Hendrix looked him up and down, and then raised his hand to shake Jordan's.
The two brothers were meeting for the first time, and things were going quite harmoniously. Perhaps Jennifer was telling the truth. With the exception of Nathan, everyone in the family was looking forward to Hendrix's return.
Jordan spoke again and tried to smooth things over, "Father, today is a good day. Why don't you let me bring Hendrix to the company to take a look?"
"No need." Nathan completely ignored the enthusiasm on Jordan's face, and then got up and walked to the dining room. "Let's eat first."
Jordan, who was accustomed to this behavior, shrugged his shoulders and followed behind.
I wanted to shake my head in disapproval at the sight of this. I still had to eat at the same table with them in such a depressing environment; things surely couldn't get worse than this.
Hendrix finally calmed down and was the first to respond. He led me to the dining table and sat down.
The atmosphere at the table felt a little strange.
Nathan sat very still and wore a grim and depressed expression while Suanne smiled and ordered the servants to set the dishes; though her smile felt rather fake.
I quietly observed Hendrix's face. He didn't look at me, but patted me on the back of my hand under the table, indicating that I should stay calm. That was the only way I could feel relaxed.
After what felt like a decade, Nathan finally said, "Let's eat."
He then cut a piece of steak and put it in his mouth. The others began to eat as well, with no intention to talk while they ate. Thus, the dining table fell into a long silence.
Suanne suddenly stood up with a smile. "Arianna, you're not in good health, so I made some nourishing soup specifically for you. I'll fill up a bowl for you."
Her smile was pleasant, but it still carried the same artificiality as before, as if she was trying to play a part she did not fit in.
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