Chapter 4

I stared at Archie in shock. “Archie, is this really how you see me?”

Evie grabbed Archie’s arm, standing firm. “Since Jillian won’t agree, let’s just forget about it. If she doesn’t like me, it’s fine. But now that you’re getting married, she can’t even give us a house? We won’t ask her for anything anymore.”

Archie bit his lip, and his gaze turned doubtful.

The door to the office opened, and Grandma walked in. “I could hear you two arguing from down the hall.”

Archie immediately rushed over. “What are you doing here, Grandma?”

She rolled her eyes at him. “How could I not be here when you’re getting married? It’s such an important event in your life!”

Grandma sat down and got straight to the point.

“Jillian, Archie is the last son of the Houghton family. His marriage can’t be treated carelessly. I like Evie. And now they’re having a child. It’s double the good news. Since it’s set for next month, let’s make sure it’s done properly.

“The entire Houghton family fortune is his. Now, he’s asking you for just one house as his marital home. And you’re refusing to give it up? That’s not right, is it?”

Evie smiled smugly. “Marlene, you’re so understanding.”

“Since Grandma says so, I won’t oppose it. You can have a grand wedding,” I said.

Archie asked, “Jillian, what about the house at Meadowlark Heights?”

“No way.” I shot him down immediately. “I’m living there myself. I don’t want to move. But I have a few other empty places that are just as good. You can choose one, and I’ll consider it a wedding gift for you.”

Archie’s attitude softened slightly.

But Evie wasn’t having it. “I like the Meadowlark Heights one. The baby likes it too. If you really care about us, you wouldn’t keep the best for yourself.”

“Jillian…” Grandma’s lips drooped. With a look of disappointment, she said, “You’re really disappointing me.”

Evie looped her arm around Grandma’s, acting all sweet. “Marlene, if Jillian doesn’t want to give it, then don’t pressure her. I don’t care where I live. It’s all the same to me. I didn’t think she’d be so cold to you guys.”

She glanced around the spacious office and continued with a hint of jealousy, “It’s already so hard to get a house from her. If Archie ever wants to take over the company, it’s probably going to be impossible.”

Evie’s words sparked something in Grandma, and her expression darkened immediately.

Archie’s lips twitched, his eyes accusing me as if I had taken something from him.

I had finally had enough. “Get out!”

“Jillian…”

I didn’t want to see them anymore, so I had Kaylee escort them out.

…

“You’re looking pretty down.” Logan was leaning against the counter, holding an emerald bangle. He grabbed my hand and started measuring it against the bangle. “Not happy to be out with me?”

I was irritated beyond belief. “Just spit it out.”

Logan clicked his tongue. “Oh, the intricate emotions of a woman. You weren’t this impatient when you were in bed.”

The store assistant’s eyes lit up with curiosity at those words.

Logan seemed pleased with the bangle. “I’ll take this one. Wrap it up.”

The store assistant nodded. “Sure, sir. Please follow me to the register.”

“She’ll pay,” Logan said, pointing at me.

Seeing her shocked expression, he explained, “Married men have a tight budget. You know how it is.”

I could feel the store assistant’s gaze shift. Her eyes were filled with shock as if to say, “So you’re that kind of person.”