Chapter 99
“You!” Gideon jabbed a finger at Justin, his face twisted with anger.
York cleared his throat, still clinging to his air of superiority. “Is that any way to speak to your elders? Show some respect, young man. We’re all Edith’s family–and yours, too. Watch your manners when you talk to us.”
Justin lounged back in his chair and offered a crooked, careless smile. “Respect? You must’ve forgotten–I was never taught any.”
Edith couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction at Justin’s response. Sometimes, she thought, you really do have to drop the pretense of politeness to enjoy life.
Seeing that moral authority was useless against Justin, Gideon’s family decided to try a different tack. After all, in their eyes, York was the very picture of success. And what’s the point of success if you can’t show it off?
There are plenty of ways to boast.
Rosie shot Justin a sour look. How on earth did this troublemaker catch the eye of such a promising man? He must be poor, she reasoned. Or maybe–maybe he’s divorced, too.
She narrowed her eyes, her voice dripping with faux concern. “You’ve been married before, haven’t you? Well, that’s good. Two people with a past make a better match–at least you won’t argue about who’s had more marriages.”
Justin reached for the serving fork–though, instead of helping himself, he placed a piece of sweet–and–sour ribs onto Edith’s plate. Ignoring Rosie at first, he leaned in and murmured to Edith, “Mrs. Sumner’s sweet–and–sour ribs smell amazing. You should eat more.”
Only after putting the fork down did Justin turn to Rosie, his tone cool and measured. “You seem very interested in my private life. Whether I’ve been married before or not is none of your business. And for the record, arguing in a relationship has nothing to do with a person’s marriage
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Chapter 99
history.”
He arched an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes, his next words losing any pretense of gentleness.
“There’s an old saying–‘When money’s tight, love quickly sours.‘ Put simply, at least I’m well–off. Edith and I can handle whatever comes our way. Can you say the same?”
He placed another piece of honey–glazed pork onto Edith’s plate–a small gesture, but it made her feel as if Justin was telling her to relax and enjoy her meal while he handled the ‘battle‘ at the table. That quiet sense of reassurance filled her again.
Justin gave Rosie a once–over, noting her entry–level designer suit and matching purse–clearly the sort who craves luxury but has to keep an eye on the price tag. Someone desperate to show off, but lacking the
means.
His words hit home; both York and Rosie visibly stiffened. Rosie, especially, sat up ramrod straight, her face flushed with indignation.
“You have money? Just how much could you possibly have?” she retorted, then gestured at York as if presenting the ace up her sleeve. “Do you even know who this is?”
York’s chest puffed out with pride. Compared to the rest of the Sumners–especially Edith–he considered himself a true member of high society.
“Ever heard of CatAI? My husband is a key executive there!”
As if worried Justin might not recognize the company, York quickly added, “It’s one of the top companies in artificial intelligence.”
Justin gave a dismissive smirk. “Oh, that cat–and–dog Al startup? Hardly worth mentioning.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.