The Cherished Wife



Peter cut him off with a glare that could freeze lava. Lareal gulped, the rest of his protest dying on his lips.

Peter huffed. "Aren't you my assistant? Can't handle this? Maybe you should just pack your bags and hit the road."

"No way, Mr. Lennon! You've got important stuff, I know. I'll take care of these little things. I'll work my fingers to the bone until my last breath..." Lareal was on the verge of tears as he watched Peter walk away. "You're not staying? The Lennon family's been shaking things up, especially with Jack coming back last night. Is the family really going to change?"

Grabbing his car keys, Peter headed for the garage and ran into Jamie on the way up. Jamie eyed him narrowly. "Where to, Uncle Peter? You've been missing from the office, and the board's old guard has a bone to pick with you!"

Peter shot Jamie a sly grin. "Your aunt's back in town, and I've got to make some time for her." Jamie's face went pale, his eyes wide with shock. "What did you just say? Tania's back?" That could not be true.

"Show some respect, kid. Did your mom teach you to be this rude? You think you can just call Tania by her first name?"

"So what am I supposed to call her, 'Aunt'? Don't forget, Uncle. Tania was my girl once upon a time!" Jamie's gaze was frosty as he stared down Peter.

Peter's grin did not waver. "Unless I'm mistaken, you're the one who betrayed Tania and chased after her stepmom." His voice was calm and detached. "Looks like you still haven't gotten over your mommy issues."

Jamie's face twisted in anger, but Peter just breezed past him and hopped into his car. Before driving off, he tossed out one last tidbit, almost as an afterthought. "Oh, and by the way, Jack Lennon's back." The car pulled away, leaving Jamie with his hands balled into fists.

Jack Lennon?

That man had the nerve to show up again?

Jack! How long had it been since that name had been spoken in the Lennon household? Jamie wished the man was dead, yet he was back from the abyss.

Peter finally made it to Phoenix Tree Residence after a few hours' delay. Inside, Noelle was in the middle of lively game of hopscotch with Brandon. She had set up anoveldrama

makeshift grid with colorful yarn on the floor. She was laughing and calling out to Brandon as she hopped from square to square.

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As soon as Peter walked in, he caught sight of Brandon's joyful leaps. Brandon spotted him and dashed over with a flurry of tiny footsteps. "Uncle Peter!"

"Brandon!" Peter crouched down and scooped Brandon into a big hug. "Ready for a fun day at the amusement park?"

"Oh yes, please! Aunt said you'd come, but I was afraid she was just teasing me!" Brandon's eyes were wide with excitement.

"No way!" Noelle chuckled, coming over with Brandon's jacket. "Here, Peter, help him get this on." She quickly packed a water bottle and a towel into Brandon's little backpack and handed it to Peter. As they headed out, she asked, "Aren't you supposed to be at work today, Peter?"

Peter gave a playful wink and a grin. "Work can wait. Today's all about Brandon!"