From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 34

Jessie offered a strained smile. “Yolanda, you’re really something. You can’t just waltz into tonight’s gala, you know. It’s invitation only.”

Yolanda’s eyes turned steely. “Is that right? Mr. Sidler, are your invitations really that exclusive? Funny, I actually asked my mom for an extra one.” She paused, then tossed out, “I gave it to Eleanor.”

Peter’s gaze sharpened. “Eleanor’s here?”

Yolanda let out a dry laugh. “What, you don’t even know if your wife showed up? But you always seem to have time to keep tabs on Jessie.”

Her words were sharp and there was no mistaking her meaning. Every sentence was a jab, hinting at something between Peter and Jessie.

Jessie’s cheeks burned. She caught Hunter and James glancing her way and hurried to explain herself. “Yolanda, how could you say that about me? My husband passed away only a month ago. He hasn’t even been gone that long. If he knew people were talking about me like this, it would break his heart.”

Peter’s face was all business as he stepped in. “We decided to come tonight at the last minute. I asked Eleanor and she said she didn’t want to come. That’s why she’s not here. But Ms. Stansel, you know how damaging rumors can be. Isn’t it a bit out of line to stir things up like this?”

Yolanda’s anger flared just looking at Peter. What rumor? She was just telling the truth as she saw it.

She was ready to snap back, but her mother quietly tugged her arm.

Yolanda looked up and saw her mom giving her a warning look to let it go.

Marianna jumped in smoothly, “Let’s all calm down. My daughter’s quick-tempered, and if she’s offended anyone, I hope you can forgive her.”

Katie couldn’t help herself. She spoke up for her friend. “Mrs. Stansel, I think Yolanda might need to get that temper under control. You can eat whatever you want, but you can’t just say whatever comes to mind. This is about Jessie’s reputation.”

Marianna barely reacted. She just switched topics with practiced ease. “Mr. Clarkson, how’s George doing lately?”

Hunter, older and wiser, didn’t get caught up on the drama. “He’s doing well, thank you for asking.”

James saw his chance and jumped in. “Hunter, didn’t Max say he was coming tonight? I haven’t seen him yet.”

Hunter almost said that his brother was impossible to pin down. Max never showed up at these kinds of events. He’d been surprised when Max suddenly decided to come tonight.

He was Max.

Max walked straight over to James and stopped in front of him. “James, sorry I’m late.”

Hunter caught himself before rolling his eyes. They’d actually arrived together, but he wasn’t about to call his brother out in front of everyone.

“James was just asking about you.”

Having Max show up was a big deal for James. His grandson got along well with Max, so the two families saw each other a lot more these days.

Max’s cool gaze lingered on Peter. “What a coincidence, running into you again.”

Katie’s eyes lit up. “Max, you two know each other? That’s wild. Jessie’s my best friend, and this is her brother-in-law.”

“Her brother-in-law?” Max’s lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. “Funny, the other day I saw a little girl calling her mom. I thought they were a family.”