Chapter 77: Your Age Is Showing

DOMINIC POV:

I whipped my head to glare at him. “You can try. Let’s see if the news reports it before I call the cops on you for threatening me.”

Arthur rolled his eyes. I could tell at a glance that he had never suffered the consequences of his actions. He was in for a rude awakening.

“What? Did I say I will kidnap Bethany? I’m her father, I will be telling the press the truth. You, on the other hand…”

“Are you threatening to kidnap Bethany?” I questioned.

“So what if I am.”

I narrowed my eyes. “The room is under surveillance. Every word you said has been recorded,” I warned him. “Try me.”

He stepped back, his confidence waning. “I’m sure the media will enjoy another breaking story about you. But what about Bethany and Eileen? They will be dragged through the mud because you are unwilling to dish out pocket change.”

I shoved him aside and slammed the door behind me. “Throw him out of the company,” I commanded.

The guard rushed inside and dragged him away. I heard his curses from down the hallway as I pressed my phone to my ear.

“Find out if Arthur has approached any reporters about this matter,” I said under my breath.

Greg sighed. “I was about to tell you later today. I got a call from a reporter, warning me that someone was going around, trying to sell a sob story about a custody battle.”

I stiffened.

“Fortunately, the reporter didn’t write a story immediately and called me to confirm.”

“Good. Tell them that I am hunting anyone who writes a story on this down.” I was serious. I never bothered with the paparazzi or the press. I had gotten used to them during my relationship with Camille. But now, the stakes were higher. I couldn’t condone their speculation and meddling any longer.

“I have issued a message amongst my peers that anyone spreading this rumor will be held accountable.” Greg paused before continuing. “I have stopped it for now, but if a reporter thinks it's more profitable to publish the news than fearing you, we might have a problem on our hands. Moreover, Arthur could take to social media… And knowing the public, they will come at you.”

I thought about it for a long time. “Then we wait. Let’s see what he does.”

.

When I returned home that evening, Eileen was playing with the kids in the living room. Lucy was laying on the floor, allowing Bethany to walk all over her. I could hear the giggles from the entrance.

My lips tugged up into a broad smile as I walked in. Eileen was also on the floor, sitting with her feet crossed. She looked over her shoulder, feeling my presence and returned my smile. I leaned over and pressed my lips against her.

I wove my fingers through her hair and deepened the kiss. She threw her hands over my shoulder and pulled me closer. I knelt down, allowing her to take me hostage.

A shiver ran up my spine as she played with the small hairs at the back of my neck. My fingers found purchase on her hips, pushing her shirt up inadvertently.

I heard a throat clearing and pulled away. Lucy was smirking, her eyes still on the kids, but the mischievous look in her eyes gave her away.

“Not in front of the kids,” she joked.

Eileen snickered. “Are you getting back at me for catching you?”

I raised my brow quizically. “Did I miss something?”

Eileen nodded enthusiastically while Lucy groaned in dismay. “You’re having too much fun with this.”

“After you teased me for a whole week?” Eileen countered. This was, of course, referring to Lucy walking in on us. “No way.”

“Come on. Tell me!” I whined.

Eileen snickered. She lowered her voice before speaking. “I was strolling in the garden with the kids when I saw two teenagers making out behind the bushes. I thought someone had broken in!” she said theatrically.

I crossed my feet, taking my place beside her. “Then?” she urged.

“Lo and behold, it was Greg and Lucy.”

I scrunched my nose.

“All the clothes were on… I made sure,” Eileen answered before my imagination ran wild.

Lucy huffed. “You act like I am a kid. You knew we did that stuff.”

Eileen shrugged. “Who told me it was complicated?”

“It’s not complicated any longer. Happy?”

“Very!” Eileen chirped.

“So, you’re boyfriend and girlfriend now?” I wondered. After my chat with Greg, I had wondered how long it would take for him to succumb to his feelings and throw caution to the wind.

Greg hadn’t lasted as long as I had anticipated. Which was a good thing. I could tell he was taken with Lucy. The sooner he allowed himself to be happy, the better.

“Dominic, your age is showing,” Lucy warned.

I threw my head back and laughed. “I sound like a boomer, don’t I?” I confessed. “Then what’s the new term for… this.”

Lucy mock huffed. “Just call it a relationship. Blending in with the young is not for your age group.”

Eileen gasped and threw a pillow from the sofa at Lucy. She caught it midair, and Bethany squealed in delight. And just like that, she had found a new game to entertain herself with.

I could imagine the condition of the pillow by the end of play time. Well, what were a few more pillows? Eileen would love shopping for our home anyway.

‘Our home.’

That sounded lovely.

Warmth flooded my chest and I threw my hand over her shoulder and pressed her against my side. She eyed me curiously, wondering what had gotten into me.

Her cellphone rang and she leaned over and took it from the couch before frowning.

“It’s Mr. Gardener,” she announced. I nudged her to pick it up. She put the call on speaker. “Hello?”

“Miss Sharp. Do you have a moment to speak? I had an update on the negotiation terms,” he said with a hint of pride.