His Awesome Ex Is Now Uncle's Lady (Alicia and Austin) novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60 Between Power and Distance

If he shows up like this, she thought, with that bruise on his lip, the Gibsons will have a field day. They’ll chew him up before the appetizers even hit the table.

Still, that wasn’t the real issue.

During her call with Frank, he mentioned a new project unrelated to the Burton family. Austin had recently secured the contract, which was the main reason he returned to town.

The Gibsons heard about it and quickly moved in, hoping to capitalize on this so-called marriage alliance, so why should they receive a share of it?

That was why she hadn’t told Austin the truth.

Austin didn’t push. He sensed she was hiding something but chose not to insist.

Right on cue, a housekeeper entered carrying bags of groceries. She appeared to be in her fifties—neat, efficient, and the type of woman who likely kept things running smoothly without being asked.

She smiled politely. “Good afternoon, Madam Gibson.”

“This is Riya Marsh,” Austin introduced. “If you need anything, just tell her. She’s an excellent cook.”

Alicia nodded. “Sure.”

Austin reached out and tugged her gently onto his lap. “I don’t care what brought you here, Alicia. You’re my wife now, and you get to decide what that means.”

“I know,” she responded, gently pulling away from his arms. She gave him the ice pack. “Here. I’ll check if Riya needs help in the kitchen.”

Austin watched her walk away, the faintest tension in his jaw.

She was right there, close enough to touch, yet it still seemed like an invisible wall separated them. David couldn’t reach her-and now, neither could he.

Over the following days, Austin stayed at home while Riya took care of household chores, tidied up, and quietly left after dinner.

Alicia knew how busy he was, so she brought some fruit to his study one night.

She set the plate down and refilled his glass, ready to slip out quietly-but his hand caught her wrist, drawing her back onto his lap.

Even after a week of living together, she still wasn’t used to how easily he touched her.

She stiffened but managed a polite smile. “Am I interrupting?”

“No,” he replied, shaking his head slightly. “I just wanted to ask you something.”

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