Chapter 18

Chapter 18

“Come on. I know you didn’ do that. You always leave the dirty work for Devin, that little

rascal.”

Devin, standing nearby, grumbled, “Grandpa, please show me some respect, will you? I’m your grandson, after all.”

Hubert glared at him. “At least you recognize how embarrassing you are!”

Devin rolled his eyes and muttered, “Like I’m some kind of fool.”

Hubert didn’t bother responding.

The two families had been close for years, and Curtis grew up under Hubert’s watchful eye, almost like another grandson. It had been quite a while since they last saw each other, and Hubert gave Curtis’ shoulder a hearty slap. “Finally decided to grace us with your presence, eh?”

Curtis grinned mischievously. “I’ve been dreaming of you telling me how much you missed

So here I am, easing your heartache.”

me

Hubert’s face broke into a big smile before he playfully swung his cane, pretending to hit Curtis but only giving him a gentle tap on the leg. “You cheeky brat! Joking with your old buddy like that.”

Leanne stood quietly on the side, having only greeted Hubert when she arrived and saying. little else since.

Hubert turned to her with a warm smile out of his fondness for Curtis. “Long time no see, Anne. You’re just getting more stunning each time I see you.”

Leanne replied with a sweet smile, the epitome of politeness.

Maybe because there was a new baby in the family, Hubert’s mind was clearly on the topic of babies. “You and Curtis have been married for nearly three years, eh? When are you planning on giving us a little bundle of joy?”

Leanne’s smile stiffened slightly.

Everyone knew that their relationship was rocky at best, with them living apart most of the time: Where would they even find the time to make babies?

The air grew tense, and Leanne tried to sidestep the question. “We haven’t thought about

it.”

Hubert was unsatisfied with that answer. “Well, think about it now! With genes as good as yours, it’s almost a crime not to have a child.”

Leanne was speechless.

7/2

Chapter 18

It wasn’t any of Hubert’s business anyway.

Devin clicked his tongue, “Hey, even Jennifer isn’t pressing the matter, so what’s your hurry? It’s none of your business.”

“Who’s saying Jennifer’s not into it? Look how she’s fixed on that baby for hours, like she’s ready to take it home!”

Following Hubert’s cane, they saw Jennifer cradling the Perez family’s newborn great-grandchild not far away with a loving smile that lit up her entire face.

Hubert added, “Anne, you’re making Jennifer envious. Go on. Have one for her to dote on.” Desperate for an escape, Leanne looked pleadingly toward Curtis, who stood by, indifferent, showing no sign of jumping to her rescue.

With a mental brace, Leanne blurted out, “Actually, the fact we don’t have kids isn’t on me.” The room went silent as all eyes turned to Curtis.

Curtis arched an eyebrow, facing his relatives’ complex and concerned stares, and drawled, “You are saying the problem is with me?”

Leanne replied evasively, “It’s not my place to say. You should talk to Mr. Perez about it.”

With that, she picked up the hem of her dress and walked away.

A heavy silence filled the air.

Hubert was at a loss for words.

Curtis watched Leanne’s retreating figure, noting how she glanced back at him before quickly turning away and hurrying off even faster.

Curtis couldn’t help but laugh in frustration.

Devin looked as if he’d been struck by lightning, finding it more difficult to accept a problem with Curtis than with himself.

He stared incredulously at Curtis’ private part for a moment before Curtis raised a hand to push his jaw back up. “Shut it.”