The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 56

“Your mom mentioned that at the Gilbert family dinner, Mr. Gilbert made a point of calling you out.”

Brandon hadn’t been there that night. He’d had to work.

Max just let out a quiet “yeah.”

Brandon went on, “You know what Nate is like. He used to praise you more than anyone. But now, you’re married, about to be a dad. He’s definitely not happy with how you handled things, so you need to be more careful.”

Max’s face stayed stony. He didn’t answer.

Brandon studied his son. This marriage really hadn’t been fair to Max. They’d tried to set him up with someone from a good family, somebody smart and talented, someone who could match him in every way. But Max had always been so independent. He hated being told what to do, and honestly, he had the talent and confidence to back it up. So when he’d chosen to marry someone he actually liked, the family didn’t stand in his way.

No one could have seen this coming.

Brandon sighed. “Tomorrow’s the weekend. Maybe you should pay Nate a visit.”

Max nodded. “Okay.”

Downstairs, the whole family was gathered in the living room, chatting away.

Luke seemed to notice how out of place Felicia felt. He suddenly handed her his phone. “I just got another message about this document from Germany. It’s urgent, and you’re the only one I can ask for help, Felicia.”

Miranda chimed in, “Then you’d better get on it.”

Luke led Felicia to a side room, and as soon as the door closed behind them, she felt herself relax. Being around the ladies was awkward enough, but at least she could deal with being ignored. Sitting with all the male elders, though, was way worse. The Hawthorne men had this intensity about them. Even a single look from one of them was enough to make her shrink into herself.

Luke was the exception, of course. Maybe it was because they’d known each other since they were kids.

He flashed her a grin. “Was it really that nerve-wracking out there?”

Luke sat next to her. “So you’re not planning to come back to the Capital?”

Felicia shrugged. “We’ll see. I’m just taking things as they come.”

Time got away from them. It was already nine o’clock.

A housekeeper poked her head in. “Mrs. Hawthrone, Mr. Hawthrone’s getting ready to leave.”

Felicia got up, and Luke reached over to help her.

Back in the main hall, Felicia spotted Max saying goodbye to the elders. Normally, everyone spent the night after a family dinner at the old house, but Max always left early just to avoid sharing a room with her. Miranda never said anything about it.

As Max turned to leave, he caught sight of Felicia and Luke walking his way.