Chapter 9
Just as Jeremy was about to click on it, Tricia walked in.
“Jeremy, the board members have been coming at me in waves, blaming me for everything. I’m about to lose it. Can you speak up for me?”
She walked straight up to Jeremy and happened to catch a glimpse of his computer screen.
The second she saw the thumbnail, her heart dropped. She remembered that scene and thought that she could never let him see those videos.
He’d only let her temporarily take over the secretary role because she had just returned from abroad and didn’t have a job, and Lexi had been hospitalized at the time: But who would’ve thought that in just a few
months, she would stir up more trouble than the company had seen in years?
And since Lexi had left because of her, his patience with her had worn thin.
“The shareholders saw a major dip in their year-end dividends because of what you’ve done. Of course,
they’re upset. If you’ve got time to complain, maybe spend it improving your skill set.
“It’s late. Go back to your room. And this is my study. It’s private. Don’t come in without my permission.
“Your new place is almost done anyway. Once it’s ready, you’ll be moving out.”
His tone was all business.
She bit her lip hard. She had sensed that his feelings for her had changed the moment she returned from overseas, and that was why she did everything she did. She could only find a way back into his life by driving a wedge between him and Lexi.
In a panic, her eyes landed on the divorce papers on his desk. Her gaze lit up.
“Jeremy, I’m pregnant!”
Jeremy’s hand jerked, knocking a glass of water off the table.
Lexi and Henry returned to Juville.
But instead of going to the Garner residence, he took her straight to the Shaw residence.
Outside the gate, Lexi stared at the familiar residence, suddenly unsure about going in.
Seven years ago, she insisted on studying in Tenby. Three years ago, she stubbornly married Jeremy-and look at where that got her.
Henry held her hand. “Families don’t hold grudges. Your parents are thrilled you’re back. They’ve been waiting for you. Lexi, you’ve been away long enough. It’s time to come home.”
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Just then, the front door opened, and her parents came rushing out. She hadn’t seen them in years, and both of them now had noticeably grayer hair.
Anne Hudson’s eyes were teary as she pulled her into a hug and sobbed, “Sweetheart, you’ve suffered so much out there. But you’re home now. As long as we’re here, no one can hurt you again.”
Luke Shaw wasn’t as emotional, but his words were just as firm. “You’re our daughter. No matter what you’ve done, we’d never blame you. The Shaw family will always have your back.”
That was when Lexi finally broke down. Her tears fell fast as she said, her voice choked up, “Mom, Dad… I was wrong. I should’ve listened to you and come home when you told me to. Then I wouldn’t have wasted seven years of my life.”
Back in Tenby, she’d endured everything alone. She’d once been the Shaw family’s little princess, and her parents never let her suffer, not even a little. But after falling out with them over Jeremy, she’d cut all ties. She thought they’d be angry with her.
But Anne wiped away her own tears, looked her in the eye, and said, “It’s okay. We’re not mad. What matters is that you’re back.”
Henry said, “Luke, Anne, it’s cold outside. Let’s go in and talk.”
Once inside, Anne sat with Lexi, talking nonstop and holding her hand the whole time.
Meanwhile, Henry was pulled aside by Luke. “Henry, I know you’ve had feelings for Lexi all these years. Now that she’s back, when are you two getting married?”
