Chapter 113

Chapter 113

After a long shaft, Leanne teft the hospital to hid Curtis Bentley parked at the cum, Exer the respectful chauffeur, take opened the car door for her Leanne gland teet Curtis and quived an eyebrow “What brings you here? Mary at hover why the full act? Her words traded off as Curtle wordlessly flipped his phone Womend her

On the screen was Mary’s smiling face Yourdoft work now, dear We only night for m pick you up. Hurry home for dinner Eve made your favonte fried chicken Von Marys

Curtis was busy, often juggling multiple commitments. Yet, he had cleared his schedule early to spend more time with Mary, and his phone rang all the way home As the preced the house, seizing a rare moment of silence, 1 gonne turned to him, Havent you drafted that agreement yet?”

Without looking up from his phone, Cuntis voice was indifferent Mylawyer’s sick impot a slave driver expecting work from an ill man

Fine, fill draft it myself,” Leanne sand, cutting to the chase. W’s not that complicated

Curtis gave her a sidelong glance, and his tone linged with sarcasm, Dr Castillo, the woman of many talents”

What choice do I have? Beller to rely on myself than count on you” Leanne was all for efficiency

“Thave a meeting tomorrow, Guntis replied

“The day after?

Til be out of town”

“When will you be back?”

Leanne fromed Then I’ll sign the papers and send them to your office Sign them whenever you return Surely

Curtis’ expression darkened, and his enthusiason dampened He tossed his phone aside and leaned back into the seat Tet’s do it next Monday”

Upon arriving home, they entered the house, aging as if nothing was amiss in Mary’s presence

Leanne didn’t lock her door that night, worried about Mary noticing, but Curtis didn’t retum to sleep.

Once Curtis was away on business, Lomme fel more at peace, out of sight and out of

Chaple

mind. However, Mary was less than pleased, mandeering Leanne’s phone every evening to video call Curtis and insisting Leanne appnat on screen, tap

Caught in the middle of a dinner party, Curtis became the subject of light hearted teasing when his companions saw the caller ID. “Your wife checks in on you like clockwork, eh?”

With ambiguous intent, Curtis hummed, “That’s your great grandma for you

As soon as the call connected, Mary puckered her lips in displeasure. “Days have passed, and you’re still not back. What’s more important, your project or my old life?

“Take my life if it pleases you,” Curtis offered.

Recognizing Mary from a visit to the Richardson family, some acquaintances at the table sent their regards, which prompted a chorus of flattery from the others.

Amid the pandering voices, Curtis’ gaze settled on the reluctant Leanne, pushed into the frame. She wasn’t fond of socializing and edged away when she noticed the crowd on his end. Her face and most of her body were out of view, but her hands remained, tenderly massaging Mary’s legs, her fingers delicate, her wrists white.

Someone offered Curtis a cigarette, lighting it for him while commenting. That must be your wife, right? Even her hands are beautiful.”

Curtis’ eyelids flickered open as he said frostily, “Who gave you the permission to look?”

The man sheepishly backed off.

Curtis pocketed his phone and shooed away the sycophants.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Leanne spent several days at the Richardson Manor, rushing over to keep Mary company after work and staying through the weekends.

Joy felt neglected and spoke her suspicions out, “Are you sure she’s not just putting on an act? Trying to keep you tied to the Richardson family?”

“Don’t be so cynical,” Leanne rebuked her.

“Fine, I’m cynical. But you’re making a fool of yourself!”

After ending the call, Leanne continued slicing fruit. Mary’s attempts to play matchmaker with her and Curtis were not subtle. Whether genuine or not, Mary’s failing health was a reality. Spending more days with Mary meant fewer regrets when Mary was no longer there.