Chapter 8
Gregory’s voice dropped to a dangerous chill. “Mr. Chappell, care to explain why you’re so familiar with my wife?”
Winifred stiffened at the word “wife.” In three years, Gregory had never once referred to her that way–not at family events, not even in public.
The divorce papers were already signed, with only the formality of filing remaining after Joseph’s birthday. Yet now, of all times, Gregory had chosen to call her his wife–the word tasted bitter in her mouth.
Truman smirked. “Oh, Winifred and I are far past familiar—”
“Mr. Chappell.” Winifred cut him off with a glare that spoke clearly–this was not the place, and certainly not the audience, for such revelations.
Gregory saw it all–the silent exchange, the unspoken complicity. Fury burned through him as he seized Winifred’s chin, tilting her face to his. His smile turned razor–sharp. “Do you really think I’m blind?”
Gregory’s thoughts raced, picking apart Truman’s unspoken implications. ‘Were Winifred and Truman involved? Has she moved on before our marriage even ends?‘ The realization hit him like a punch. ‘So that’s why she finally signed the papers–after all her desperate pleas to stay together.’
Winifred flinched from the painful grip on her chin. She felt a hot rush of anger at his sudden show of jealousy, especially when he had been the one to initiate their divorce.
During their marriage, he had never acted this possessive, not even when Joseph was there watching. She remembered all those times she had begged him to show some small sign of caring. But he had always turned her down cold.
Winifred clenched her jaw, forcing down her anger. She had decided to break the news about the divorce after Joseph’s birthday celebration, so she wasn’t going to start a fight now.
Truman suddenly shoved Gregory aside and pulled Winifred protectively against him. “Gregory,” he said coldly, “you and Winifred are divorced. More than that, she left you. You have no claim over her life anymore. Stay out of it.”
Winifred’s eyes widened in shock. “Mr. Chappell, stop it,” she whispered urgently, trying to silence him.
Truman understood Winifred cared about Joseph’s feelings, but he cared more about hers–and he was done waiting. “Why hide the divorce?” he announced for everyone to hear. “The sooner it’s out, the sooner you’re free.”
Joseph’s face darkened as he turned burning eyes on Gregory. “You divorced Winifred?” he demanded through clenched teeth.
Gregory had no time to deal with Truman now that Joseph was questioning him. “We’ve signed the papers,” he answered Joseph carefully, “but the divorce isn’t finalized yet.”
Joseph ignored him, fixing Winifred with an intense stare. “Winifred, I want to hear it from you. Is this true?”
Winifred met Joseph’s gaze, seeing the hurt, anger, and betrayal there. Of everyone in the Hoffman family, he was the only one she truly regretted disappointing. “Yes,” she admitted. “We planned to finalize everything after your birthday celebration.”
“You… you…” Joseph’s hand shook as he raised his cane, jabbing it first at Winifred, then at Gregory. His breathing grew ragged, face contorted with fury.
Suddenly, Joseph staggered, clutching at his chest. A collective gasp rose from the guests as Boris rushed forward to steady him.
Gregory lunged forward as Joseph’s face darkened with rage. “Grandpa-” His outstretched hand was met with a sharp crack from Joseph’s cane.
“You selfish boy!” Joseph roared. “After Winifred saved your life, you’d discard her like yesterday’s news? Over my dead body!”
Winifred ached to soothe Joseph, but the fury in his eyes warned her away. She froze in place, hands clenched at her sides.
Shirly placed a gentle hand on Joseph’s arm. “They were never suited, Joseph. Forcing them to stay married helps no one. We owe Winifred everything, but not a loveless marriage. We can give Winifred whatever she needs. Just let them go.”
“Winifred is the only woman I’ll accept as Gregory’s wife.” Joseph’s voice was firm. He lifted his cane toward Gregory. “The divorce isn’t happening. End of discussion.”
8:09 PM
