John's POV
The party finally ended, and now I need to leave with Maria. I don't want to run into my uncle and Ellena again tonight. They've irritated me enough, especially with every word my uncle uttered, which kept gnawing at my thoughts. Tonight has been truly unlucky; they attacked me relentlessly, without giving me a chance to retaliate.
"Argh! Damn it! How could they be so in sync?" I couldn't stop replaying the events in my head, unable to accept what had just happened with Maria. Normally, I would come out on top, but not this time. Ellena has gained power because my uncle is by her side. She just doesn't know the ugliness that lies within him yet. I'll make sure she regrets this and comes crawling back to me.
Now in the car, Maria is clinging to my arm, trying to be affectionate. Still fuming from Uncle August's words, I push her away slightly, feeling irritated by her presence. Especially after what my uncle revealed at the party.