Chapter 71
Chapter 71:
She crumpled the card in her fist. She hated that house. The Hamptons estate was legally hers, a place she had fought to reclaim, but this invitation was for the main Schneider family residence on Long Island — a place they still occupied like parasites.
Her phone rang. The caller ID showed Robert Schneider.
“I’m not coming, Robert,” she answered, skipping the hello.
“Don’t be hasty, Jocelyn,” Robert’s voice was oily. “We need to discuss your grandmother’s care facility. The bills are becoming complicated. And I still hold medical power of attorney — a detail your lawyers seem to have missed. If you don’t show up, we might have to move her to a state-run home. Tonight p>
Jocelyn’s grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white. Using her grandmother. It was the lowest blow, and they knew it was the only one that would land. Her newfound wealth didn’t matter if Robert could legally block her from assuming her grandmother’s care without his signature. It was a loophole — a final chain around her neck — and he was pulling it tight.
“I’ll be there,” she said, her voice ice.
“Good. Come alone. We don’t want your… husband making a scene p>
She hung up. She considered calling Gaston. He would know what to do. He would send lawyers, or guards, or rain fire from the sky.
But he was in the air, halfway to London.
“I can handle them,” she told the empty office. “I’m not a child anymore. I’m the CEO of the Wolfe Group p>
She drove out to Long Island alone. The sun was setting as she pulled up to the wrought-iron gates of the Schneider estate. The house loomed against the darkening sky — a monstrosity of stone and turrets that looked more like a fortress than a home.
𝖶𝗵𝗮𝗍 𝘦𝘃erуо𝗇𝘦 𝗂s 𝘳𝘦аdi𝘯𝗀 𝗼n
She parked beside Aspen’s convertible, took a deep breath, and smoothed her skirt, putting on her business armor.
Inside, the air was stifling, smelling of old lilies and lemon polish.
Elouise was in the drawing room, holding a martini glass. It was barely past four in the afternoon.
“You’re late,” Elouise snapped, though Jocelyn was precisely on time.
“Where is your husband?” Aspen asked, appearing from the hallway. She wore a silk dress that cost more than most people’s cars, but her face was twisted in a sneer. “Too ashamed to be seen with us p>
“He’s on a business trip,” Jocelyn said, walking past her. “Making actual money. You should try it sometime p>
Aspen gasped, but before she could retort, a shadow moved near the staircase.
Cory Schneider stepped into the light. He wore a polo shirt that strained against his bulk and looked at Jocelyn with eyes that were too wet, too predatory.
“I bet she’s lonely,” Cory said, licking his lips. “Need a real man, Joss p>
Jocelyn felt a wave of nausea roll through her. “Don’t call me that p>
“Dinner is served,” a maid whispered, keeping her head down.
Jocelyn walked toward the dining room. She felt like she was walking into a lion’s den, armed with nothing but a toothpick.