The situation was indeed unusual. Ever since Laura had made her way back, Zach had taken to ensuring he was present at dinner each night. He maintained a convincing facade, yet what truly occupied his thoughts remained a mystery.
On that particular evening, his pallor seemed more pronounced than usual. When Laura extended a piece of food toward him with her fork, Zach abruptly swatted it aside. “I’m perfectly capable of serving myself if I wish to eat. Spare me your insincere gestures,” he retorted.
Laura ceased her movements, lifting her eyes only to be met with several concerned stares.
It was Mark who set down his chopsticks first, his tone firm. “Enough with the theatrics; apologize.”
Laura shook her head gently. “It’s fine, Father. It was unintentional on his part.”
“I assure you, my actions were intentional.” Zach’s mood was notably sour that day, “Surely, I’ve not reached the point where I can’t even make my own choices about what to eat or drink.”
This veiled insinuation didn’t escape Josie, who made a stylishly late entrance and seated herself with poise.
“Who’s to say you can’t eat? There’s no need for such outbursts here,” Mark reprimanded.
The tension in his voice eased when he noticed Josie, his demeanor softening. “How was your sleep last night?”
Resting her chin on her hands, Josie was almost amused. “Quite restful, actually. Maybe that’s why Zach is in such a foul mood, isn’t it?”
Considering Claudia had managed to deal with his two mistresses all at once the previous night, his sourness was to be expected.
Zach shot her a glare. “Seems you’re quite smug about it, aren’t you?”
Josie remained unfazed, casually picking up a piece of food with her fork and placing it into Laura’s bowl. “My view is, why fret over their preferences? Focus on what pleases you. If they’re hungry, they’ll sort themselves out elsewhere. No need to trouble yourself over it.”
Laura’s expression fluctuated between embarrassment and distress, the state of her marriage laid bare in such a manner was mortifying.
Nevertheless, she conjured up a strained smile.
“Stop playing the victim, Laura. Everyone’s got their secrets, right? Ava is history. Are you still bearing a grudge against her, or is Josie the one pulling the strings?” Zach directly challenged Josie, heedless of the repercussions.
Trying to contain her frustration, Laura sharply set down her utensils. “Years back, I was lenient enough to let her terminate the pregnancy on her own terms. If you wish to quarrel today, I don’t mind exposing all our shared secrets!”
Just as Claudia stood, having just stepped from the bedroom, she caught this exchange.
Narrowing her eyes, she commented, “This isn’t Laura’s fault. My actions last night were my own doing. Is your anger directed at me now?”
She carefully placed a cup of decaffeinated coffee on the table.
“Mother, you knew-“
“All I’m aware of is how your mistress wronged Leanne. That alone justifies their punishment!”
As her words resounded, causing the young trio to glance up, each wearing a distinct expression.
A frosty smile played on Laura’s lips.
“Are we done with this charade? You have two choices-either remain seated and continue with your meal, or leave and never come back.”
Mark’s tone was authoritative, yet carried a conciliatory undercurrent. “I never behaved so disgracefully in my younger days. I wonder, whose influence is this?”
Despite his initial resistance, Zach eventually succumbed and reluctantly resumed his seat.
Mid-meal, Mark tapped the table, turning his attention to Josie. “Perhaps we should give Witherspoon Group’s project another thought? She reached out to me yesterday, pressing for you to join her on a venture to Wavery, claiming it had been prearranged with you.”
Juliette…
Josie hesitated, pausing with her food halfway to her mouth as the news from the night before flickered through her thoughts.
“Yes, it was mentioned, but we hadn’t finalized anything.”
Mark was delighted. “Well then, let’s proceed. It could serve as a fine opportunity to get to know her better. Given that she’s a woman, I’d imagine communication might be more straightforward.”
