Chapter 179 Your Cousin
Once Marcus noticed that Eugene was smitten with Olivia, he instantly saw Eugene in a more affable light instead of fearing him. After all, Marcus was a cousin of Olivia!
Of course, Eugene was aware of the dynamics of the relationship and behaved well in front of Marcus. After all, he was pursuing Marcus’ cousin. Therefore, he obediently agreed, “Okay!”
Then, he instantly downed the alcohol in Olivia’s glass and poured himself another, smiling and declaring, “Marcus, my fellow cousin, thank you for showing up.” Next, he raised his glass at Marcus courteously.
Following that, Marcus stood up with a smile. “You’re too gracious. I wish nothing but the best for the studio business.”
Everyone at the table cheered them on with gossiping expressions. Kate was especially agitated at the scene, to which Nathan gave a side-eye. “You idiot. They’re only toasting, but why are you getting all excited?”
She glared at him. “I just love it. It’s none of your business.”
Melanie’s eyes quietly moved between Nathan and Kate as her lips curled up in mockery. Then, she gently took a sip of the drink in front of her. However, Brian’s expression fell, and he wondered if Eugene and Olivia were together. Isn’t he afraid of burdening her?
Staring at Eugene, Brian’s gaze sharpened. “You’re addressing Marcus as a cousin of yours, huh? Do you have another identity aside from a stakeholder of the studio?”
Olivia tried hard to think with her numb brain as she looked at Eugene in confusion. Yeah! Why did he claim that Marcus is one of his cousins?
Eugene stared Brian down as he calmly explained, “I’m a friend of Olivia’s, and Marcus is her cousin, so I see him as a cousin of mine too. Is it wrong for me to address Marcus the way Olivia addresses him?”
Brian scoffed, “Did Marcus allow you to do so? For those in the dark, they might think that you have a special relationship with Olivia!”
Sensing that the joke was getting out of hand by the two men, Marcus hurriedly stood up to mediate, “It’s alright. He can see me as a cousin. I’m older than most of you here. If you don’t mind, you can see me as your elder cousin too. I’d be more than happy to see that.”
Eugene shot a dark look at Brian for some time before slowly commenting, “Marcus himself has no issue with it. You should quit fussing about it!”
Brian returned a sharp look at him without any intention to back down. “Marcus didn’t put it out, but you have to be sensible. Do you know how much trouble you’ll bring to them after you refer to Marcus as your cousin?”
Eugene knew what Brian was worried about. He was aware that he lived in a perilous world, but he selfishly wanted Olivia for himself. He couldn’t stand the sight of Olivia with any other man, even if she were only hanging out with her brother. “I wonder what right do you have to question me.”
The temper of the two men was flaring up, and dangerous looks lurked in their eyes. It was so tense that they might break into a bloody fight the next moment. Everyone at the table held their breath and stared at the two men.
Even though Olivia’s response was slowing down, she could tell that the atmosphere had worsened. With a smile, she held Eugene back. “Come on, guys. It’s just a way of addressing Marcus. It’s nothing much. I even call Eugene’s grandfather my grandpa. You guys, don’t make an issue out of nothing. If I get vindictive, both of you will be in trouble.” As she was speaking, she filled Eugene’s glass with alcohol, followed by Brian’s glass. “Drink up! Thanks for showing up to support me and provide me the hotel event venue. Later, please remember to give me a discount. My business just started, and I haven’t broken even!”
Taking a deep breath, Brian looked away from Eugene and smiled. “You haven’t broken even? I thought your clothes were sold out today? Big Boss Maxwell, are you pretending to be poor?”
She replied with a somber expression, “Yeah, I’m penniless. I haven’t received my rent payment yet.”
Brian played along with her, “How grateful! I should have become your studio’s stakeholder too.”
She smiled back at him. “I feel regretful too for not opening a florist shop.”
