My brother-in-law My husband
Chapter 23

"Currently, I have no intention of dating any woman, for the time being, remember that" Marco said.

"I'm too busy with work, and a lot of projects to come. I don't have time to take care of those women."

"Also, remember that no one can enter the 20th and 21st floors except us and the housekeeper."

"But I saw Gwen with her boyfriend sleeping in your bed yesterday, and I. uh. I saw a black dal*am suit in the laundry basket."

"WHAT?!"

"Y—ya, I've washed it. Maybe your girlfriend—"

"NO! URGHH!"

Marco ruffled his head in frustration. It was the first day, and there were already so many crazy things.

"Look, my apartment is open to a select few. I rarely go back to this penthouse because I'm always busy with work. So I let some of my best friends use it and some of the exes." Marco said.

"But I'll make sure this place is clear of intruders. And you must not let anyone enter this place, even if they are the—prince or princess of Europe, and throw away the underwear."

"Understood…"

The atmosphere between them was a little awkward now. Marco looked at the clock on the wall, "Where's your daughter? My niece. It's the weekend. He should be here, right?"

"There are piano and math lessons today. She won't be here until the afternoon" Catherine said. He played his finger, trying to find the right moment to express what was on his mind.

Marco caught his doubt and asked, "What? Is there something you want to say?"

"This.. about my daughter…."

"And what about him?"

"I—I like his apartment. Wide and well maintained. Amanda likes her, too, but I don't think it's suitable for her to live here" Catherine said.

"Don't fit? Is it not big enough to your liking?"

"B—Not that, it's just that. I'm afraid he'll accidentally find out your indecent actions with your date or boyfriend. Because the stairs are connected here. That's not good for a kid like him…."

…

"A—Also, can I.. um.... ask for my salary to be paid early? Amanda's semester school tuition has to be paid immediately. Marcell refused to pay for it unless I went to marriage counseling with him. That's why I needed my salary early, to pay Amanda the tuition and move to a smaller apartment" Catherine lowered her head, hoping the reason was enough for Marco.

Meanwhile, Marco listened to everything, and there was a hint of annoyance in his eyes.

"I gave you my credit card, wasn't that enough?"

"B-But that's for your needs. I'll I'll use it to.. um.. buy groceries if you want, or if you want me to order another…."

"You can use that credit card to pay for your tuition, and you don't have to think about your salary. It's need. Call it a bonus from me."

"But Amanda's tuition is expensive. I'm afraid it's gonna.. um. it's gonna cost you if you don't deduct my salary to pay for it"

The resentment in Marco's eyes turned into hostility right after Catherine declared that. He glared at his docile and scornful sister-in-law, "So this is what you mean?"

"A—what?" Catherine raised her head to look at Marco, and she immediately got into a fight. Because the look in Marco's eyes showed that he was upset—even angry.

Catherine retreated, but Marco quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her in, "Ah!"

Catherine lost her balance and fell forward, landing on Marco's chest. Marco inserted his fingers into his hair and pulled his head, so that their eyes met.

Marco's face was so close to him that their noses almost touched. But those angry eyes only scared Catherine even more.

"You don't think I'm as good as my brother, do you?"

Catherine's eyes widened. He never said that!

"Oh, stop your bullshit, Catherine. I know you think I'm not as good as my brother. You think paying college money will bankrupt me?!"

"I never said—"

"SILENCE! DON'T ARGUE WITH ME!"

Catherine closed her mouth. But he was so frightened by Marco's explosive rage that his body began to tremble involuntarily, and a puddle of tears welled up in his eyes.

Marco gritted his teeth and pushed Catherine to the hard floor. He grimaced in pain, but Marco didn't care. He just got up and took his car keys.

"Pay my niece's tuition with the card I gave you. But you can't find another apartment. It's your only place to stay if you want to work with me" Marco said. He left in a hurry, still in his messy shirt and sweatpants.

Catherine watched her back until she slammed the main door shut. Catherine did not understand the extreme reaction Marco gave her. He doesn't want to burden her, let alone find Amanda's school fees so expensive.

But, he didn't seem open to further discussion, "So I can't get out of this apartment…."

Catherine sighed. He really has no control over his own life. All he wanted was to live with his daughter independently and peacefully.

He was grateful for Marco's help, but that doesn't mean it's free. Marco helped him because he wanted something too.

"Ah, I don't think it's any good. I had to watch Amanda closely, including her mental health, because that jerk Marcell ruined everything."

**

Marco is in a bad mood right now. After leaving her penthouse, she exploded on everyone, including the receptionist and even the security guard in the underground parking lot. He told everyone to never accept anyone other than him, Diamond, and Catherine on the 20th and 21st Floors.

After which, he drove aimlessly to vent his anger.

He was not a patient and gentle person from the beginning. But what Catherine did was already out of bounds.

Marco won't lie. His business success has also been attributed to his brother, Marcell Sebastian.

He may refuse his help— and Sebastian's family's help in general.

But Marcell didn't do anything when his company went up. Although Marcell can call some people to destroy Marco's growing company if he doesn't want competition.

But it also made her feel small as it was tolerated by her older brother.

"Why should he compare me to my brother? Is it because I'm not as strong and rich as Marcell? It's bi—!"

Marco was so sad that he wanted to curse Catherine, calling Catherine an insult that came to his mind. But he refrained from respecting her.

"As expected, my brother will always take the lead" Marco murmured.

But he sees it as a race. Of course, he won't lose.

"I'll show him once my brother is caught off guard."

Marco decided to call his older brother, whom he had just called.

After a few beeps, Marcell picked up the phone.

"Yes, Marco?"

"Ah, Brother, it's a weekend, and I'm free now. I want to meet you. Do you have time?"

"Well, I'm at the hotel right now. But I'll give you the address. We can meet at the hotel's rooftop restaurant" Marcell said.

Marco hears fatigue in his older brother's voice for a reason, but he agrees and hangs up.

Marco went to the hotel where Marcell is staying now, and he went to the rooftop restaurant after saying he had already booked a place with Mr Marcell Sebastian.

The waiter escorted Marco to a private place with Marcell standing in a daze while looking at the river view.

Marco approached his brother and patted him on the shoulder from behind, "Sister, I'm here."