Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 10

As autumn crept in, the days grew shorter and the nights longer.

When the car rolled into the driveway of the Ferguson Mansion, dusk had already wrapped its arms around the estate.

Colored lamps hung around the house, setting a festive mood that seemed out of a storybook.

I parked the car and stepped out with my bag, leaving the world behind me.

I had warned him over the phone, yet Timothy, stubborn as ever, was waiting in the yard for us.

Over the phone, I could hide my feelings, but in person, Timothy saw right through me.

"Did that rascal give you trouble again?" Timothy's mustache twitched with concern, ready to jump to my defense.

"It's nothing." I didn't want to get him worried, so I pulled him inside. "It's chilly out here. Didn't the breeze give you a headache?"

Though I tried to cover for Bryant, Timothy's face darkened the moment he saw Bryant and Margaret step out of the car one after the other.

But with all family members there, Timothy held back his temper.

On the other hand, my father-in-law, Albert Ferguson, lit up seeing Margaret. "Bryant, I heard Margaret's working at the company now. You better look after her. That's only right by Teresa."

I could pretend not to hear that, focusing on my dinner.

Bryant glanced at me and said softly, "Yeah, I know."

"Jane, you too should help Bryant to ensure Margaret feels welcome."

It seemed like Albert brought it up again out of concern that someone at the company might not be fair to Margaret.

I sipped my apple cider, calmly responding, "Don't worry. Margaret is my boss now. If anything, I need her to look out for me."

That remark shifted the mood at the dinner table.

"Jane, I've told you. If you're not happy, I can step down from my position anytime," Margaret said, the picture of grace and understanding.

Next to her, I might have seemed a bit too aggressive.

Timothy slammed his cup down, upset, his words sharp. "Step down? That position was Jane's, to begin with! Do you think you're entitled to it only because Bryant decided to play the hero? Unbelievable!"