Standing Right Next To You - Chapter 370

“So your mother thinks that they have powerful backers who are supporting them from the shadows?” Reuben questioned after hearing everything she had to say.

From the information about how Mandy and Lucille had one day appeared at the office of Yang Groups, claiming to be connected to Patrick Yang to their big exposé on the media channels.

Lina gave him the entire insider information about the situation back at her home.

“Yes. Not only did that woman have a flawless paternity test with positive results but also had the support of a few board members.” She gritted her teeth whenever she thought of this.

Her Uncle was forced to take these women into his house under the coercion of those old men from the board of Directors of the Yang Group.

“The reputation of the company is more important than the reputation of a man for them, Kitten.” He muttered in sympathy for the man who had to put up with everything for the company’s sake.

Lina nodded as she knew of this bitter truth but she was still unwilling to accept how the entry of the women had separated her uncles for a few months before they finally got back together.

“Lucille was a small-time secretary to my Uncle before she ran away so there was no way that she could have such influence in a city that she had fled from more than twenty years ago.” She rationalized her thoughts.

Reuben was impressed with how she sorted everything out in her mind and was clear on what might or might not have happened.

“My mom guarantees that Uncle Pat was not with Lucille on the night she claims to have conceived Mandy and I trust my mother’s words.” She concluded her monologue about the things of the past.

“Mom asked me to sort this matter out on her behalf and that is what I intend to do!” She announced her plan for the future.

This was one of the major reasons why she had decided on moving back into the country.

‘I was supposed to come back to check on Obsidia’s branch temporarily but things changed after Uncle Pat’s scandal came to the limelight.’ She recalled why she had made the move over to the country she hadn’t been in, in more than 10 years.

Reuben patted her back after observing her determined face.

“Then we both have to work hard, Baby.” He declared which confused her.

‘Both?’ She tilted her head to the side and blinked her big hazel eyes at him.

“You need to find the culprits behind the cause of your Uncle’s pain and I have to help you find the whereabouts of your Brother Wind.” He revealed why he had used those words.

‘Of course, I will lend you all of my support in your task as well.’ He concealed this part of his plan as he was sure that she would insist on doing things on her own without accepting his help.

But, what was the use of a boyfriend who couldn’t help you when you needed him?

Hence, he did not reveal his thoughts to her and decided to act when the time was right.

Lina smiled that she had this entire conversation about the circumstances back at her home with someone who was not her blood relative.

Refreshed as she was, she realized that they had skipped one part of the conversation.

“Oh, right, your cousin! Tell me more about him!” She exclaimed in a loud voice as she had diverted their topic towards her family’s issues unconsciously.

Reuben was not upset that they had moved on to another conversation and squished her cheeks to prove that he was fine with it.

“He’s my little brother from the side branch who is not very close to our main branch due to certain things of the past.” He summarized their relationship in a single sentence.

There was a bitter smile on his face as though he was reminiscing something that has taken place in the past.

‘Maybe he doesn’t want to discuss this now.’ Lina speculated and nodded with a smile to indicate that she would wait until he was willing to speak further about it.

Reuben saw his Kitten’s obedient appearance and smiled at her, this time not a gloomy one.

“I would like for the two of you to meet someday in the future.” He whispered, hoping that things would get better between the two brothers.

Lina was satisfied with his words and smiled as she clung close to his waist.

“I would like that very much!” She chirped in excitement for meeting someone related to her boyfriend.

However, what she was not aware of was the fact that this relative was also very much interested in giving her a visit sometime soon.

Glancing at the watch, Reuben decided that it was the time for them to get some rest.

“Kitten, it’s late. Time for bed.” He announced while pointing at his watch.

Lina’s eyes traveled to his wrist where the watch was fastened which brought a different result than what he was expecting.

Instead of noticing the watch, she was busy admiring his wide yet bony wrist and the fingers which were connected to it.

“Ahem…” She coughed and averted her eyes when she caught herself diving into her deep admiration for his fingers.

Reuben bit his lip to stop his chuckle as he realized that it would only embarrass her further if she knew that he had caught her red-handed.

“Go prepare for bed.” He nudged her shoulders to bring her back to the present.

This was perfect for Lina as she was in a hurry to escape from his sight, shy and embarrassed after what she had just done.

“Then I’ll shower, bye!” She blurted out loud and ran into the bedroom which she made sure to lock after entering it.

Reuben gazed at the which his Kitten had taken refuge in and let out a hearty chuckle.

“Have fun~” He smirked and rose from his seat as well.

Picking up his coat which was on the arm of the couch, he held it in his hand and walked towards the door.

He turned around to take one last look at the empty room where they had been seated in for the past hour or so before he pulled the door open.

Muttering something to himself, he stepped outside the door of the suite and exited the room.

*Thud*

The door shut behind him, making a noise to announce his exit.

Thus, with Lina still in her bathroom and Reuben vacating the suite had left the room empty and silent.

___

Inside the bathroom, Lina realized that she had just left him right there and blushed at what she had done.

“He said that it was time for bed…. What did he mean by that!?” She tugged on her violet strands at his euphemistic words.

‘Does he want to… Do it? Here? Today?’ She panicked when such thoughts appeared in her mind.

Looking at her face in the mirror, she tried to comprehend what she truly desired.

Was she willing to take this step?

Was she ready to let Reuben know her body in the real sense?

Was she prepared and sure that she would not regret this step they might be taking to progress in their relationship?

These were but a few of the multiple questions swirling in her mind at this very moment.