Chapter 20
“That kid’s not mine,” Caleb blurted out defensively.
“Cut the crap, Caleb,” Eve wasn’t buying it.
Holcomb furrowed his brow. “No matter whose kid it is, I expect you to handle it properly.”
Caleb felt sweat begin to pool in his palms. Holcomb was backing him into a corner, eager to see how he’d handle Kristin in order to save Eve’s reputation.
Eve watched Caleb with a smirk of schadenfreude. “Let’s see how you handle Kristin and the little bastard. Play your cards right, and my dad might bail out your family business.”
Caleb shot Eve a look of deep anger, snorted, and stormed off.
“Dad, why won’t you let me speak?” Eve started whining to Holcomb right after Caleb left.
“If you two had half the composure and guts of your elder brother, I’d be at ease,” Holcomb sighed. “What’s marriage and love anyway? You must have dirt on someone to have them by the balls.”
Eve’s lips curled up. She was eager to see if Caleb would do something drastic to Kristin and the kid for the sake of the Gladstone family’s business.
“Dad, a guy like Caleb won’t just roll over and play nice.” Vincent said with a stony face.
Caleb had some nerve, having had the audacity to make a move on his girl back in the day. And he would pay the price for it.
“The Gladstone family is facing more than just a minor crisis. He’d come begging to you.” Holcomb patted Vincent’s shoulder. “Lately, focus your energy. I’m not pleased with your performance at the company, and neither is your brother.”
“Dad! With Rhett around, nothing I do is ever good enough,” Vincent envied Rhett but had to admit the guy had talent. He was intimidated by Rhett.
“Keep yourself in line, and Rhett will help you out.” Holcomb hoped for family harmony. “I’ll be traveling abroad in a few days. Don’t you two cause any trouble at home.“.
“Dad, I…” Vincent wanted to talk to Holcomb about shares and management rights but didn’t dare to speak up.
Vincent’s mother Nicola glared at him unhappily upstairs. If he didn’t bring it up, when would he? Rhett had complete control of the company at the time. What would that mean for her and her children?
“Holcomb, Vincent doesn’t have real power in the company. Even if he’s capable, he can’t show it because those old staff only recognize shares. It’s tough for Vincent,” Nicola said with a smile, carefully catering to Holcomb.
She married Holcomb after being the other woman, all for a piece of the FitzGerald Group’s
Chapter 20
shares.
“Father had given the shares directly to Rhett in the will. Nobody can do anything without Rhett loosening his grip.
“Holcomb… you’re the head of the family. Rhett has to listen to you. He’ll give in if you speak up. Rhett isn’t unreasonable.” Nicola redressed, implying that if Rhett hoarded his company shares without parting some to Vincent, he’d be acting out of line.
Holcomb rubbed his temples. “I’ll find an opportunity to talk to him.”
In the demolition area, Garner was whacked with a stick by Vincent’s people and later found and taken to the hospital.
These days, reporting to the police was useless. Garner couldn’t even get close to the FitzGerald Mansion.
“Uncle Garner!”
Garner, fixing a car, heard Summer’s voice, dropped his wrench, and ran over excitedly. “Summer!”
Kristin, pale, gave Garner a weak smile. “Garner, we’re okay.”
Garner’s eyes reddened as he nodded. “Hungry, right? I’ll wash up and cook for you. I’m sorry. I’m not capable enough to protect you.”
“Don’t say that, Garner.” Kristin shook her head.
Garner had done so well. He’d done a commendable job taking care of Summer for the past five years on her behalf.
Kristin was content.
+
“Your face… what happened?” Garner noticed Kristin’s swollen cheek, filled with anger and helplessness.
Vincent was correct that he knew nothing about society, where power always trumped all.
How could he protect Summer and Kristin?
“It’s nothing.” Kristin choked up, shaking her head and looking down.
“No more talk… Let’s eat,” Garner hurried inside, washed his hands, and started cooking.
An oatmeal satisfied Kristin immensely.
It had been long since she’d had a hot, big meal.
“Want more? There’s still some in the kitchen,” Garner offered with a smile as he went to get Kristin more oatmeal.
Kristin had more and smiled at Garner. “Garner, it’s delicious.”
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Chapter 20
“Uncle Garner used to be a chef. He’s good,” Summer praised, passing the egg to his mom.
“Eat, Summer. You are growing,” Kristin gave it back to Summer.
“Don’t worry, Summer, your mommy has got a big one here,” Garner laughed and served another one to Kristin.
“Garner…” Kristin’s voice wavered, looking at the plate. “Thank you.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m your brother,” Garner waved it off. “Summer, go get me some ketchup.”
With Summer out of earshot, Garner whispered, “Still… don’t know who Summer’s dad is?”
Kristin shook her head. She wasn’t sure if it was Caleb.
“Summer was premature, always weak. Hec anemia could be hereditary. The doctor said we need her biological parents to cooperate in tests to find the cause,” Garner sighed.
Kristin’s grip on her spoon tightened, and she bit her lip. “I’ll… figure it out.”
She would go to Caleb.
