Chapter 356
Carla couldn’t quite explain why she felt such a strong fondness for Freya, a girl she’d never even met.
“What’s so different about her p>
Old Mrs. Ryan frowned, her tone sharp. “Carla, I mean this as your mother-in-law: you’re too soft on Farrell! Spare the rod, spoil the child, as they say. Look at him— does he even seem like a grown man anymore? Girlfriends come and go, not a single serious relationship in sight. If you don’t find him a wife who can actually keep him in line, he’ll end up just like your brother p>
She was talking about Carla’s younger brother, Hassan Blake.
At forty-five, Hassan was still drifting aimlessly through life. He switched girlfriends like socks, never settling down, and any extra cash he had went straight into impressing women-never into building a future.
The mention of her wayward brother made Carla lower her head, embarrassment silencing her.
Old Mrs. Ryan continued, “I may not have met Freya yet, but I know the Gonzales family inside out. Keira, Stuart, Carey-they’re all good stock. I’m sure Freya is beautiful, and I don’t doubt her character for a second p>
Such a pity.
Farrell was stubborn to the core he wouldn’t even agree to meet the girl.
Meanwhile p>
Skyler woke up to late morning sunlight streaming through the curtains.
His head throbbed-splitting pain, the kind that made every heartbeat feel like a hammer blow.
He glanced at his phone. Ten-thirty.
“Shit p>
He bolted upright on the couch, panic setting in. He had a meeting at noon. Drinking was never worth it.
“You’re finally up p>
Gordon emerged from the bathroom, looking as composed and aloof as ever. The hangover was gone; he’d slipped back into his usual untouchable formality, as if the vulnerable man from last night had never existed.
“Uncle?” Skyler blinked, confused. “What are you doing here p>
“Obviously, I stayed to keep you company.” Gordon’s face was frosted over with cold disdain. “What, did you think I’d spend the night here for my own amusement p>
“Keep me company?” Skyler’s mind flickered with half-memories. He glanced at Gordon warily. “Uncle, did you…did you cry last night p>
He remembered Gordon drinking-copiously. He could even picture his uncle draped over him, sobbing like a heartbroken fool.
“I didn’t. You imagined it.” Gordon shot him a withering look. “Do I seem like the type to lose my composure like you p>
Skyler scratched his head. True, his uncle hardly seemed the type to drink for love and break down in tears.
But what had happened last night, really?
“I swear I remember you crying on my shoulder p>
Gordon’s lips curled dismissively. “You must’ve had one boring dream p>
As if he would ever cry.
Never.
Skyler began to doubt himself. “Was it really just a dream p>
A few minutes later, Skyler had convinced himself it must have been. He looked
up at Gordon. “Uncle, are you in a bad mood today? You look like someone just wiped out your entire stock portfolio p>
Or like someone owed him a few million dollars and refused to pay up.
Gordon’s response was icy: “Mind your own business p>
Skyler was baffled. What on earth had gotten into him? Usually, Gordon was a
little frosty, but today he was practically glacial.
Gordon pulled his phone from his pocket and unlocked it.
Ding.
A WhatsApp message popped up instantly.
It was from Caitlin.
[You free today? Want to grab some diner food with me p>
In a split second, the gloom in Gordon’s eyes lifted. He typed back almost
instantly: [Sounds good. Want me to pick you up p>
[Sure, I’ll wait for you p>
Gordon was suddenly full of life. He turned to Skyler, grinning. “I’ve got plans-
gotta run. You can see yourself out p>