Chapter 12 You Don't Seem Too Thrilled to See Me Violet never expected to run into Wayne at the nursing home. He wasn't in his usual sharp suit today. A deep gray overcoat draped over a simple light gray shirt, its collar slightly open, revealing his defined collarbone. Below that, the faint outline of abs hinted at a wild, untamed edge to him today. "Mr. Braxton?" Wayne strolled closer, each step calm and deliberate. "Madam Miller, I just got back to the country a few days ago and wanted to check in on you." Wayne was Nora's youngest, born when she was older, which took a toll on her health and led to her passing early. She wasn't even fifty when she died. When Wayne was born, Mabel had held him in her arms. "Ha, it's Wayne!" Mabel beamed. "Look at you, all grown up. If your mom were here, she'd be so proud." Wayne's brow lifted slightly. "Yeah. You and Mom were thick as thieves. I'm here to visit on her behalf." Mabel studied Wayne, nodding with approval. If only her son had half of Wayne's capability, things wouldn't be such a mess. Violet, you still mad about that car thing?" Violet's cheeks flushed. "Mr. Braxton, you've got it wrong. I didn't mean I didn't want to see you." She'd just mistaken him for someone else. Mabel saw her granddaughter's nerves and jumped in. "Ha, she wouldn't dare! She thought it was Gavin, that's all-didn't expect you, Wayne." Wayne's lips twitched into a barely noticeable smile. "I see." They chatted a bit longer until Mabel grew tired and patted Violet's hand. "Go on with Wayne, sweetheart. Time to head back." Violet lingered reluctantly, "Grandma, I'll swing by again in a couple days." "Good girl, go on now. Don't come too often-I know you care about me, but take care of yourself too!" Violet walked Wayne to the entrance, then made an excuse to find the deputy director and slipped away. Wayne chuckded under his breath. She sure bolted fast. Violet added the deputy director's contact info and updated Mabel's primary contact to her own number. When she reached the parking lot, she spotted the man who should've left leaning against her car. Violet's heart skipped a beat. She approached, puzzled. "Mr. Braxton, you're still here?" "Car's acting up. Mind giving me a lift, Violet?" Violet glanced at his Maybach, muttering to herself, "Luxury cars break down that easily?" 14:47 Left Me Hanging at the City Hall? I Married Your Uncle 9.2% Chapter 12 You Don't Seem Too Thrilled to See Me She kept her face neutral and flashed a smile. "Sure thing. Where to? I'll drop you off." But as soon as she got in the car, her phone rang-Ellie Cohen, the secretary from Pinnacle Entertainment. She answered, "Right now? I might not make it over. If it's urgent. I can send a colleague to handle it. That work?" The contract with Pinnacle Entertainment was through Monarch Law, tied to their team, not Violet personally. If she sent Sean over, no one could complain. Ellie hesitated. "Ms. Miller, could you come in person?" "Sorry. I'm really tied up today." The service contract was expiring in just two weeks. Violet was set on keeping her distance, as long as it didn't cost Pinnacle Entertainment any losses. "Fine, then send Mr. Woods." Ellie had no choice but to agree. After hanging up. Violet called Sean to explain everything, then remembered the passenger in her car. "Mr. Braxton, where you headed?" Wayne gave her an address. Violet, you and Gavin been fighting lately?" Violet's voice was flat. "Yeah, something like that." Wayne was a Braxton, so she wasn't about to trash Gavin to his face. Something like that? Wayne studied her expression, unreadable as ever. No cracks. Violet dodged the topic. "So, Mr. Braxton, how long are you staying this time?" "Probably not leaving." Violet blinked, surprised. "Not leaving?" Wayne let out a soft chuckle. "What, Violet, you don't seem too thrilled to see me?" Violet was speechless but couldn't afford to offend him. "No way, I'm totally thrilled!" Violet drove faster than ever that day, pushing the speed limit to drop off the VIP in her passenger seat in just thirty minutes. "Mr. Braxton, you're here." Wayne unbuckled his seatbelt leisurely, typing on his phone. "Thanks, Violet. I'll treat you to dinner sometime," Violet forced a smile. "No big deal." As he walked off, she finally let out a breath. Ding. Chapter 12 You Don't Seem Too Thrilled to See Me Violet swiped her screen and saw he'd sent her $214 with a note: [Thanks for the ride.] Was it her imagination, or did Wayne keep sending these weirdly flirty amounts?/ his time, Violet didn't accept, but Wayne's profile stayed pinned at the top of her chat all day. Savin's face darkened when he heard Ellie's report. e grabbed his suit coat and stood abruptly. he wasn't coming? Fine, he'd go to her office himself! iolet checked the time and decided to take her car for maintenance, touching up the scratch from last time. e'd barely arrived at the dealership when her phone rang. folet, can you come to the hospital? Gavin got in a minor car accident. I think he'd want to see you right now. Can you make it?" olet bristled at Luna's cautious tone. una, if he's in an accident, I'm sure you're the one he'd want to see. We're done, so I'm not coming." Le hung up cleanly. ina stood in the hospital corridor, her heart racing. vin was single now? smile crept up. unstoppable. If they'd broken up, did that mean she had a shot? ivin had only clipped an electric scooter and hit a guardrail. He was fine, just some scrapes. ina had called, heard about the accident, and insisted on coming to the hospital with him, even alerting Byron. avin, what's with you lately? Pay attention when you drive. Maybe stick to a driver from now on," Nathan suggested. ara fussing over her son, shot her husband a look. "Staying overnight for observation's a good idea. Let's make sure nothing's missed-better safe than sorry! avin, did you tell Violet? This is a big deal-she should be here." ina dutched her phone and stepped into the room. "Mom, I just called Violet. But..." be glanced at the man on the hospital bed. "She said she's busy and can't make it." What's going on? Gavin, you two fighting?" Clara asked, confused. athen studied his son's expression, then noticed Luna's intense gaze. Honey, take Luna downstairs to pay the hospital bill." lara paused, then got the hint and led Luna out. "Come on, Lana, let's go." Once the room was just father and son, Nathan spoke gravely. "Alright, what's really going on?" Gavin pressed his lips together. "Nothing. She's just throwing a tantrum. I'll smooth things over when I get back." 'You'd better mean that. You know your grandpa loves Violet. Get that marriage license soon and put his mind at ease." Nathan gave his son a complicated look. "And I'm setting Luna up for some dates. Those feelings you shouldn't have? Let them go." Chapter 12 You Don't Seem Too Thrilled to See Me "I don't want any scandals tarnishing the Braxton name!" Gavin clenched his fist, then released it. Dad, nothing like that's gonna happen (2) 144 (0)