From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 80

“Just make yourself at home. Maybe it’s a rich person thing, but I just can’t stand to see someone down on their luck.” His voice was smooth and a little lazy. “Just call it me being overly sympathetic.”

“I’m leaving now. Take your time settling in.”

The door clicked as it closed behind him. It was a keypad lock. Max had even handed her the emergency key.

Max could act like a gentleman all he wanted, but Eleanor didn’t plan to let her guard down. She slipped the key somewhere safe and changed every single passcode right away. She even thought about getting a whole new lock, but in the end, she let it go.

When she finally finished unpacking, Eleanor flopped onto the giant bed, so big she almost got lost in it. Everything felt unreal, almost like she was dreaming. Maybe now, she could really start living her own life, away from him.

...

Peter could hardly contain his excitement when he heard Jessie had taken his mother to meet Marleigh.

“Jessie, are you serious? You actually introduced Mom to Marleigh today?”

Jessie gave a tiny, knowing smile. “Peter, why would I make that up? I know how much you want to get back in with your family. And since Katie’s my best friend, I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

Peter felt his mood lift, his whole chest loosening up. Last night he’d come home in a daze, barely remembering the huge fight he’d had with Eleanor. She’d actually thrown him out of her apartment. All day he’d been weighed down by frustration, but now it melted away. Even if he didn’t land the authorization, even if the business deal fell through, none of that mattered as much as getting back into the main Clarkson family.

Autumn was glowing. “It’s true, Peter! Marleigh was so much friendlier than I expected. My hands are still shaking. I can’t believe it was that easy to connect with her!”

“Don’t rush it, Mom,” Peter reminded her. “Just help Marleigh with her health. Once she gets better, she’ll owe you a favor. After that, it’ll be easy to keep in touch.”

Jessie’s eyes shimmered as she looked down, voice trembling a little. “It’s okay, Peter. I know you’re just trying to do what’s best for the company. Just remember, I’m always on your side.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

It was already ten at night. His daughter, his mother, and the maids were all asleep. Peter couldn’t help himself—he gently pulled Jessie into his arms.

Jessie felt a wave of satisfaction. Finally, she was winning him back.

Upstairs, Autumn stood by the railing in her robe, watching for a moment before turning away and heading back to her room. Whatever was going on between Jessie and Peter wasn’t her concern. As long as Jessie could help their family get back into the main branch, Autumn was willing to look the other way.