FULL NOVELXO Chapter 44
Chapter 44
He prodded her forehead with his finger, the gesture both teasing and affectionate. “Clear all the clutter. Remember, we’ve got a deal.”
Gwendolyn’s smile spread like warmth on a chilly day. “Yes, we have an agreement,” she echoed, deliberately pushing aside the memory of that night. If Mr. Chadwick could let it go, why should she fret?
The twinkle in Howard’s eyes faded as he asked, “Ever got yourself sloshed before?”
“Back in the sticks, I brewed all sorts of moonshine. Had a sip now and again.” Her tolerance was laughable, barely enough to wet her lips. On the other hand, Mr. White and…
Gwendolyn snapped back to the present, her gaze settling on Howard. “Some time, I’ll treat you to a batch. Those tonics were chock–full of the good stuff, great for vitality and vigor.”
Howard nodded.
“It’s late. Mr. Chadwick, good night.”
“Go get some rest.”
With a spring in her step, Gwendolyn left the master bedroom.
Howard chuckled softly, looking down. Since when had he been the type to go easy on someone? Yet, he found himself reluctant to give her a hard time.
The ring of his cellphone on the nightstand interrupted his musings. It was an unknown. number.
Sliding to answer, Howard was immediately met with Nathan’s frantic voice, “Howard! Why on earth have you blocked me everywhere? What did I do to tick you off?”
“You’ve managed to tick off my entire family.” Howard was curt, ending the call with a decisive flick, followed by a block.
“Howard, you’re sick. I slaved away for you…” Nathan was full of self–pity, but when he tried to call back, the line was dead.
“The nerve! Heartless beast. I quit being CEO of Summit Corp!”
In the dead of night, at the Bayridge Hospital’s private suite, chaos reigned.
“Thirty–five million bucks! He’s laughing at me!” Bainbridge, clad in a hospital gown, was throwing a temper tantrum, while Vivien cowered in the corner, shivering with fear.
“Howard, a cripple mocking me? It was all deliberate!”
Another lamp met its untimely demise.
“Bainbridge, please, calm down. Nobody knew it was a forgery at first,” Vivien tried to soothe him, her voice shaking.
1/2
10:50
His eyes dark with malice, Bainbridge advanced on her. Wearing jade now, Vitien? Do you think you deserve it? Are you mocking me too? He yanked the jade bracelet from her wrist and hurled it to the floor,
The million–dollar bracelet was shattered into pieces.
“I wasn’t… I swear! Vivien was terrified.
The door to the suite swung open, and a nurse stood there, whispering a reminder. “Please keep it down, sir. The other patients have complained. You have to pay for anything you break.”
“Pay? I’ve got money to burn! Now get lost!”
Engulfed in his rage, he was devoid of any semblance of sochistication
“Well, should I get lost as well?” a deep voice intoned. Jarvis stood at the door, his face an unreadable mask. “What a disgrace you are.”
“Dad, what are you doing here?”
Bainbridge pounded his heart with a mix of relief and dread.
“Vivien, go home,” Jarvis said without looking at her.
“Yes,” Vivien didn’t need to be told twice and hurried away.
Jarvis closed the door with a frown, his disappointment palpable.
“With only thirty–five million, are you losing your cool? Warren heard about today’s flasco and hit the roof,” he scolded. “Fool, once you take over the Chadwick Group, you’ll have countless wealth!”
“It’s all Howard’s fault! He must’ve known the painting was a fake! Bainbridge scat venomously. “I wish that car accident had finished him! Who knew he wake up.”
Slap!
Jarvis‘ hand connected sharply with Bainbridge’s cheek as he snapped, “I told you mention that again!”