Chapter 27
She quickly typed [Catch up later] And then she turned on Do Not Disturb.
Harrison’s brow furrowed just a bit. He’d never seen her so absorbed in anything before. “If you’re feeling uncomfortable here, I can have Clyde take you home,” he suggested.
“Huh?” Gwyneth glanced up, her phone slipping into her pocket.. “But dinner hasn’t started yet. That’d be pretty rude, wouldn’t it?”
Up to you, Harrison said, shrugging in off like it was no big deal. Your call. He made it sound like skipping dinner was as casual as choosing between tea or coffee. To him, Gwyneth’s comfort clearly mattered more than sticking around for a fancy meal.
But Gwyneth shook her head. “You’ve been great, really. I can handle playing Mrs. Lopez,” she said, stepping closer and looping her arm through his. “Besides, Liam would be pretty upset if we left early.”
Harrison’s arm tensed for a second, then relaxed. “Alright. Let’s head to the study. You can chill there for a bit.
“Sounds good,” Gwyneth replied, walking beside him. Their linked arms swung gently as they strolled through the flower fields.
Inside the house, behind the glass walls, eyes followed their every move.
J….
Harrison’s study was just like any other room in the house–ordinary, functional. The desk was piled high with documents, and an entire wall was lined with books on business and management.
But it was the small, cozy sofa in the corner that Gwyneth loved the most. With Harrison’s permission, she took the soft pillow and thin blanker the maid had brought and settled in for a nap,
When Harrison came back a while later, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her, so relaxed and unguarded.
Clyde, who was hunched over some papers, looked up and said. “Nolan might not make it back from abroad in time-
“Hush,” Harrison whispered, taking a seat across from Gwyneth. He rested his chin on his hand, flipping through his book every now and then bur mostly just watching her. Clyde quietly slipped out, leaving them alone.
Evening finally rolled around. Gwyneth stood in front of the mirror, blinking away the sleepiness as she touched up her makeup. Harrison waited patiently by the door. “Dad and Nolan are both overseas tonight, Only Lance will be there–don’t worry about what he says
“Okay.” Gwyneth replied, her smile soft and genuine as she took Harrison’s hand. She was wearing a beautiful violet mermaid dress that shimmered in the light. Together, they headed downstairs to join the dinner.
The family gathered around the table. Liam took his place at the head, with his eldest grandson, Lance, seated to his left. On the right sat his third grandson, Harrison, and Gwyneth.
With almost a twenty–yeangap between them, Lance and Harrison looked more like uncle and nephew than peers.
As Gwyneth reached for her fork, Lance’s voice cut through the clinking of silverware. “Harrison’s health issues are unfortunate, but marrying a Jenkins wasn’t necessary. We can stand strong here without relying on old connections.
“Sull, given Harrisons personality, it’s surprising any woman–especially someone as beautiful and kind as Gwyneth–would marry him willingly
A few offhand remarks, but they stung. The Lopez family was wealthy and powerful, and with that came a web of internal conflicts and power struggles. Gwyneth kept eating quietly, avoiding trouble.
Harrison didn’t look up. “Gwyneth is beautiful and kind. I’ll take that compliment for her.
Gwyneth blinked in surprise.
‘s eyes flickered with surprise as well. The others at the table exchanged uneasy glances. They’d all assumed Harrison and Gwyneth’s affection was just an act But he actually stood up for her in front of Lance–that was unusual.
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