Chapter 21 Rhea knew that George was asking when she planned to return to Draventh . She had known George since they were kids . Since he didn't usually stick his nose in other people's business , she figured that he was asking for Nathan . " Soon . " George nodded . " I'll note that down . " She gave him a bright smile and said , " Okay . " 1701 To Rhea , George was a lot like Nathan . She never had to fake it around him . In fact , George had always been more easygoing than most of Nathan's other friends , with a playful sense of humor and far less rigidity . It was only with age that he had grown more reserved and carried the seriousness of someone in a position of power . Once seated , George didn't wait for Rhea . He started ordering . While they waited , he asked , " Mind if I smoke ? " Rhea shook her head . " Go ahead . " Carter smoked too . So , she was used to it . But George didn't light the cigarette . He just looked at her for a moment and said , " You've lost weight . " Just three words , but Rhea's chest ached at the sound of them . That dull ache almost tipped her over . She forced a soft laugh. " It's normal . I'm 28 now . My metabolism is slowing down . " George raised a brow . " Are you calling me old ? " Rhea blinked , startled . Then it hit her - he was only a year older than her . " No , no ! I meant me . You look younger than I do , " she rushed to explain . George only smiled in response . The food arrived soon after . They ate quietly , only occasionally chatting about Nathan's life . Rhea loved hearing it all . By the end of the meal , she reached for the bill , but George had already paid it without her noticing . As they stepped out of the restaurant , Edward was already waiting . It had started to rain . When the umbrella was handed over , George naturally held it over Rhea's head . His gaze was deep and unreadable as he said , " Once you've settled into the job , find a time to visit Draventh . " " Even if I go back , I'll be on my own . No one will pick me up . " There was a hint of sadness in her eyes , George said , " I will . " Rhea paused , then let out a soft laugh . " Oh , please . You're even busier than Nathan . " He didn't argue with her about that . He held the umbrella steady and walked her to her car . 1/2 Chapter 21 +25 BONUS Just before she closed the door , George said , " You're coming home . No matter how busy I am , I'll be there to pick you up . " He turned slightly . " Drive safe . " With that , he walked away toward his own car . Rhea watched him go . George had always been that way . Everything he said and did carried a quiet sense of reassurance . It was no wonder Nathan loved hanging out with him . And those parting words made Rhea start missing Draventh all over again . Perhaps it was time to go back . In the clinical laboratory of a private hospital , Louie had just stopped by to pick up his grandfather's medical report . He hadn't expected to run into Carter here . " Mr. Jamison ? " Carter looked indifferent , but his tone wasn't warm . " Mr. Scott . " Lauren said softly , " Carter , I'll go check on my grandma first . I'm worried that the kids might get fussy . " Carter nodded . He had arranged for Lauren's maternal grandmother , Chloe Thornton , to visit Colburn that day and scheduled a comprehensive medical checkup while they were there . But the moment they got to the hospital , Chloe insisted on seeing the kids . So Carter had no choice but to bring them along . Louie glanced at the two of them , then gave a smirk . " Mr. Jamison , you're a married man , yet here you are openly going around with your ex . " Carter's gaze went cold . " Since when do you care about my personal life , Mr. Scott ? " Louie didn't flinch . He was about to leave , but paused . As if remembering something , he turned around . " Mr. Jamison , are you sure you know who your wife is ? " Carter narrowed his eyes and said , " Of course I do . Worry about your own business . " He assumed that Louie was using Lauren to mock him while trying to remind him that Rhea was his wife . Louie chuckled . " Are you sure about that ? " BIG SALE : 3500 BONUS FREE FOR YOU ! Click to get it 2/2