THE FAMILY DINNER

Wow! Nalani for a second I thought you were going to beat her up, but you crushed her with your words. Damn sis you're so feisty! Complemented Liam.

Hahaha, I know right?

Look at how Diana left, do you know who she is?? The last thing I heard about her was that she's gained some form of influence in Mexico and she calls the shots in some places. You might have created a new enemy for yourself you know. Leo spoke in a worried voice.

I'd like to see her try, was all I said.

But honestly speaking, I'd like to clarify something on behalf of Logan, just in case what she said affects you. He has never been with another woman, like in terms of a relationship.

Don't bother explaining anything, I know trash when I see it. And that lady was trash! Now eat let's leave.

AT THE JOHNSONS

The days went by in a blur and it was Saturday Night, the family dinner was on the wheel as the various members kept arriving for the get-together.

As the family dinner commenced, Grandpa sat at the head of the table and welcomed each family member with a smile. Brianca arrived, bubbling with excitement, and hugged him tightly.

"Grandpa, I missed you so much!" she exclaimed.

Grandpa simply smiled, knowing there was more to Brianca's enthusiasm than just seeing him. Before he could offer her a seat, Brianca asked about Nalani's whereabouts.

"Where's Nalani?" she inquired.

Grandpa assured her that Nalani was on her way, but Brianca continued to probe.

"Why hasn't she shown up yet?" she asked.

Grandpa immediately went on the defensive. "She's probably busy with work," he replied.

But Brianca wasn't satisfied. "I have work too, but I'm here early," she retorted.

Dave stepped in, warning Brianca to behave herself. Brianca rolled her eyes and made her way to the dining table.

Just as she was about to sit, Nalani walked in, looking stunning in a black knee-length skirt and a white long-sleeve shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and she carried an expensive Hermes bag. black Mercury heels. Her outfit was simple and yet very expensive.

Brianca couldn't help but stare in envy as Nalani gracefully made her way to the table. It was clear that Nalani was the true head-turner of the family, and her effortless beauty only made Brianca feel more jealous and insecure.

Good evening Grandpa, sorry I'm late she said kissing him on the cheek.

It's a fine gummy bear, join us. He said urging her to sit.

Thank you! Hi Dave, she greeted.

How are you?

I'm good.

Good evening, everyone, she said with a tight smile.

Good evening Nalani. They chorused.

As the dinner progressed, Brianca and the rest tried to make small talk with Nalani, but Brianca couldn't shake off her feelings of envy. Meanwhile, Nalani remained calm and polite, her elegance and confidence only further highlighting Brianca's insecurities. And then she brought up her relationship with Logan.

As the dinner progressed, Brianca couldn't help but feel envious of Nalani's elegance and confidence. She tried to make small talk with Nalani, but every time she spoke, she felt her insecurities creeping up. Finally, she decided to bring up the one thing that had been bothering her since she had met Nalani - Logan.

"I heard you got yourself a man!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her jealousy.

Nalani raised an eyebrow, clearly uninterested. "Really?" she asked.

Brianca nodded eagerly. "Yeah, Logan Brooks!"

Nalani shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, that guy? Yeah, he's my fiancee," she said, casually dropping the bomb.

Brianca's eyes widened in shock. "Your fiancee?" she repeated, feeling her jealousy dissipating into curiosity.

Nalani nodded. "Yep," she said, taking a sip of her drink. "We've been together for a while now."

Brianca couldn't resist asking, "How did you do it?"

Nalani gave her a knowing smile. "Well," she said, leaning in closer. "I just did."

Brianca frowned, not understanding. "How?"

Nalani chuckled. "Oh, the same way real women do," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just that he was ready for something real after all that drama with weak women."

Brianca's face fell, realizing that Nalani was making fun of her. "Are you jealous?" Nalani asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

Brianca bristled, feeling defensive. "No, I'm not!" she protested.

Nalani tilted her head slightly. "Then why are you so interested?" she asked, staring straight into Brianca's eyes and leaving her feeling exposed.

I was... I was just curious. She said defensively.

Aw, how sweet, you're such a curious bird aren't you?

Nalani!

What? I'm just saying.

Quit it you two! Grandpa scolded.

Sorry gramps.

So Nalani how have you been, and how are you running the company?

I'm giving it my best, I replied with a shrug.

That's a big company, your fiancee must really trust you. He said freely as he drank a glass of water.

He does! I responded cheerfully while giving Brianca a mocking look.

That's good, I wish you both the best. He says sitting relaxed.

Since the dinner started my aunt has been giving me this intense stare. I always knew she didn't like me, but what I don't understand is why? Cause I never offended her in any way.

So aunt, ... how have you been?

Great! I must say it's a miracle to have you by our side, finding out your return was very surprising. But all the same, we are happy to know that you're still here with us she says cheerfully with a sweet smile that looked so fake to me.

Oh, Aunt I really missed you too.

You did? She asks surprised.

Yes, I did. Her phone starts ringing. Excuse me, she says and goes somewhere quiet to take the call.

One thing about this family, they had a very polite way of arguing with each other, you'll never see them raising their voices in the presence of Grandpa. They respected him that much, so it wasn't new to the old man. He knew his family was long divided, back when Nalani's parents were alive. So the current situation is no news to him.

Hello?

We found them! The voice spoke.

How many?

All of them. He said.

"Good, you know what to do," she said, her voice steady and resolute, before abruptly ending the call.

As Nalani turned around, her eyes met Brianca's, who had been silently observing her. The corners of her mouth curled into a sly smile, her amusement thinly veiled. "Still business, Nalani?" she quipped, a hint of scepticism in her voice.

Nalani's gaze bore into Brianca's, her expression unyielding. "Yes!" she retorted, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words. "Would you like to check?" she added, her tone dripping with disdain.

Brianca's fingers absentmindedly played with her hair as she considered Nalani's words. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her response. "No!" she finally replied, a flicker of curiosity dancing in her eyes. "I was just curious," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

A mischievous smile tugged at Nalani's lips as she leaned in closer, her voice barely audible. "You know," she whispered, her words tinged with an ominous warning, "Curiosity kills the cat."

Unfazed, Brianca straightened her posture, her eyes ablaze with determination. "Well... I'm no longer a cat," she declared defiantly, her voice filled with fiery resolve. "I'm a tigress!"

A soft chuckle escaped Nalani's lips, her amusement is evident. "You?" she scoffed, her voice laced with disbelief. "Wow, you've got soft paws, for a tigress that you are,"

You! Brianca yells flaring up.