When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 211

Rudy thought he’d finally lost Jonah and hurried to Michael’s side, slipping right back into his usual routine of sweet-talking and playing the favorite.

“Grandpa, Jonah really was picking on me. You can’t just take Nelly’s side because she’s back… I mean, I’m way more good to you than any of them.”

Rudy might not have been the most dependable, but nobody could deny his charm and willingness to go the extra mile. Back when Michael was overseas, Rudy would often visited him for Britney, keeping Michael company and always finding ways to make him smile. He’d also put in serious work for the Watson family business, never missing a chance to help out.

Of course, he got plenty out of it for himself, too.

Michael cleared his throat and let out a weary sigh. “Of course I’m playing favorites. I spoiled you for years. Now look at you, you can’t even read the room.”

“Read the room? What’s there to read when it comes to Jonah?” Rudy grumbled, but he still lowered his head and carefully helped his grandfather into his seat.

Nancy trailed quietly behind them, not really invested in their little back-and-forth. She hadn’t grown up around Felix or Michael, and if Rudy hadn’t brought her along all these years, she and Michael might not have spoken at all.

Still, Michael’s opinion mattered more than anything in the Watson family. The Chandler family was proof of that. Felix, Christopher, Nicholas—same story.

Once Michael and Rudy were seated at the table, Nancy glanced back and told one of the staff, “Go ahead and close the door.”

But before the doors could swing shut, Jonah strolled in.

Everyone froze at the unexpected entrance.

Nancy stepped in front of him right away and dropped her voice. “Rudy already apologized. Don’t push it.”

Jonah just gave her a faint smile. “What, am I not welcome here?”

Nancy was tall, but Jonah still towered over her, and the way he stood so close was almost overwhelming.

She hesitated for a second, and that was all it took for Jonah to slip past her and head straight for Michael. He pulled out a chair and sat down, ignoring Rudy’s shocked glare.

“I’m actually pretty hungry. Hope you don’t mind if I join you for dinner, sir.”

Michael couldn’t help a brief smile. “Of course not.”

Rudy nearly choked on air. He clenched his fists so hard they ached, itching to wipe that smug look right off Jonah’s face.

After Rudy’s last screw-up, Michael had been cold toward him, only agreeing to meet today. Rudy wasn’t here for the food—he had business to talk about. But with Jonah sitting there, what was the point? Michael wasn’t exactly warm to Felix, so with Jonah, he was all formalities. As long as Jonah was in the room, Rudy couldn’t discuss whatever he was here for today.

Suddenly, the whole dining room was silent.

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