Chapter 420
Over here.
After finishing his cup of coffee, Shawn could tell that Donald wasn’t his usual sprightly self. He chalked it up to the typical ebb of energy that comes with age, not nearly as robust as the younger lot. So, without further ado, he signaled for his daughter to escort Donald up to the guest room prepared on the second floor for some rest
Once they reached the guest room, she walked in first with Donald trailing behind, and as the door shut, she casually flicked the deadbolt into place. The sound of the lock clicking made Donald spin around, an edgy look in his eyes. “What’s with the deadbolt?” he asked, his voice tight with suspicion.
Mirabella crossed her arms and fixed Donald with a piercing gaze. “Donald, I’m giving your one more chance to come clean,” she said, her voice soft but laced with a dangerous edge.
Donald hadn’t expected Mirabella to be so assertive–it starkly contrasted what he had read in her profile. He put the regret over his coffee aside and slowly made his way to a nearby chair, sinking into it before responding, “Come clean about what?”
She hooked a chair with her foot, pulled it closer, and took a seat herself. A sudden patience seemed to wash over her as she said, “For starters, who are you really? And what’s your purpose in seeking me out?”
“Oh, I’m just a lonely old man in need of care. You’re easy on the eyes, and you suit my taste. That’s all,” Donald replied, this time not beating around the bush.
A smirk twitched at the corner of Mirabella’s lips. “You really think I’d buy that?”
“Well, there’s nothing I can do if you don’t believe me. I’m just a harmless old man. If you’re itching to get rough, then be my guest,” Donald said, spreading his hands in a gesture of indifference.
Mirabella looked at the con artist before her without a flicker of emotion, fully aware that he was playing dumb again, yet infuriatingly, she was at a loss for what to do.
Feeling the intensity of her stare, Donald’s scalp tingled. He knew better than to overplay his hand, so he cleared his throat and said, “What’s with all the negativity, young lady? I’m not going to harm you. I’m just here to stay for a little while.”
“Ha, since when do guests lock themselves in like that?” Mirabella chuckled in disbelief.
A scam artist who had wormed his way into her home? Such a tall tale would hardly be believed if she told anyone.
With a huff, Donald retorted, “It’s because of your lack of charity that I had to come to you.” The thought of last night’s dinner–reduced to a microwaved meal–still irked him.
Chapter 420
Mirabella’s gaze remained frosty. “Yeah right.”
Donald touched his nose, and then, leaning on his cane, he stood and moved towards the bed. “I mean you no harm. I’ll be gone in a few days. Just think of it as taking care of a homeless old man.”
He sat on the edge of the bed, not even glancing at Mirabella. As he pulled back the covers, he muttered to himself, “Who knows, maybe someday we’ll be family.”
Sure, the girl had a temper, was rough around the edges, and lacked a bit of compassion for the elderly. But she was a looker. Looks are justice, after all. He had a soft spot for pretty faces.
“Alright, time for bed. It’s not good for seniors to stay up late,” Donald said with a yawn, then turned his back to Mirabella and shut his eyes, feigning sleep.
Mirabella was in disbelief. Indeed, whether in the past or the present, grandpas were the one she despised the most–without a doubt. Taking a deep breath, Mirabella stood up and left the room.
Once the sound of the door closing echoed through the room, Donald, who had been lying on his side pretending to sleep, suddenly opened his eyes, a smug smile playing across his lips as if he had just pulled off a sly trick.
