Chapter 10
Chapter 10
“Move it!” Margaret snapped, her voice cutting like a knife.
“Turn tonight’s birthday dinner into a full–on extravaganza,” she said, not leaving any wiggle room.
Then she added, “Pull out that ivory chair from my room–the one I’ve been holding onto, never used.
“Oh, and get every good–looking the Henderson family women–married or single. Dress them up nice. They’re all showing up tonight, no excuses!” she ordered, her eyes narrowing.
“Anyone who can keep General Yardley here till morning gets a tenth of the Henderson fortune!”
Malcolm nodded quick, practically stumbling over his own feet. “Yeah, yeah, yeah–I’m on it.”
Margaret watched him scramble out, her heart racing too fast to settle.
“God bless the Hendersons!” she shouted, hands clasped tight.
“God bless us Hendersons!” she yelled again, this time even louder.
A bit later, Malcolm popped back into the hall.
“Mom, it’s all set like you asked, but Ruth’s not around,” he said, dipping his head a little.
“Whack!” Margaret slammed her hand on the armrest.
“I told her not to step one foot outside this family–did she just ignore me?” she growled, steaming.
“They say it’s her daughter’s release day from Bastion Prison. Ruth was out there before sunrise, waiting by the gate,” Malcolm said, shifting uncomfortably.
“Haul that woman back here. And send someone to the prison–snag that little punk the minute she walks out. I’ll handle her myself!” Margaret said, her voice dropping to a chilling hiss.
Malcolm nodded fast. “Got it. I’ll send people right now.”
“Come on, let’s get to the front and greet General Yardley!” Margaret said, motioning him to follow.
“Spread the word: every Henderson better butter him up today. Anyone who rubs General Yardley the wrong way deals with me–and I’ll have their head!” she warned, her stare sweeping the room.
Half an hour later, the whole Henderson crew was lined up at the front gate, stretching their necks to spot Jonah.
“Mom, you sure General Yardley’s coming?” Miranda whispered, tugging at her sleeve.
Out front, twenty–five–year–old Miranda–Malcolm’s daughter–stood in a stunning gown. She glanced at the polished woman next to her, makeup on point.
“No question. I was there when his aide swung by to confirm,” Loretta said, oozing confidence.
That was Loretta Henderson. She was Malcolm’s wife and Raven’s aunt.
She turned to her daughter, who was decent–looking but not a total knockout.
“Miranda, listen–looks aren’t the whole game. All those lessons I’ve hammered into you? Time to show off,” Loretta said,
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Chapter 10
dead serious.
Malcolm, overhearing his wife, nodded like it was the truest thing ever.
“She’s spot on, Miranda. Play it smart with General Yardley–if you land a spot in the Yardley family, those cousins who snubbed you won’t even be worth your time,” he said, low and sincere.
Miranda gave a sharp nod, soaking it in.
But then she paused, biting her lip. “How old is General Yardley, anyway? He’s not some weirdo, right?”
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Loretta smirked. “I looked into it. He turned twenty–eight last month. Before the army, he was the guy every girl crushed on at school. Trust me–he’s a catch.”
That settled Miranda’s nerves, and she let out a soft breath.
Her eyes drifted to the horizon, a spark of daydreams flickering in them.
Moments later, a rugged military SUV pulled up to the Henderson estate.
The family gawked at the parked ride, excitement buzzing through them like electricity.
General Yardley was up there with those hotshots they saw on the news.
And yet, here he was, rolling up in person for Margaret’s birthday.
They were dead sure the Hendersons were about to strike gold.
Then, with everyone holding their breath and staring wide–eyed, the car door swung open.
But when they saw who stepped out, the whole Henderson bunch stopped cold.
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