going to the Gala If I tried to see him off , it would only make things more awkward . In the afternoon , I texted Johnathan , asking if I needed to prepare my own . outfit and look for the dance . He said it wasn't necessary . Everything would be taken care of . I just needed to tell him the name of the dance I was going to perform . Time flew by , and before I knew it , it was already evening . The gala started at seven , but we had to get there two hours early .

When I got there , the backstage was crowded . Everyone was pretty . I had to say , Johnathan and his crew knew how to pick them . There were so many people that I couldn't even find a place to sit , let alone have a personal makeup artist or stylist . Maybe because he remembered some old times , Johnathan called me over to a separate dressing room shortly after I arrived . As I walked behind Johnathan , I heard some people talking behind my back . But whatever , gossip couldn't hurt me .

My goal was 500 thousand dollars , and no amount of gossip was gonna stop me . As I walked into the dressing room , Johnathan looked at me and smiled , " I didn't think you'd actually show up . " I chuckled . " Well , since I signed up , of course I'm here . " " Did Reynaldo know about this ? " " Why tell him ? Also , don't mention it to him . It's just for tonight . No need to make a big deal out of it . " Johnathan lowered his head and lit a cigarette .

After taking a drag , he smiled , " You're here for the 500 thousand dollars , right ? " I tilted my head and looked at him . " Come on , isn't everyone here for it ? " He nodded with a smile . " Actually , you didn't have to come . You could've just asked Reynaldo directly . He's generous . If you asked , he'd give your way more than 500 thousand dollars . " Huh ! I didn't like the sound of that . I could earn money on my own . Why did I need to ask Reynaldo ?

Besides , he didn't owe me anything . I replied casually , " Where's the costume ? I'll get changed first . " Johnathan gave me a long look and smiled , like he was thinking something but not saying it .