Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 574

Sam’s eyes grew darker as he fell silent, thinking it over for a few moments before raising his hand. “Let’s hold off for now.”

“Why?” Reyna asked.

“We need to keep this to ourselves and be patient. Think about it. The real Madeline is Julian’s wife. If she comes back with his help and takes over the family, runs the company, what happens to me and Brendan? We’d be out.”

Reyna’s face lit up in sudden realization. “You’re right. If she comes back, the elders will put everything into making her the family head. You’ll have even less of a shot.”

She was suddenly glad she’d come to Sam first. She’d almost gone straight to the elders with what she’d heard.

“Don’t mention this to anyone. I need time to figure out our next move. As for those two, let them fight it out. The messier, the better.”

“Yeah, best case, they both lose. The family rules kept you from going after the position, but if the heir turns out to be useless, someone has to step in. Then the elders wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.”

Sam smiled, his thoughts matching hers exactly.

If the chosen heir failed, the Ballard family’s top spot would naturally fall to him.

His eyes glinted with a cold, calculating amusement.

Reyna hesitated, then asked, “But she said Shelly killed Brian. Do you think that’s true?”

Sam shook his head. “No idea. Shelly is always so mysterious. Even the elders don’t know all her secrets, so why would she tell me? But honestly, she’s always seemed too kind to hurt anyone.”

…

Madeline pulled Julian toward the car. He let her fuss, a soft smile always in his eyes.

She worried his old injury had flared up after being hit, so she reached out, starting to unbutton his shirt.

Julian’s lips curled in a teasing smile. He spread his arms a little, letting her do as she pleased. Seeing how anxious she was, he asked in a low, rough voice, “You in a hurry?”

Madeline had just popped open the fourth button, exposing his chest. Her fingers froze. When she looked up, she caught Julian watching her with a playful, knowing look.

The car was cramped, the lights were dim, and suddenly the air felt heavy, charged with something she couldn’t quite name.

Madeline realized what it looked like and started to pull her hand back, but Julian grabbed it, holding her there. “Keep going.”

She pressed her lips together. “I just want to see if you’re hurt.”

“That’s all?”

His question made her even more flustered. “Of course. What else would I be doing? You think I’d try to take advantage of you?”

Julian grinned. “Yeah.”

Annoyed, Madeline gave him a little smack. “I have no interest in that.”

His smile grew as he pulled her into his arms, her cheeks burning. “I don’t mind. I’ll only let you.”

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