A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 176

He had barely finished his phone call when he returned to find Jude causing trouble yet again.

As usual, Jackson had no choice but to apologize to Winona on behalf of his troublesome younger brother.

Whether it was intentional or not, he completely ignored Elvis standing nearby.

"It's fine," Winona said, offering Jackson a sliver of dignity out of courtesy.

She tugged at Elvis's sleeve. "Let's go."

Elvis didn't spare Jackson a glance. Nodding, he followed Winona as they left together.

"Why are you apologizing?" Jude finally exploded, shouting at Jackson. "What, are you scared of Elvis now? Pathetic! I wish Dad could see what a coward you've become!"

Jackson's tone remained even, his gaze cool and detached, as if he were watching a monkey throw a tantrum. "Are you done making a scene?"

"Oh, I'm the one making a scene?" Jude sneered. "If Dad finds out you apologized in front of the Rogers family, he'd beat you to a pulp!"

When Jude got himself into trouble, their father never went easy on him. But in Jude's eyes, what Jackson had done today was far worse than any of his own screw-ups.

"I was apologizing to President Thorne," Jackson said simply. "What does Elvis have to do with it?"

"Oh, so apologizing to Winona is suddenly necessary?" Jude pressed, refusing to let it go. "And who gave you the right to apologize for me? Who do you think you are?"

Jackson's expression didn't change. "I'm your brother. That means I'll keep cleaning up your messes—and forgiving you. Even if you had someone secretly swap out my speech for nonsense, I won't hold it against you."

When Tyson emerged from the venue, he found Jude standing there, stiff with frustration. But Tyson had no patience for Jude's theatrics. He scanned the area, but Winona was nowhere in sight.

"Young Master Quincy, has Nona already left?"

"Get lost!" Jude snapped. "You think I'm in the mood to answer your questions?"

Tyson didn't bother arguing. He got into his car, intending to call Celia back home to check on her, but the impulse faded as irritation took over.

Right now, his mind was consumed by thoughts of Winona.

If he couldn't find a way to win Winona back, he knew he'd never be at peace for the rest of his life.