Chapter 293

Chapter 293

Stepping out of the car, Leanne carried a sugar-free cheesecake she’d bought for Mary, standing to the side, polite and quiet, waiting.

Jake’s gaze shifted to the woman on the footpath not too far away, dressed in a cozy knitted sweater and a flowing skirt, exuding a gentle charm.

Then his eyes darted back to the man in the backseat.

Curtis, observing her through the one-way glass, raised an eyebrow in surprise, “She’s waiting for me?”

Jake hesitated to jump to conclusions, “I… I guess so.”

Leanne had been waiting for nearly five minutes before the car door lazily swung open, revealing long legs encased in dark trousers stepping out.

With the sound of his dress shoes hitting the ground, Curtis, in his crisp, distinguished suit, showcased his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his physique strikingly proportionate.

His jacket was unbuttoned, no tie in sight, as he flashed her a casual smile, “Look at you, all nice and waiting for me today.”

Seeing his face, Leanne dropped the act of politeness she maintained in front of elders.

Ignoring him, she turned and walked away.

Curtis, catching up with his long strides, tried to figure her out from her cold demeano

She wasn’t waiting for him.

Just as he was about to speak, Leanne beat him to it, asking, “Is there something up wit Caleb lately?”

He had been restraining himself, eager to talk to her but careful not to overstep; even retracting a social media like immediately after it was sent.

How was she still so perceptive?

Curtis played it cool, “What about him?”

“He’s been a bit odd.”

“In what way?”

“He’s been unusually polite to me.” Leanne chose her words carefully, not wanting to cause any misunderstandings that might affect Caleb’s job, considering his dedication and diligence as an assistant.

“It’s good he’s polite,” Curtis commented with sincerity, “Just like me.”

30.33

Chapter 293

Just as Leanne began to suspect something, Curtis, hands in his pockets, said, “He’s probably trying to get on your good side for me. Is he bothering you? Should I fire him?”

He was oblivious to the struggles of the common man, ready to dismiss an employee on a whim, with Caleb being just another worker.

Leanne quickly said, “That’s not what I meant.”

Curtis, feigning righteousness, added, “Just respond to his greetings. I pay him well every month; it’s only right he keeps the boss’ wife happy. It’d weigh on his conscience

otherwise.”

… What flawed logic.

Leanne moved inside, Curtis trailing leisurely behind, asking in an offhand tone, “Did you think it was my brother waiting for you?”

Here we go again.

Leanne, uninterested in engaging, simply responded, “Hmm.”

Curtis, standing beneath a lemon tree, was hit squarely by a falling lemon.

Watching Leanne’s slender, cool silhouette, he quickly followed her inside, catching her by the waist in a swift move and pinning her against the wall just as she entered.

The house’s vintage wallpaper served as a perfect backdrop, highlighting her surprised yet delicate features.

Curtis, his tall frame looming over her, his voice tinged with jealousy, pressed, “Leanne, are you trying to upset me? I don’t like that answer. Give me another chance, say ‘no”.”

Leanne, her voice low and irritated, retorted, “Are you crazy? Everyone’s here!”

A clear cough echoed from the living room.

Turning around, Curtis saw that the room was quite full – the family of six had gathered.

Mary scowled disapprovingly, her gaze as sharp as a knife.

Maddox calmly sipped his tea, wincing slightly at the heat.

Jennifer massaged her forehead, sighing silently.

Phillip, enjoying a rare day off, arrived earlier than them, lounging on the couch with a book resting on his knee.

He calmly reminded them, “We have guests.”

2/2