The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 621

Lanny was sleeping soundly in his stroller, quiet and out of the way.

Lance leaned back in his chair, taking small sips of his tea. He looked visibly displeased.

The bright morning sunlight washing over his face did nothing to melt his foul mood.

"Is there an issue with work lately?"

Catherine asked thoughtfully. Had something gone wrong on Ingram's end?

Lance cast a sidelong glance at her. "No."

"Then why are you wearing that long face, dragging executives into midnight meetings, and getting drinks with Harrell every single day?"

Catherine had never seen Lance act so erratically.

"And what exactly gives you the right to question my business?" Lance set down his teacup, his gaze locking onto Catherine unblinkingly.

After a moment of silence, Catherine placed their complicated relationship into a proper box.

"Sorry, I overstepped."

Contractual partner, ex-wife, former subordinate—none of those roles gave her the right to meddle in his life.

She turned her head, looking out at the track where the two adults were playing with the little boy.

Harrell hoisted Jasper onto the horse. Lorinda, overly worried, tried to climb up behind them, but their combined weight looked like it would crush the poor pony.

Harrell must have made a joke about her weight, because she was suddenly chasing him, playfully punching his arm.

A heavy, suffocating feeling settled in Lance's chest. He tapped his finger lightly on the table. "Catherine, don't you have anything else to say?"

Catherine turned back toward him. She paused before asking, "Yes. Are you coming home tonight?"

"That's it?" Lance was less than thrilled with her businesslike question.

"I mean, we can talk more when you get home."

Catherine hadn't brought the small ledger she used to track expenses, so she couldn't explain it all here.

Lance's expression softened just a fraction. "I am. We'll talk then."

He picked up his cup and took a sip, the rich floral aroma filling his senses.

Harrell rolled his eyes. "Don't play dumb. What is actually going on between you and Catherine lately?"

"Nothing," Lance answered, keeping it brief.

"Lance, I hate to say it, but this attitude of yours is not how you win a woman over."

Harrell wiped Jasper's mouth. Seeing Lance staring blankly at Lanny, he continued,

"You're a capable father, but you're failing as a husband."

Lance shot him a withering look. "Have you ever been married? A lifelong bachelor is really going to lecture me on being a good husband?"

At the very least, he and Catherine had actually tied the knot.

Harrell felt the sting of the insult, but considering they were close friends, he let it slide.

"I've been around the block enough to know how it works. Women need romance. They need to feel genuine emotion, not like they're sitting in a boardroom negotiation. Do you think just because she had your child, she's obligated to spend her life with you? By that logic, if she went and had a kid with someone else down the line, you'd have to chop her in half to share—ouch!"