Chapter 798
798 Chapter 797
Keira stared speechlessly at Jenkins and Erin in front of her. Then, she held up her fingers and began to count. "So, let me get this straight. Each of you is marrying someone from my family just to forge alliances and secure the upper hand economically, right? Seven brothers, and between the two of you, you've already claimed two of them. Should I be worried about what will happen when my other brothers start bringing home their girlfriends?"
Erin chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Anyone who comes to Crera with a name that includes 'South' is definitely going to be tied to our family. So, if future girlfriends have 'South' in their names, you can bet they're from our family, too."
Keira just sighed. She was beginning to feel a little sorry for her brothers. Were they destined to be used as pawns in the South family's alliance schemes? Did they really not deserve a chance at their own love stories?
Just as she was about to voice her thoughts, Erin blinked at her and declared, "Don't look at me. I genuinely love Charles! He's so sweet and innocent; I would never take advantage of him! Plus, don't worry—I would never make him choose between you and me. After all, you're my little sidekick, aren't you? We're on the same team here."
After that, Erin glanced at Jenkins.
Jenkins looked away with a neutral expression.
Erin's curiosity got the best of her. "So, why did you accept Peter? From the beginning, when you saved him, were you just using him?"
Jenkins hesitated, saying nothing. Erin quickly turned toward the person standing behind them. "Peter, did you hear that? She's been using you from the start!"
Jenkins's body froze in shock. She turned around abruptly and saw Peter standing there, staring back at her in utter disbelief, clearly shaken by what he had overheard. What were they talking about? Was it true that Jenkins had orchestrated everything from rescuing him to everything that followed?
As Peter thought back on all the time he'd spent chasing after Jenkins and the strong bond they'd formed, a wave of hurt and denial swept over him. He stared at Jenkins, the question heavy in his voice. "Is what they're saying true?"
Jenkins opened her mouth, searching for words, but nothing came out. In truth, her relationship with Peter had started with ulterior motives.
Suddenly, Peter rushed forward and grabbed her shoulders. "Say something! Just tell me it isn't true, and I'll believe you! Jenkins, I know there's something real between us!"
Jenkins clenched her fists. "I do care about you, Peter. But would you be willing to stand against your sister for my sake?"
Peter took a stunned step back, staring at her, his eyes filled with shock.
Jenkins managed a pained smile. There was a kind of stubborn resilience about her that was almost heartbreaking. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
She stood tall. "I don't know how much of that conversation you heard, but let me explain. Your sister, Erin, and I—we're rivals. I need the support of the Olsen family. So, would you be willing to go against them for me?"
Peter clenched his fists, struggling to process her words. "And what if I say I'm not willing to do that?"
Jenkins gazed back at him, meeting his eyes.
They stood in silence, staring at each other for what felt like an eternity. Finally, Jenkins laughed softly. "It's fine. There are other influential families in Clance besides the Olsen family, and if all else fails, I can still consider the Cobb family…"
Erin interjected with a laugh. "Don't get your hopes up! Ryan Cobb would never marry without investigating a girl's entire family history. Someone like him won't just settle down with anyone."
Then she turned to Keira. "Lewis knows all about this, by the way. He may look a bit jealous on the surface, but trust me, he feels totally secure. With your South family connections, there's no way Ryan would ever get involved with you."
Keira just sighed inwardly. She had never even considered getting involved with Ryan Cobb. What was Erin even talking about?
But Keira stayed quiet, knowing Erin was trying to give Jenkins and Peter a little space—a moment to think things over and decide what they really wanted.
She glanced at Peter once more. Her brother had always been a trusting soul. After being taken advantage of by Vera before, now it seemed Jenkins had been manipulating him too. How could he keep falling for people like this?
On second thought, though, when Vera's true colors were revealed, Peter hadn't reacted quite like this. Yes, he'd been hurt, even heartbroken, but by then he'd already fallen for Jenkins. So maybe the truth hadn't been as unbearable back then.
But now, the way he was looking at Jenkins… he really loved her.
Keira wasn't sure what Peter would decide, nor what Jenkins wanted him to decide. For a fleeting moment, she even wondered if their sibling bond really ran that deep. If Peter ended up choosing Jenkins over his family, it would be understandable.
After all, Keira hadn't grown up with them.
As this thought crossed her mind, her gaze softened. Jenkins's eyes remained fixed on Peter, waiting for his answer.
Finally, after what felt like ages, Peter's rough voice broke the silence…