The Cherished Wife

"Mom!" Bob cut her off, his eyes narrowing, a trace of annoyance flickering through them. "I know what I'm doing. Cascade City can wait. It's mine, anyway. Are you really worried I won't be able to handle it?" "Alright then!" Yitty pressed her lips together and placed her glass on the table.

Bob realized that this was a conversation where he and Yitty would just go around in circles. "You should get some rest, Mom. I'll head out now."

Once he stepped out of Yitty's tastefully decorated room, Bob dialed Sean's number. "What have you been up to today?"

Sean had just gotten home and was about to crash when his phone buzzed with Bob's call. The tone was pure interrogation. He quirked an eyebrow and replied, "What could I possibly have done? I went to see Noelle, just like you asked, didn't I?" Bob squinted suspiciously. "What did you tell Jade? She's called my mom, and she's absolutely livid!"

now, this instant. No, scratch that, she's pressuring you, Bob! I can't agree to that, can I?" Bob's frown deepened. Things were unfolding just as he had

you she wants to set up, not me!"

how I am. I'm a Jones, and you're a Smith. Remember, the Smith legacy will end up

owe you and Charles

took a moment before he finally headed downstairs. He bumped into Sean's dad, Harrison Smith, who let out a weary sigh. "If Sean had even a smidge of your drive, I wouldn't be half as worried. You're not planning

step up. Grandpa's getting on in years, and so are you. It's gonna fall to Sean and me eventually, but Sean's not exactly jumping at the chance, which