Olexar stared at Matteo in a daze as if trying to decide whether the man he respected so much was playing some kind of joke on him.
He had just been wondering if his sister would make a move on someone as perfect as Matteo—only to be stunned the next moment when Matteo casually told him to call him "brother-in-law."
Seeing Olexar's expression, Matteo immediately realized the man had misunderstood. "You've got it wr—"
"Mr. Larden, say no more. I understand." Olexar's face turned resolute as he cut Matteo off. "When we're out in public, you're Mr. Larden, and I'm Olexar. But at home, we're in-laws."
Matteo raised his hand and gave Olexar a firm smack on the shoulder.
"Ouch!" Olexar yelped in pain.
Matteo gazed plainly at him and rejoined, "Let me finish. You misunderstood. Your sister and I just have a deal—I'm only pretending to be her husband to help her with something. I told you that so you wouldn't blow my cover."
Realizing his mistake, Olexar's face flushed with embarrassment. "Forgive me for jumping to conclusions, Mr. Larden."
"No harm done."
Matteo sat down in a chair and asked, "So, how did you end up on this ship in the first place?"
At the question, Olexar's expression darkened with anger.
"It was that b*stard Brennan Dallinger!"
"Calm down. You're underestimating your sister," Matteo replied. "When news of your disappearance spread across Ore Island, and your father passed away from illness, she stepped up and restored order to the island, even posing as you to keep the peace. With that kind of skill, even if Brennan has ulterior motives, he might not be able to harm her."
Hearing Matteo's reassurance, Olexar gradually calmed down and slumped onto the edge of the bed, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. His sister had clearly grown a lot during the time he'd been gone. But no matter how worried he was, there probably wouldn't be much he could do to help when he returned.
"Mr. Larden… I'd like you to teach me martial arts." Olexar stood again, bowing slightly as he made the request.
"Teach you martial arts?" Matteo quirked a brow. "From the looks of it, you've been training since childhood. Why would you need me to teach you?"
Olexar's gaze was heavy with determination. "I know you're no ordinary man. If I want to protect my sister… I need to become stronger."
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