Gregory saw right through me. "I want the truth."
I laid it all out. "I need some time to think things through."
Gregory crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "Fair enough. Take all the time you need."
The following day, I had plans with Gregory to meet the person Farley had taken from Susan's place. Gregory mentioned the person had spilled some beans. He thought it best I should hear it firsthand before deciding whether to believe it.
Gregory said, "Otherwise, coming from me, it might seem I'm trying to stir the pot, which would ruin my good guy image."
The doorbell rang as I was about to get ready, change, and do my makeup.
After checking my phone, I saw I still had a good two hours before our meet-up. Smiling, I got up and breezed to the door, only to freeze at the sight of the visitor.
"Mr. Ford," I greeted politely.
At that moment, Klein was a far cry from the imposing figure at the hospital that night. He was more like an approachable middle-aged gentleman. "Mind if I come in?"
"Sure, please do." As I stepped back to let him in, my door remained ajar with a bodyguard standing watch.
Klein sat down, his gaze sweeping through the room, then sighed. "Greg acts like he doesn't care about anyone, but he's been fussing over you for twenty years. He even got this apartment fixed up just for you. The Ford family's heir, running errands like buying screws at the drop of a hat."
My heart raced. Well-off families usually outsourced the renovations. They'd show up once it was all done to check the work.
"If he agreed, I wouldn't be here." Klein chuckled, effortlessly adding, "He's headstrong, but Mrs. Ferguson, you see things. I'm sure you understand. I have other sons besides Greg. If he insists on being stubborn, the Ford family has other options."
The implication was clear. If Gregory chose to be with me against his family's wishes, the Ford family legacy could be in the hands of his half-siblings.
I looked up, cutting to the chase. "Paul wouldn't agree, would he?"
I knew Paul was particularly fond of Gregory.
"See, I told you you're clever." Klein sipped the coffee, his voice steady, "Unfortunately, your situation has caused a rift between my father and me. He had a heart attack this morning and is currently in the hospital. I call the shots in the Ford family now."
Klein rose slowly, reminding me again of my place. "Mrs. Ferguson, I can't get through to Greg, but you definitely can."
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