Chapter 40
Diana froze, stunned. ‘How could she twist it like that?
The room fell silent. Paying for Gwyneth was one thing: paying for the Lopez family was a whole different story.
Diana knew the truth: even if she paid the million, the Lopez family might not thank her. She didn’t want to be the one to foot the bill. Yet Gwyneth’s logic was airtight, and she couldn’t find a way to argue against it.
Just as the room was thick with tension, Melanie sauntered in, her arms laden with designer bags. She tossed her sunglasses aside with a bright smile. “Hey, everyonel What’s the big deal? Did you all hear about my date with Adrian today?”
Gasps rippled through the room–Melanie had already hooked up with Adrian Lopez, the youngest Lopez scion! That fat?
Diana, seeing her daughter as a lifeline, rushed over and linked arms with her. “Really? How was he?”
“He was amazing! Super charming, took me out for a fancy dinner, and bought me all this stuff. I’ll win him over any minute” Melanie said, her voice dripping with pride.
She then shot Gwyneth a smug look. “Why do you always come back alone! Doesn’t your husband have the decency to keep you company?”
biana chimed in smoothly. “Don’t be like that, Melanie Gwyneth’s not as charming as you. I don’t think Mr. Harrison Lopez cares much for her.
She was clearly trying to distance Gwyneth from the Lopez family. This way, she could easily get 3 million from her without hesitation.
Gwyneth just smiled faintly. She’d heard of Adrian–a spoiled brat who couldn’t hold a candle to Harrison. But he was the Lopez family’s only heir, and clearly, Diana had her sights ser high
“At least Harrison and I are legally married” Gwyneth said coolly. “Buying you a few trinkets doesn’t mean Adrian’s serious”
Melanie’s face flushed with anger as she felt offended in front of everyone. “One day, Adrian will inherit everything and marry met
“I’ll be waiting” Gwyneth said, glancing at her watch. She turned to leave. You all handle your money and your schemes. I’m not wasting any more ume here. Goodbye”
“Who’s scheming Melanie shouted after her.
As Gwyneth turned to retort, a cup flew across the room and bit her right on the forehead.
The room gasped in shock.
Melanie’s hand was still raised, her eyes wide with panic. “You were the one who started this!”
Gwyneth’s forehead was already swelling. She glared at Melanie, her anger simmering. She’d underestimated just how unhinged Melanie could be.
A servant hurried in, breathless. “Mr. Lopez’s here to take Gwyneth home.”
“Harrison’s here?!” Quentin’s eyes widened in alarm. He glanced at Gwyneth’s bruised forehead and his face paled. “You better keep your mouth shut around him, or your mon’s picture will never see the inside of the memorial hall again.”
Before Gwyneth could reach, he pushed her roughly toward the door, his grip right on her arm.
Gwyneth stumbled, her head spinning from the jolt. As she stepped outside, the porch light blinded her for a moment.
Harrison stepped into the light, his brow furrowed in concern. He reached out, his fingers gentle on her forehead. His voice was low and rough, tinged with a hint of danger. “What happened?”
“Aliem!” Quentin coughed loudly, shooting Gwyneth a warning look. Diana and her daughter watched intently, their expressions tense
Gwyneth rubbed her forehead. “Just a bump. It’s nothing”
Quentin and the others visibly relaxed, their shoulders dropping in relief.
Harrison’s fingers lingered on her injury, his voice colder now. “I want the truth”
This is the truth,” Gwyneth said, her eyes narrowing as she caught Diana’s triumphant smile. She leaned into Harrison, pretending to be lightheaded. “They told me to say that. They didn’t want you to get mad at Melanie”
You like bra!‘ Quentin cursed under his breath, his face breaking into a forced smile as sweat trickled down his forehead.
1/2
2:55 PM ct c
Chapter 40
Harrison’s arms wrapped around Gwyneth protectively, his icy gaze shifting to Quentin “Explain. Now”
Just a little sisterly roughhousing, Quentin said quickly. “All siblings night and play rough. It’s
Harrison was silent for a few seconds. To Quentin and the others, it felt like an eternity.
big deal”
“What hit your forehead” Harrison’s thumb gently brushed against the back of Gwyneth’s neck.
“A cup,” Gwyneth replied, feeling a little awkward at the tender touch but staying still. She knew he was playing along with their little charade.
Harrison raised an eyebrow. “Clyde, grab a cup from inside.”
“Right away,” Clyde said, quickly returning with a small cup.
Instead of taking it himself, Harrison guided Gwyneth’s hand to the cup. “Sisterly roughhousing, huh? Just play along. That’s only fair
“Huh? I’m not sure about that.” Gwyneth took the cup, turning it over in her hands. “What if I accidentally hurt her face?”
“Sisters roughhousing is no big deal. That’s what you said earlier, right, Quentin? Harrison glanced at Quentin with a knowing look.
Quentin’s mind was racing. He’d really stepped in it this time.
the mention of a possible facial injury, Melanie quickly hid behind Diana. She had a date with Adrian to look forward to–she couldn’t risk messing up her appearance,
Seeing this, Diana quickly grabbed Quentin’s sleeve, shaking her head frantically. This isn’t right. Gwyneth, Melanie didn’t mean it. How about 1 have her apologize?”
“After Melanie apologizes to me, do I still have to pay for the fixing of the family memorial hall?” Gwyneth looked up at Quentin with an innocent expression.
“Since when does the Jenkins family make a young girl pay for the repairs?” Harrison’s voice was cold as ice.
Under Harrison’s piercing gaze, Quentin was sweating bullets: “No! Of course not. I’ll cover the costs. I’m the father, it’s my responsibility.”
“What about my medical bills?” Gwyneth tapped her head. “At least 1.5 million.”
Quentin’s Face went pale. 1.5 million was outrageous.
But with Harrison’s cold glare still on him, Quentin didn’t dare offend Gwyneth. He forced a smile. “1.5 million for my sweetheart’s treatment? 1 guess it’s only fair
Gwyneth felt a wave of satisfaction. I’ve already sent you the account number.”
E
