Classic Novel
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Farrah covered her mouth with a giggle. “Crank up the volume on that phone, we wouldn’t want anyone to miss the show!”
With a sly grin, Bainbridge thumbed the volume up to maximum and placed the phone squarely in front of Howard.
“Mr. Bainbridge, the Peterson family is ready to relocate the old homestead to make room for your Utopia Skylines Project,” Eaton’s robust voice boomed through the living room.
A smug smile spread across Bainbridge as he looked over at Howard.
“Eaton, I’m grateful you’d consider my request in letting go of the…
“Mr. Bainbridge, don’t get it twisted! I’m doing this for the sake of Howard. Please pass my regards to him and let him know I owe him and his wife a dinner.”
Without another word, Eaton hung up, a busy man with no time to spare.
Bainbridge froze, then twisted in anger. He was livid, unable to fathom that the Peterson family had moved for the sake of Howard!
“Bainbridge, talk about thick–skinned!” Jeannie taunted, “Is this just your influence worth?”
“Jeannie, mind your manners!” Roselind feigned anger as she scolded her daughter, though her heart swelled with satisfaction.
Eaton’s words stung like a slap to the faces of Bainbridge and his parents, leaving them as mixed up as a spilled jar of spices.
Howard squeezed Gwendolyn’s wrist and spoke with a cool resolve, “I appreciate Bainbridge finding Dr. Waldo to treat my legs. You can have the project. Grandpa, we’ll be taking our leave…”
“Dad, we’ll come to see you another time.”
Howard and his family left promptly, leaving Warren to stew in his disappointment, retreating to his room without even touching dinner.
The once lively living room fell into eerie silence.
Bainbridge, his face a shade of thunderous blue, clenched his teeth. “I’ll call Valor right now and see what’s really going on. How dare he make a fool of me?”
When the call connected, Valor couldn’t stop singing praises about Gwendolyn, mentioning how Howard had snagged himself a fine wife. Bainbridge hung up, his fingers white with rage.
Farrah fretted, “That country girl has some nerve, doesn’t she?”
Bainbridge sneered, “She got lucky. She’s a dropout from Bayridge University’s medical program. If she couldn’t even handle first aid, that would be the real joke! Did you really think
the world is full of Enoch’s disciples?”
Reassured, Farrah took a seat, while Jarvis chimed in, “Without the project, Howard won’t be able to contest the inheritance. I heard Warren plans to announce handing over the Chadwick. family to you at his 70th birthday bash.”
“Really?” Bainbridge was elated, “Even If It’s not announced, Howard won’t last long! Dr. Waldo is a finely honed blade, able to kill without a trace.”
Farrah and Bainbridge exchanged a look, their eyes gleaming with malicious Intent.
Later that evening, at the Chadwick family’s modest villa
Howard and his family arrived home and shared a collective laugh.
Roselind spoke with a light smile, “We may have lost the project, but there’s hope for Howard’s legs. As long as our family’s healthy and safe, that’s all that matters. I’ve got Dr. Waldo all lined up.”
“Right, we won’t fight for the inheritance then, health is most important!” Jameson always took. a laid– back approach, devoid of business ambitions, “Howard, why would Mr. Peterson move for your sake?”
Howard glanced at Gwendolyn, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “On the way out that day, Gwendolyn unexpectedly saved Mr. Peterson when he fainted.”
“So that’s it. I remember your mother mentioning that Gwendolyn attended Bayridge University’s medical school. I didn’t realize it was true.” Jameson nodded, understanding the situation. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
It was normal for Gwendolyn, a med student, to know some first aid. No one doubted such a young woman could have much skill beyond that.
Roselind proudly added, “Marina was raving about your massage techniques. Those herbal remedies must be what you use to help Howard, you’re so good to him.”
“Gwendolyn, you’re amazing!” Jeannie praised, clinging to her hand enthusiastically.