Old Dreams No Return (Serena) novel Chapter 125

Chapter103.

As Caitlyn finished her introduction, the two middle-aged men-Galen Friedman and Harlem Odonnell-rose immediately. They nodded formally towards me.”Good afternoon, Ms. Perez. Please, have a seat here.”

I glanced towards Leland. They gestured towards the seat beside him. But I knew he wouldn’t want me near him, not with Caitlyn so conspicuously present. There was no place for me here.

I deliberately chose not to sit beside him, instead taking the seat next to Galen.

Galen looked momentarily uneasy. “Ms. Perez, perhaps you’d prefer the seat next to Mr. Pearson? I do smoke, and I wouldn’t want to bother you.”

A faint smile touched my lips. That’s quite alright, Mr. Friedman. In fact, could I trouble you for a cigarette?”

Galen looked taken aback for a second, then quickly nodded, reaching for his case with both hands to offer me one.

The respect was palpable, likely directed at Leland, born from the image of us as San Francisco’s golden couple.

Seeing me treated with such deference clearly displeased Caitlyn. She deliberately settled onto Leland’s lap, a smug look on her face.”Mr. Pearson, I’d like a cigarette too.”

Leland’s brow furrowed instantly.”You can’t smoke while pregnant. Don’t be ridiculous. Sit properly.”

The sudden shift in Leland’s attitude confused Galen and Harlem. They turned, looking from Leland and Caitlyn to me, their expressions puzzled. I offered them another faint smile, deciding to clarify the situation in my own way, “She’s our public relations representative, gentlemen, hired by the Leslie Group specifically to attend to Mr. Pearson. She can bear his children and attend to his needs. Wouldn’t you agree she’s quite capable?”

As I spoke, I exhaled a slow, deliberate smoke ring, the act masking a growing unease tightening in my chest.

I watched, poised for Caitlyn’s fury, but instead, I caught Leland’s lip twitching into a smile. What was he finding amusing?

Was he pleased by my words, by my apparent clarification?

“What did you say?” Caitlyn’s voice snapped.”Kaylie, get your facts straight. I am the one carrying Leland’s child. I am now the Vice President of the Leslie Group. And I’m telling you, those assets belong to me and my unborn child. Mark my words.”

I offered a faint, almost imperceptible smile and blew another smoke ring into the air. The gesture was quickly followed by a violent coughing fit. Leland laughed again, a cold, sharp sound.

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