Chapter 18


    “Come on. I know you didn’ do that. You always leave the dirty work for Devin, that little


    rascal.”


    Devin, standing nearby, grumbled, “Grandpa, please show me some respect, will you? I’m your


    grandson, after all.”


    Hubert red at him. “At least you recognize how embarrassing you are!”


    Devin rolled his eyes and muttered, “Like I’m some kind of fool.”


    Hubert didn’t bother responding.


    The two families had been close for years, and Curtis grew up under Hubert’s watchful eye, almost like


    another grandson. It had been quite a while since theyst saw each other, and Hubert gave Curtis’


    shoulder a hearty p. “Finally decided to grace us with your presence, eh?”


    Curtis grinned mischievously. “I’ve been dreaming of you telling me how much you missed


    So here I am, easing your heartache.”


    me


    Hubert’s face broke into a big smile before he yfully swung his cane, pretending to hit Curtis but only


    giving him a gentle tap on the leg. “You cheeky brat! Joking with your old buddy like that.”


    Leanne stood quietly on the side, having only greeted Hubert when she arrived and saying. little else


    since.


    Hubert turned to her with a warm smile out of his fondness for Curtis. “Long time no see, Anne. You’re


    just getting more stunning each time I see you.”


    Leanne replied with a sweet smile, the epitome of politeness.


    Maybe because there was a new baby in the family, Hubert’s mind was clearly on the topic of babies.


    “You and Curtis have been married for nearly three years, eh? When are you nning on giving us a


    little bundle of joy?”


    Leanne’s smile stiffened slightly.


    Everyone knew that their rtionship was rocky at best, with them living apart most of the time: Where


    would they even find the time to make babies?


    The air grew tense, and Leanne tried to sidestep the question. “We haven’t thought about


    it.”


    Hubert was unsatisfied with that answer. “Well, think about it now! With genes as good as yours, it’s


    almost a crime not to have a child.”


    Leanne was speechless.


    7/2


    Chapter 18


    It wasn’t any of Hubert’s business anyway.


    Devin clicked his tongue, “Hey, even Jennifer isn’t pressing the matter, so what’s your hurry? It’s none


    of your business.”


    “Who’s saying Jennifer’s not into it? Look how she’s fixed on that baby for hours, like she’s ready to


    take it home!”


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    Following Hubert’s cane, they saw Jennifer cradling the Perez family’s newborn great-grandchild not far


    away with a loving smile that lit up her entire face.


    Hubert added, “Anne, you’re making Jennifer envious. Go on. Have one for her to dote on.” Desperate


    for an escape, Leanne looked pleadingly toward Curtis, who stood by, indifferent, showing no sign of


    jumping to her rescue.


    With a mental brace, Leanne blurted out, “Actually, the fact we don’t have kids isn’t on me.” The room


    went silent as all eyes turned to Curtis.


    Curtis arched an eyebrow, facing his rtives’plex and concerned stares, and drawled, “You are


    saying the problem is with me?”


    Leanne replied evasively, “It’s not my ce to say. You should talk to Mr. Perez about it.”


    With that, she picked up the hem of her dress and walked away.


    A heavy silence filled the air.


    Hubert was at a loss for words.


    Curtis watched Leanne’s retreating figure, noting how she nced back at him before quickly turning


    away and hurrying off even faster.


    Curtis couldn’t help butugh in frustration.


    Devin looked as if he’d been struck by lightning, finding it more difficult to ept a problem with Curtis


    than with himself.


    He stared incredulously at Curtis’ private part for a moment before Curtis raised a hand to push his jaw


    back up. “Shut it.”