A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 81

At that moment, his expression turned cold, as if he was genuinely displeased.

A wave of guilt washed over Jonah, and he instinctively glanced at Winona.

That's when he noticed—Winona was looking at Elvis.

Her gaze was layered with emotions he couldn't decipher.

During their time here in Seastone City, what exactly had happened between the two of them?

A heavy pressure settled in Jonah's chest.

"Get in the car," Elvis said, his tone icy.

He didn't look at either of them as he spoke. It was clear he wanted both of them to get in.

"Brother, I—"

Jonah tried to protest, but one sharp look from Elvis silenced him completely.

"Mr. Rogers, why don't you go on ahead with your brother?" Winona offered gently. "I'll have my driver come pick me up."

Before Jonah could respond, Elvis cut in, voice cold and clipped. "Miss Thorne, I'm not so lacking in manners as to leave you standing here alone."

Winona paused, caught off guard. That wasn't what she'd meant at all.

She just thought maybe the brothers needed a moment to themselves, and her presence might make things awkward.

"Well… thank you, Mr. Rogers."

Winona hesitated, planning to take the passenger seat to give the brothers the back row to talk. But before she could open the door, Elvis said, "Jonah, sit up front."

Without a word, Jonah slid into the passenger seat.

That left Winona to settle into the back.

Once they were all inside, the driver started the engine in silence.

Winona wanted to sneak a glance at Elvis, but managed to hold herself back.

She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with him.

But why would he be upset?

She and Jonah were about to get engaged; they were getting along well. Shouldn't that make Elvis happy?

This man was becoming more and more of an enigma.

But he didn't go inside right away, just stood there, face stiff with uncertainty.

Was he really going to keep this up?

Was he really going to keep hiding the truth from Winona?

This lie could fall apart at any moment.

Even if, by some miracle, he managed to keep it going and win Winona's heart, how could a relationship built on stolen feelings ever last?

Jonah's eyes grew red.

…

After Jonah left, the atmosphere in the car grew almost suffocating.

Winona could feel the pressure radiating from the man beside her, making her want to curl up into a ball and disappear.

Then, out of nowhere, Elvis spoke.

"So, did you enjoy the welcome party tonight?"