Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 25

Dr. Palmer mumbled, trying to defend himself. “I never asked you to clean up. You just can’t sit still, always insisting on helping.”

“What did you say? Say that again.”

Dr. Palmer clammed up right away.

Honestly, who would believe that the man everyone saw as cold and untouchable was actually completely under his wife’s thumb at home, getting scolded until he went silent like a little kid?

“Hey, Uncle Ricardo, Aunt Liana.” Stephen cleared his throat as he stepped inside.

His timing was perfect, basically saving Dr. Palmer from a full-on lecture.

Dr. Palmer’s eyes lit up. “Stephen, you’re here!”

Liana, seeing her nephew, immediately switched gears, trading her stern glare for a bright smile as she welcomed Stephen in and told him to have a seat.

She hurried off to the kitchen, washed some fruit, poured juice, and brought it out.

Before she sat down, she shot Dr. Palmer a look that said, We have company. You’re off the hook for now, but just wait until he leaves.

Dr. Palmer pretended not to notice. He turned to Stephen, eager to change the subject.

Stephen jumped in first. “It’s your birthday tomorrow. My mom already booked a hotel. I’ll come pick you guys up for lunch.”

Dr. Palmer frowned. “Didn’t we agree not to celebrate? I’m way too old for this.”

“Old? No way, you look so young, anyone would think you’re just over thirty. Still a total heartthrob,” Stephen joked.

Dr. Palmer shot him a look. “You’re twenty-seven and you still can’t be serious. How’s your company doing? Still going steady?”

Stephen leaned back, crossing his legs. “Yeah, we’re doing well. We’re sponsoring your lab again this year. And trust me, you’ll have all the graphics cards you need.”

Graphics cards had gotten ridiculously expensive lately, and Dr. Palmer’s lab needed serious power. Larkhaven College couldn’t cover the costs, so Duncan Corporation’s sponsorship had been a lifesaver.

Dr. Palmer looked pleased. “If your company ever needs help, let me know. My grad students and PhDs are top-notch.”

Stephen’s smile faded and his brows drew together.

He quickly changed the subject. “Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll pick you and Aunt Liana up at noon tomorrow.”

As he got up to leave, Dr. Palmer rubbed his hands together and asked, “Are your grandparents coming too?”

Back in the day, Dr. Palmer had always been a bit of a rebel. Unlike the rest of the Palmer family, who all went into business, he’d chosen research and teaching instead. That led to a huge falling-out with his parents, and things had been tense ever since. They barely saw each other anymore, and even on holidays he’d just send gifts through Stephen instead of visiting. The Palmer family had all the money in the world, but Dr. Palmer and his wife were happier sticking to their little faculty apartment than moving into the family mansion.

Stephen reassured him, “Don’t worry, they’re not coming.”

Dr. Palmer let out a breath of relief.

He adjusted his glasses. “My students are throwing me a little party tomorrow too. I told them I’d only stop by for a bit. So tomorrow, you can drop me off there first, I’ll say a few words, and then we can head to the hotel.”

“Sounds good, no problem.”