Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1496

"What?"

Lexi stared blankly at Tanner, demanding in disbelief, "You have to be seeing things, right? Why would Harold like her? She nearly ruined his reputation back then."

Tanner pressed his lips together, looking exhausted. "Lexi, I'll say this one last time. Stop provoking Lorelei."

Dropping that final warning.

Tanner headed for his study. The mess the Houstons had tossed their way last time still hadn't been fully cleaned up.

Lexi and Greta stood in the living room, staring at each other.

"Mom, do you think Tanner is telling the truth?" Lexi bit her lip until it turned white. "Does Harold really like her?"

If that were true, didn't that mean she had zero chance?

"If he liked her, he would have shown it a long time ago." Greta scoffed, overflowing with confidence. "They've been married for three years, and he's only playing the loving husband now? He's bluffing."

He was probably just putting on a show to save the Houston family's face in public.

Lexi thought about it.

And nodded.

She felt her mother's logic was perfectly sound.

—

In the back courtyard.

Eleanor was reclining in her rocking chair. Martha gently patted her hand, smiling warmly. "Ma'am, your precious grandchild is back."

"Lori?"

Eleanor's eyes snapped open, and sure enough, the granddaughter she missed day and night was standing by the door, smiling radiantly.

And standing right beside her was Harold.

"Grandma."

Lorelei let go of Harold's hand and rushed over, throwing herself into Eleanor's arms.

"My sweet girl, you're finally home?" Eleanor gently stroked Lorelei's hair, unable to hide the joy beaming across her face. "Grandma missed you to pieces."

"I'm back."

Lorelei sniffled, fighting back tears as she snuggled into her grandmother's embrace. She felt incredibly safe. "I missed you too, Grandma."

"Grandma."

"They added a new prescription; the schedule changed." Eleanor spouted complete nonsense, determined to get her granddaughter out of the way. "Go on, hurry now."

"Oh."

Without a second thought, Lorelei got up and headed for the kitchen.

After a few steps.

She blinked and glanced back over her shoulder.

"Don't worry, Grandma doesn't bite. I'm not going to eat your husband," Eleanor teased with a laugh.

Lorelei's face flushed hot, and she quickened her pace.

Leaving just the two of them in the courtyard.

Eleanor's smile vanished, replaced by a solemn expression. "Harold, there are a few things I need to discuss with you from the bottom of my heart."

"Go ahead."

Harold sat down beside her, offering her his full, polite attention.

"You know Lori's mother passed away early, and her father never had much affection for her. Then he remarried, had another child..."