Chapter 416

Before Jane could respond, Bryan swiftly pulled her behind him, his brows furrowed and his expression fierce as he glared at Mrs. Smith. "Why are you asking that?" he demanded, his voice sharp with suspicion. Mrs. Smith, taken aback by Bryan's defensive stance, realized she had overstepped. She offered a gentle, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be intrusive. It's just that Jane bears a striking resemblance to a... younger relative of mine. That's why I couldn't help but ask." "Are you Jane's brother, young man?" she inquired, trying to ease the tension. Bryan muttered under his breath, so softly it was almost inaudible, "Who are you calling 'young man'? You and your whole family are 'young men'!" Then, raising his voice, he retorted, "So what if I am? We don't know you. Why are you prying into our family? If Jane looks like your relative, go ask them if they know her! This is ridiculous!" After his rapid-fire tirade, Bryan waved his hand dismissively, adopting a magnanimo