Chapter 2195

At Jonathan’s words, a barely perceptible tremor crossed Nicholas’s face—gone as quickly as a ripple on still water.

Jonathan, ever observant, caught it and filed it away like evidence in a private case.

Nicholas set his cup down with deliberate care. “Jon, who told you I’m Dahlia’s father?”

Jonathan lifted his chin, his grin sharpening. “No one had to,” he replied, his words quick and precise.

Across the table, Elliot sensed tension humming beneath their calm voices, like a silent current beneath placid water.

He dropped his gaze and pushed scrambled eggs around his plate, unwilling to meet anyone’s eyes. Why is Jonathan poking the bear?

Nicholas opened his mouth—to defend himself, perhaps to confess—but the sound of footsteps cut him off. Cecilia entered, Nathaniel close behind, ushering two smaller children with her. Dining chairs scraped softly as they took their seats.