She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 116

(Elias)

I don’t like the country club.

The scotch is watered down, the chairs are too soft, and the patio is always full of men who inherited their money and think it makes them important.

I built my empire with my own two hands.

I only keep the membership because the staff knows better than to attempt small talk.

I take a sip of my drink and lean both hands on the silver head of my cane.

Right on time, my grandson walks onto the terrace.

Chase looks exactly the way a man should look when his life is falling apart.

Exhausted, stiff, and utterly miserable. Good.

Maybe it will finally teach him something.

He pulls out the iron chair across from me and sits down.

He doesn't order a drink, waving the waiter off when he comes over.

"You summoned me," Chase says.

“I did," I tell him.

"I wanted to see what a spectacular idiot looks like in the midday sun. The lighting in my dining room is too forgiving."

His jaw tightens.

That little muscle jumps right below his ear.

It's the exact same tell his father had whenever he knew he was losing an argument.

My heart still hurts when I think about my son.

I shouldn’t be here when he’s been in the ground for almost twenty years.

"I don't have the patience for riddles today, Grandfather."

“I don't speak in riddles. I speak in facts. Natasha served you with custody papers."

Chase stares at me. "How do you know that?"

"I’m omniscient. She filed. Which means she finally got tired of waiting for you to pull your head out of your ass."

Chase drags a hand over his face.

“She's being unreasonable. We had an arrangement. She was staying at the apartment near the hospital. Then yesterday she lost her mind. She packed her things, left without a word, and sent a process server to my office. It makes no sense."

I strike the rubber tip of my cane hard against the flagstone patio.

“Of course it makes sense," I snap.

"You’re treating a brilliant woman like a convenience. You shoved her into a guest room and expected her to be grateful for the proximity to her own child.”

I fix him with my best glare.

“And you still haven't cut that blonde parasite out of your life publicly. Then you wonder why your wife went to war. I’m starting to worry that you may be mentally impaired."

“I told Natasha I don't want Sonia," Chase says, his voice low and defensive.

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