Skipped At The Altar, Taken By His Uncle novel Chapter 4

4 Klein Harris

Laura gave a gentle smile. “Carter, Whit is just joking.”

Emily stood beside Carter. She wore a flowy white dress, her long hair draped over her shoulders, giving her a graceful and pure vibe.

She moved closer to Whitney and said in a gentle voice, “Whitney, are you still upset with Carter about what happened the other day?”

Tina let out a mocking laugh. “Whit, how can you even be upset with Carter?”

But none of that was what Carter cared about.

He lowered his gaze, his eyes dark and probing, his voice low and deliberate as he repeated, “Who exactly are you done with?”

Whitney gave a mocking smile. “Are you deaf, Carter? I said I’m done with you.”

Laura arched her brows, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. She thought, ‘Guess I really underestimated Whitney.’

Carter’s temper flared. He yanked Whitney into his arms, growling, “You think you can call the shots?

“Knock it off. It’s Grandpa’s birthday. Come on, let’s go greet Grandpa.”

Carter wrapped his arm around Whitney and walked right past Emily, heading straight for James at the main table.

Tina watched the way Carter and Whitney were acting, stomping her foot. “Emily, has Carter lost his mind or what?”

Emily’s lashes fluttered as she shot Tina a teasing smile. “Tina, don’t tell me you’ve got a thing for Carter too?”

Tina was caught off guard. “I-I’m not.”

She sounded guilty, her voice growing quieter. “How could I have a thing for him? He’s about to marry my sister.”

She practically choked on the words, like she couldn’t stand it.

Emily’s expression went cold. She didn’t even look at Tina anymore, her eyes fixed straight ahead. “Let’s go, Tina. Come with me to see Grandpa.”

After five long years, Emily was ready to reclaim everything that was rightfully hers.

*****

Whitney didn’t argue with Carter anymore. After all, she got paid for this event, so she had to play along with Carter until the show was over.

“James, this is my gift for you. Wishing you endless happiness and a healthy life,” Whitney said with a polite smile.

James grinned as he accepted the gift. “Whit, thank you. You and Carter’s wedding is just a month away. You guys should get your marriage license.”

Everyone watching knew exactly what James was hinting at. He couldn’t be happier with Whitney as Carter’s wife.

Carter felt a jolt of anxiety, worried that Whitney, who was clearly not thrilled about being here, might blurt out something outrageous and stir up trouble.

He quickly jumped in and said, “Grandpa, we’ll get it in a few days.”

James gave Carter a long, warning look. “Which day?”

Carter pressed his lips together. “I’m flying to Riverpool for work tomorrow and coming back the day after. Once I’m back, we’ll go get it.”

Whitney thought with a bitter smile, ‘The day after tomorrow? I won’t get that stupid license.’

With a clear date set, James’s mood visibly improved. He said, “Whit, go take a seat. I’m pretty busy today. You gotta help yourself.”

Whitney flashed a gentle smile. James was such a good guy, so Whitney wouldn’t make things awkward for him. “It’s alright, Grandpa. Go ahead and do your thing. Don’t worry about me.”

Carter just gestured at a table. “You and Laura can sit here.”

He glanced back and spotted Emily deep in conversation with James. Carter didn’t waste a second and rushed over to join them.

“Whit, you see that? I knew it. Emily’s always been the one Carter really cares about,” Tina grumbled.

Whitney didn’t even spare her bratty stepsister a glance. Instead, she flashed a sweet smile at Laura. “Laura, when did you give Tina a brother? Dad’s been dying for a son. Did you break the news to him?”

Tina’s face turned red with anger. “Whitney, when did my mom ever give me a brother?”

Whitney smirked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You keep talking about how Carter cares about Emily. I just figured you wanted a brother so badly. Maybe Laura will grant your little wish someday.”

Laura gave a strained smile. “Whit, that’s a funny one.”

”Is she really taking a jab at me for not being able to have a son?’ Laura thought, feeling a little bitter.

“Excuse me, Ms. Whitney Moore, Mr. Harris would like you to join him at the main table,” a servant said to Whitney.

Whitney was momentarily taken aback, then stood up with a smile. “Sure, thank you.”

Tina’s face contorted in frustration as she could only watch Whitney walk away. She complained, “Mom, did you see that?”

Everyone said James had two amazing sons, but there were always folks in the background egging them on to go head-to-head just for the drama.

Too bad James had already mapped out their futures ages ago.

George was the reliable, old-school type. He was the safe bet for keeping the family legacy intact. But Klein was ruthless and decisive, and he was James’s favorite successor.

Due to Klein’s moves, the Harris family could stand at the very top of Ravorport’s high society. Everyone thought he was a wild card, but every risky decision he made turned out to be absolutely right.

Five years ago, James stepped back from the company for good and put Klein in charge.

But Klein was never one for the spotlight. He handed off the domestic business and headed overseas to build his own empire.

James shot Carter a look and asked, “What, are you worried Klein will keep you in line now that he’s back?”

Klein was 33—not old by any means, but he was seriously old-fashioned.

Back when Carter was 17, he once snuck out with Emily for a joyride in the family car. Klein almost got him in serious trouble with the law for it.

So Carter was always a bit afraid of Klein.

Carter rubbed his nose, trying to play it cool. “No way, why would I be?”

He gave an awkward laugh, but when he caught Whitney’s icy glare, a few sparks of anger flared up inside him.

He leaned in close to her ear, his voice thick with annoyance. “What’s so funny?”

Whitney picked up a piece of fish and popped it into her mouth. “Nothing. I just think you’re pretty amusing.”

A deep, magnetic voice came from overhead. “What’s so funny? Mind sharing the joke with everyone?”

Whitney’s heart skipped a beat.

A man walked over, his tall figure gradually coming into view.

He wore a charcoal gray suit, his black shirt buttoned up to the collar. His eyes were sharp and piercing, his brows drawn, his expression impossible to read.

“Dad, sorry I’m late.” The speaker was none other than Klein Harris.