Chapter 9

The table had many delicacies and expensive wines, which Nathan could afford only. Nathan and Madison were seated close together in the company of Mark, Lila, and Mr. Jones.

Mark was a gem. He could not stop asking questions, and Mr. Jones never got tired of answering them.

“Jonathan didn’t come with you guys?” Madison asked Lila.

“No, he’s still feeling upset,” Lila answered.

Jonathan was always there when Madison needed someone to talk to. Madison saw him as a friend, though he wanted more than friendship. He was upset when he learned that Madison was getting married to Nathan.

“Sir,” Mark called Mr. Jones’ attention. “How did you acquire all this wealth?”

“Through hard work, son,” Mr. Jones answered.

“But I do work hard at school and home.”

Everyone at the table laughed; Mark wasn’t getting it.

“Don’t worry, son, you’ll get there soon,” Mr. Jones said to Mark.

“Okay, sir.”

“Call me Grandpa,” Mr. Jones told Mark.