Chapter 23
But his phone suddenly rang. It was Abel, his voice urgent. “Mr. Flynn! Ms. Emerson took a tumble down the stairs and broke her leg. She’s in hospital now.”
“What?” Zachary’s brows furrowed, and he instinctively started to shove, but then stopped. He turned back to Gwyneth. “I need to-
“Do what you have to do Gwyneth said, brushing past him without a glance.
Zachary hesitated for a beat, and then, with Abel’s insistent prodding in his ear, he quickened his pace and left.
Gwyneth’s heart felt like it was freezing over. But it was okay. She had already made up her mind to leave.
She turned to Harrison. “Let’s go back to see your grandpa.
Harrison watched Zachary disappear, his eyes flickering with irritation. But he softened his expression as he ushered Gwyneth into the car. “When we’re with Grandpa, just be yourself. If you don’t like something, say no. No one’s going to judge you.”
Gwyneth had been looking down, but she looked up, puzzled. “There’s really nothing I need to worry about?”
“You’re already more than capable of handling yourself. What more could 1 ask for?” Harrison’s casual words somehow settled her nerves.
Nearly the entire Lopez family was gathered in the hall of the Lopez manor. All eyes turned to Gwyneth the moment she entered with Harrison.
Gwyneth’s fingers were twisting nervously, but Harrison gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry,” he murmured. They’re just curious. And we’re just business partners, right? Be yourself.”
To the Lopez family, that small affectionate gesture spoke volumes. It was clear Harrison had taken a liking to his new wife.
Liam, the family patriarch, smiled warmly and waved Gwyneth over, “Gwyneth, come here, dear,”
She walked over, her voice soft and polite. “Yes, Liam?”
Liam’s smile grew. “She’s a good girl, Harrison. You better treat her right And Gwyneth, if he ever gives you any trouble, you call me. I’ll set him straight
“Thank you. Liam,” Gwyneth said, her voice sincere. “Harrison’s been very kind. He even went out of his way to pick me up today.”
There was a brief, stunned silence. Harrison being thoughtful seemed so impossible.
Liara blinked in surprise, and then laughed heartily.
Harrison knew Liam well chough to anticipate the endless questions that would follow. Seeing the crowd closing in on Gwyneth, he decided to take charge. “I’ll take her upstairs for now, he said, his tone firm but polite. “We’ll catch up later.”
“Wait, what about everyone else?” Gwyneth asked, glancing back at the family.
They’ll had something to do Harrison replied, his cool gaze sweeping the room. The family members exchanged glances but stayed silent.
Gwyneth hesitated for a moment, and then decided to go along. If they could escape the crowd, why not? She followed Harrison up to his room
Harrison’s room was as stark and uninviting as he was, with only the lush garden visible through the window adding a splash of color to the other cold space
After Harmon had left to greet the other family elders, Gwyneth found herself drawn to a poetry book on the shelt. Its well–worn pages and curled edges hinted at frequent use. She’d never pictures Harrison as the poetry–reading type.
As she opened it, a bookmark slipped out Gwyneth bent to pick it up, her eyes widening in surprise. This looks just like the one I used in high school, she murmured
cars ago. Maybe it was just a coincidence. She picked it up, intending to put it back, but noticed a few photos
But that old bookmark had been lost years were about to fall out of the pages:
She reached to tuck them back in, but a hand closed the book before she could–Harrison’s
