Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Chapter 23: If She Was My Mom

I forced a small awkward laugh. “No. Not right now.”

Michelle shrugged like she didn’t really care, which was a blessing. I didn’t need her asking follow-up questions. Not with Gareth still standing there like a statue behind me.

He cleared his throat. “It’s getting late. Jasmine should be heading home.”

“Aw, come on,” Michelle groaned. “We were just about to finish the next level!”

“She’ll come back tomorrow,” Gareth said firmly. Then his tone shifted, and his gaze moved to the butler. “Which reminds me, there’s something else we need to settle.”

The butler straightened, looking nervous.

“You reported that Miss Lowett was neglecting her duties and letting Michelle play games all day.” Gareth’s voice was cool but sharp. “You didn’t verify the facts before making that report.”

Butler Jones swallowed hard. “I... I didn’t mean to cause trouble, sir. I was just worried—”

“You were wrong,” Gareth cut in. “And you owe her an apology.”

The butler turned to me, face flushed. “Miss Jasmine... I apologize. I should have asked before assuming. I won’t make that mistake again.”

I blinked, surprised. “It’s... okay.”

“It’s not okay,” Gareth added. “Which is why your salary will be docked this month. Let this be a lesson.”

The butler flinched, murmured a soft “yes, Alpha,” and quickly looked away.

The butler looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him. He kept his head bowed, hands clenched behind his back like a scolded schoolboy. I let out a small breath and forced a smile.

“It’s okay,” I said quietly. “I forgive you.”

His shoulders relaxed a bit, but I wasn’t finished.

“Can I ask something though?” I added, tilting my head. “Did someone say something about me? Something that made you think I wasn’t fit to tutor Michelle?”

The butler shifted uncomfortably. “I... well... I may have heard a few things.”

“From where?” I asked. “Be honest.”

He cleared his throat and looked away. “From the university. Just... rumors, really.”

“Rumors?” I echoed.

“Yes. Just passing comments,” he said quickly, hands clasped in front of him. “I didn’t think much of it at the time, but when I saw you and Michelle at the computer, I thought—well, maybe there was truth to it.”

“I see,” I said softly, keeping my face calm. But my stomach churned with anger. Butler Jones didn’t give any names, but I knew exactly who’d gone around spreading things.

Elliot.

Who else had the audacity—and the motive?

The butler gave a stiff nod, clearly hoping that would be the end of it. I didn’t say anything more.

“It’s late,” I said gently, turning to Michelle. “I’ll be back tomorrow. You’ve got work to finish, remember?”

“You’re really leaving?” Michelle came over and slipped her hand into mine, shooting a pleading look at me. “You’re going to ruin my winning streak.”

I laughed. “Sorry. Back to real life.”

Michelle skipped ahead of us as we went downstairs, the butler followed a few steps behind, and I walked quietly at the back, my scarf pulled tight again. When we reached the front steps, Gareth was already there, arms crossed, eyes scanning the driveway, deep in thought.

He looked up as we joined him. His gaze found mine, and he gave a small nod.

“I’ve asked one of my men to take you home,” he said. “It’s more convenient... and to make up for earlier.”

“Thank you,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Michelle gave me a side hug. “See you tomorrow?”

“Of course. Work hard on your reading drills.”

She stuck out her tongue but nodded. “Fine. But only if we get to the game again after.”

“We’ll see.”

I turned to Gareth. “Good night, Alpha.”

“Good night, Jasmine.”

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