Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 21

"Sunny, you'd better tell me this is a joke. I'll even let you break up with Tristan without permission!"

Sunny just shrugged, her tone flippant. "What can I say, Dad? We've already broken up."

Sean shot to his feet, raising his hand as if he might slap her again.

But Sunny stepped back out of reach. "Once was enough, Dad. There's no way I'm letting you hit me a second time."

Sean paced the room, agitated. "Tristan agreed to this? Our families are engaged! He can't just call off the wedding!"

"He doesn't have to agree," Sunny replied coolly. "It's not the Dark Ages anymore, Dad. I think I understand what ‘freedom to choose' means, don't you?"

Sean's face hardened. "Sunny, think carefully. If you walk away from this engagement, you can start paying for your grandmother's nursing home yourself."

He paused, letting it sink in. "That's fifty thousand a year. Are you sure about this?"

Rage flared in Sunny's chest.

Was this really her father?

The same man who used to push her higher and higher on the swings?

Now he was threatening her with her grandmother's care?

"Father, that's incredibly cruel," she snapped.

Sean's voice was cold and measured. "The Carrington family is facing bankruptcy, Sunny. I can't afford to keep her in a private facility. If you're so devoted, why don't you bring her home and care for her yourself?"

Sunny let out a bitter laugh. "Fine. I'll pay it. From now on, Grandma's my responsibility. Don't worry about it!"

With that, all pretenses were gone. Sunny slammed the door behind her as she stormed out.

Everyone in the assistant's office was stunned.

"Hey, Sandra, who was that? She actually dared yell at the boss?"

Sandra Lewis shook her head. "Don't pry."

The CEO had made it clear that idle gossip wouldn't be tolerated. Sandra had no intention of explaining anything to the others.

Instead, she quietly sent a message to Mrs. Carrington.

—

Grace Quinn glanced at her phone and gave a cold, mirthless laugh. "Chloe, looks like your big sister's upset your father again."

"What did Sunny do this time, Mom?" Chloe grumbled under her breath. "She's always causing trouble. I was hoping Dad would buy me a new car."

Once dressed, he paused by the door, phone in hand. "Luna, this place is way too cramped. Let me get you a bigger apartment."

Luna beamed. "Really? Thanks, Tristan!"

But once Tristan got to the office, nothing felt right. He kept glancing at his phone—no texts, no calls.

A wave of anxiety hit him.

Was Sunny really serious this time?

He dialed his secretary. "Get in touch with Attorney Carrington from Summit Law Firm. I need her to come to the office."

"Yes, Mr. Lawson."

"And don't tell her I asked for her," he added abruptly before hanging up.

The secretary hesitated. Since when did the boss care so much about a junior attorney?

"Yes, Mr. Lawson. I'll reach out to Attorney Carrington right away."

Think you can just walk away from me, Sunny?

It's not going to be that easy.