Cesar Rollin Balas watched the scene with some helplessness. He understood Fadrique's feelings, as well as his daughter's. But when it came to matters of the heart, there was little he could do. He couldn't force Jonathan Serge Drucker to love Clarisse Balas, nor could he compel Clarisse to love Fadrique. He could only believe that everything was predestined.
Jonathan Serge Drucker stood there, squinting, his face expressionless. He remained unmoved by Clarisse Balas' concern. When you don't love someone, nothing they do or say matters to you.
Cesar Rollin Balas glanced at Jonathan and then said, "Jonathan, come with me."
"Yes," Jonathan responded, following Cesar Rollin Balas into the house without a glance at Clarisse. He walked away coldly and indifferently.
Clarisse watched his straight back, a faint sadness flickering in her eyes. How had she ended up like this? Not only did she fail to win his affection, but she also managed to offend Fadrique.
In the study, Cesar Rollin Balas pondered for a moment before speaking to Jonathan. "Jonathan, as a doctor, you must be aware of my condition. I don't have much time left."
Jonathan Serge Drucker remained silent. He knew Cesar Rollin Balas' health was dire, with stomach cancer already spreading extensively. Nonetheless, he suggested, "I recommend you undergo a resection surgery. It might help improve things."
In truth, it would only extend his life a bit longer.
Cesar Rollin Balas nodded. "I've already arranged for it. Don't tell Clarisse about my illness; just say I went abroad on business."
"Okay," Jonathan agreed. Cesar Rollin Balas continued, "From your performance these past few days, I can see you're very capable and sharp. I want to hand BALAS over to you. Fadrique, although he's been with me for many years, isn't cut out to be the leader. He has courage but lacks wisdom."
Jonathan was surprised. "BALAS is your legacy. You should leave it to Mrs. Balas' future husband."
Cesar waved his hand dismissively. "I'm not that traditional, insisting it be passed to my children. Whoever has the ability should lead, and I believe you can bring a better future for the brothers."
A worried look crossed Cesar's face. "My only concern is Clarisse. She's my only family. You know how she feels about you. I know you have someone you love, and I don't force you to accept her. I just hope that after I'm gone, you can treat her well, like a sister, and find her a good man who won't make her suffer."
Jonathan pictured Clarisse's delicate face, feeling a softening in his heart. "You can rest assured, I'll take good care of her."
Treating her like a sister was doable.
Cesar Rollin Balas felt relieved. "With that promise, I can rest easy."
Jonathan hesitated before speaking again. "Godfather, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"What is it?" Cesar asked.
"I want to move out. I prefer living alone," Jonathan said. Moving out was partly due to his preference for solitude and partly to sever ties with Clarisse. Staying here meant inevitable encounters, and he didn't want more awkward situations like today.
Cesar Rollin Balas understood his intention. After a moment of thought, he said, "Alright, but be careful."
Clarisse Balas followed the upset Fadrique to his room, but no matter how much she knocked, he wouldn't open the door. She felt a deep sadness. Fadrique was an orphan whom Cesar Rollin Balas had adopted after bringing her to Miami. They had grown up together, and he was both her older brother and personal bodyguard.
He had always protected her, and as they grew older, she began to see his feelings for her. Unfortunately, she had only ever seen him as a brother. She had never addressed the issue, not wanting to create an awkward situation, but now it seemed she had no choice but to clarify things.
She suddenly recalled the morning when Jonathan Serge Drucker had confessed to her while driving her. Such a confession was easy for the one who didn't love, but for the one who was deeply in love, it was unbearably cruel. Today, she found herself in the position of the unloving one, truly understanding the pain of unrequited love.
With Fadrique refusing to open the door, she had no choice but to speak from the hallway.
"Fadrique, if you won't open the door, I'll have to talk to you from out here!"
From inside came Fadrique's angry shout, "I don't want to hear it! Go away! Go away—"
He knew exactly what she was going to say, but he chose to refuse to hear it, thinking that ignoring it would make it go away.
"Fadrique!" Clarisse said helplessly. Suddenly, the door flew open and Fadrique, reeking of alcohol, stormed out. She was both angry and worried.
"Fadrique, you're hurt. How could you drink so much?"
Fadrique, eyes red, shouted at her, "Do you even see me anymore? Isn't it all about Jonathan Serge Drucker now?"
Fadrique had never yelled at her like this before. Clarisse felt a wave of grievance.
"Fadrique, it's not that I don't care about you. I just—"
Before she could finish, Fadrique grabbed her in a tight embrace, whispering painfully in her ear, "Don't say it! Don't say anything. Just listen to me, okay?"
Clarisse struggled to free herself from his embrace, but he was too strong. She could only let him hold her and listen to his plea.
"Clarisse, be with me, please? I know I'm not smart enough to take over BALAS, but I don't care. I never liked it anyway."
This was the first time he had ever confessed to her.
"I only want you! As long as you're with me, I don't care about the rest, even if it goes to Jonathan."
Fadrique's words were heartfelt and full of affection, but Clarisse could only respond, "Fadrique, I'm sorry..."
Fadrique suddenly released her, shaking her slender shoulders with hurt in his eyes.
"What does Jonathan have that I don't? Haven't my years of love meant more than a few days with him? Besides, he doesn't even love you!"
Clarisse looked down and softly said, "I don't need him to love me. I'm content just to love him from afar..."
Fadrique was completely heartbroken.
"Go! Just go—!"
"Fadrique—" Before she could say anything more, Fadrique slammed the door shut. She sighed and turned to leave, only to see Jonathan Serge Drucker standing in the hallway a short distance away. He was living in the small building next to the main house, just like Fadrique.