The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 44

Inside the car, the middle-aged man kept his eyes on the road. “Mr. Hawthorne must be feeling pretty smug this time,” he said. “He’s definitely coming for a rematch.”

Nate rolled his eyes. “As if I’m scared of him.”

Tonight was a Gilbert family dinner. The Hawthornes had been invited, just like always. The two families had been close for generations, with plenty of connections through marriage. Luke’s mom, Rose, was Mrs. Hope Gilbert’s second daughter, so the families were always in and out of each other’s homes.

When Nate got home, the Hawthornes’ cars were already parked outside. He could hear laughter from the living room the moment he walked in.

Hope spotted him and shook her head, speaking to Miranda. “This old man just can’t stay put. If he’s not tinkering with something, he’s off to Capital College again.”

Nate grinned and joined them. “Would you rather I hang out somewhere full of young energy, or sit around with a bunch of old guys all day?”

Hope just sighed, her tone fond. “Alright, alright, you win. You’re always right.”

Miranda laughed. “Nate’s got a point. Spending time with younger people keeps you young.”

Nate flopped onto the sofa and looked over at Brysen, “You should get out with me more. All you ever do is go fishing, and honestly, you’re not even that good.”

Brysen shot him a look. “Still better than you.”

Nate grinned. “How about we settle this right now? Aidan, grab the fishing rods.”

“You’re on. Let’s go.”

Hope and Miranda watched the two men with matching smiles, both used to their antics.

As dinner time approached, more of the Gilbert family drifted in, filling the house with noise. The Hawthornes’ oldest son and his wife, Tatiana, showed up too.

Later on, Max and Luke arrived. They bumped into each other in the parking lot, exchanged a quick greeting, then headed inside together.

In the living room, they made the rounds, saying hello to all the elders. Luke, always outgoing and quick with a joke, was a hit with the older crowd.

“It’s been a while, Luke,” Hope said. “Your mom told me you started a gaming company and just landed a big project.”

Max took a sip of wine. “Nothing major. It’s sorted now.”

Darin had come to see him first thing that morning, and then over lunch with Finley and Savannah, Finley finally agreed to some compromises. That was enough for Max to let it go. The issue was closed. Brookside Bank had lost out on some profit, but it was still better than losing their deal with BlueMarble Investments.

Wyatt just nodded and moved on to other business talk.

Just then, Wyatt’s daughter Mandy wandered over, clutching a piece of candy in her tiny hand. Her voice was sweet and a little shy. “Daddy, want some?”

She was only five, with two little pigtails and a round, adorable face. Wyatt smiled, ruffled her hair, and leaned down to eat the orange candy she offered.

“So sweet,” he said, voice full of affection.

Mandy grinned, showing off her perfect little teeth. She held out the other candy to Max. “Sir, do you want one?”

Max looked at her, his expression softening, warmth flickering in his eyes.