Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 59

Eleanor choked on her words, her face twisting in pure rage, but with Evelyn standing right there, she forced herself to bite her tongue.

Evelyn immediately jumped in to play the charming savior. "Eleanor, please, let me handle it. I've actually been taking a few culinary classes lately. I'd love to make something special for you."

Julian immediately stepped forward, vehemently protesting. "Absolutely not. Let the chef handle it. Evelyn, your hands were not made to slave over a stove."

Eleanor eagerly nodded along. "Julian is entirely right! You are a brilliant scientist leading crucial projects at the Institute! You shouldn't be ruining your skin with grease and smoke like some low-level floor sweeper."

The two of them fed off each other, competing to see who could coddle the precious guest more.

Hazel stood quietly, watching the pathetic display unfold. There was genuinely nothing left to say.

Suddenly, Grandma Hayes let out a booming, authoritative cough. Her face was dark with fury as she grabbed Hazel's hand, marched her straight over to the head of the dining table, and firmly pushed her into the seat of honor.

The entire room went dead silent, every pair of eyes snapping toward the imposing older woman.

Evelyn was the first to recover. She hastily grabbed the second gift bag and scurried over, her posture incredibly submissive and her voice dripping with honey. "Grandma, I brought this specifically for you. I hope you'll accept it."

Grandma Hayes slowly lifted her gaze. Her eyes were absolute ice. "I don't recall ever inviting you into my home."

Evelyn's sickeningly sweet smile shattered instantly. She shot a desperate, panicked look toward Julian, practically begging for a rescue.

Julian stepped forward, his mouth opening to intervene, but Grandma Hayes shot him a glare so lethal that he instantly clamped his jaw shut.

"I appreciate the gesture,"

Grandma Hayes's voice was low, slow, and packed with an undeniable, crushing authority. "But tonight is a private family dinner. It is highly inappropriate for Miss Vance to crash our evening, let alone cook for us. If you don't have any pressing business, I suggest you see yourself out."

"Stop right there!" Grandma Hayes's voice echoed like a thunderclap. "Your wife is sitting right here! What kind of degenerate husband chases another woman out the door?"

Julian skidded to a halt, turning back with wild desperation written all over his face. "Grandma, she was a guest! It's pitch black outside, and she drove all the way here alone! Letting her leave by herself is completely unacceptable. I'm just going to walk her to her car."

He rushed back over to Hazel, grabbing her hand and squeezing it affectionately as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Honey, please take care of Grandma for a bit. I'll be right back. Please don't overthink this. I'll explain everything later."

Without waiting for her response, he spun around and bolted out the front door.

Hazel stared blankly at the hand he had just squeezed. The physical warmth from his touch still lingered on her skin, but inside, she was completely frozen.

She slowly stood up and offered Grandma Hayes a gentle, resolute smile. "Grandma, I actually need to get going too. I'll come see you again soon."