Divorced AF.
At the door, Mrs. Kent shook his hand. “This is good work, Mr. Barrett. This feels right.”
“Thank you,” he said blankly and stepped out into the rain.
His wife was mentally, emotionallydivorcedAF.
And he couldn’t bear it.
CHAPTER 65
Lauren
Rain sheetedoff the porch roof in silver ropes, spattering the steps and darkening the welcome mat to near black.
Judith Barrett stood on the threshold like the weather had arrived specifically to inconvenience her—perfect coat, immaculate hair, expression set against the elements and everything else.
Lauren swallowed. “Judith. Hello.”
Judith didn’t bother with greetings. She swept inside without waiting to be invited, a cold breath of damp air and expensive perfume following her. Raindrops freckled the shoulders of her coat; her heels left faint, wet crescents on the hardwood.
Lauren shut the door. The muted drumming of rain against the roof filled the silence.
Judith took in the living room with one slow, judgmental sweep. Her lips tightened.
“So,” she said. “This is where you’ve been hiding.”
Lauren folded her arms—not defensive. Contained. “This is where I live.”
Judith turned sharply. “Thomas missed Thursday night dinner this week. Again.”
Lauren blinked.
“I came,” Judith continued, voice sharpening, “because I want to hear fromyouwhy he’s suddenly neglecting his obligations.”
Lauren stared at her. “I have no idea.”
“I know my son.” Judith stepped closer, rain still clinging to the edges of her sleeve. “He’s… pliable. Impressionable. Someone is clearly encouraging this behavior.”
Anger flared in Lauren’s chest—but her voice came out steady. “Don’t talk about Tom like that. He’s not pliable. He’s not weak.”
Judith blinked, surprised.
“And I’m not manipulating him. My husband is making his own decisions.”
Judith let out a brittle, humorless laugh. “Thomas doesn’t make decisions. He follows. And right now, he’s followingyou.”
Lauren almost laughed. The man she’d seen lately—the one fighting for his marriage—wasn’t weak at all. He was strong in ways Judith would never understand. She shook her head. “That isn’t what’s happening.”
Judith’s eyes flashed. “He said he’s prioritizing you.”
Lauren’s breath caught. “He said that?”
“Yes,” Judith snapped. “As if you are more important than his family.”
“Iamhis family,” Lauren said.
Judith’s gaze flicked over Lauren, sharp as glass. She stepped forward. “Whatever influence you have over him ends now. Thomas has responsibilities. A career. A reputation to maintain.”
