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“He also apologized in front of millions,” Derek said.
The two brothers stared at each other.
Langston sighed deeply, his eyes flickering to the tablecloth for a moment before locking his gaze on Malik. “Look, I get it. I know what he said was wrong, and believe me, I was furious. But it’s been months, and Mom has told us she’s moved on from it. Can’t we just let it go and focus on our own lives?”
Malik’s jaw was set in a hard line, and he leaned back in his chair. “Okay. I guess that settles it.”
“I spoke to him,” Tristan added.
All eyes turned to Tristan.
Malik picked up a toothpick and put it in his mouth. “And?”
“I told him to make his apology as loud as his disrespect. I guess this was his way of doing that.”
They all inhaled and exhaled collectively. Malik sucked his teeth and glanced at them all.
Langston took another sip of his brandy. “I thought you had forgiven him.”
“Why?”
“You two seemed to have hashed things out at your wedding.”
“I was being polite for Mom.”
Derek’s brows rose. “Okay, so you don’t forgive him?”
“I…” Malik pressed his lips together, his gaze flipping from one brother to the other. “I want to forgive him. Trust me, I do. But I need to know he’s sincere and that that shit won’t happen again.”
“How do you plan to figure that out?”
“By his actions, of course.”
They all nodded.
Tristan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “I think that sounds fair, Malik. Actions do speak louder than words, after all.”
Malik rolled the toothpick with his tongue. “Exactly.” He took a sip of his coffee, savoring the dark bitter taste. “I just don’t want to be let down again.”
“You or Mom?” Derek asked.
“Both of us. And all of you.”
Langston put a hand on Malik’s shoulder. “We understand that, and we’ll have your back with whatever happens.”
Derek cleared his throat. “So, moving on from that, how’s business been going for you guys?”
The conversation shifted smoothly, and Langston took another sip of his brandy, swirling it in the glass before setting it down.
Derek looked at Langston. “You’re drinking mighty early today.”
Langston smirked. “How do you know this isn’t coffee?”
Derek squinted at Langston’s glass. “Is that a serious question?”
Tristan peered at Langston. “I don’t like how you’ve been acting lately.”
Surprised, Langston’s brows rose. “And how’s that?”
