She felt so hurt that she didn't even say goodbye, just grabbed her coat and walked out. He was right, though. This was her fault. She had dredged her own shit and dumped it in Carter's life.
When she returned to her apartment, she tried to take her mind off of things and work on some of her projects. As her computer booted up, her phone beeped with another message from Bryce. It was a picture of a gravestone that had her name on it. She shivered. She wasn’t going to let him intimidate her.
But she still double-checked the locks on her door.
66
Carter
After Allie had abruptly left, Carter felt terrible.
"Are you ready to go?" Grant asked him.
Carter looked at him, confused.
"We're going to New Cardiff," Grant said. "I told you last night, or rather this morning, when you arrived home."
"I don't want to go," Carter said, closing his eyes and letting his head tip back on the sofa. Margot snoozed on his lap. Grant grabbed Carter's arm and hauled him upright.
"Kate and I have to meet with Walter, and you aren't staying here by yourself."
When they arrived at the Holbrook estate, Walter gave Carter a strong hug then went with Grant and Kate into the study.
Carter walked Margot around the grounds. Through one of the windows, he saw his father and mother. They looked shocked; apparently, Grant hadn't informed them he would be there.
Jack opened up the French doors onto the terrace and gestured for Carter to come inside.
Carter stood there, facing the disappointment of his parents.
"I didn't do it," Carter said after a moment. Jack and Nancy exchanged a look.
"Quite frankly, we don't believe you," Jack scoffed. "You don't have the best track record."
"And you have terrible taste in women," Nancy added.
"I thought you liked Allie," Carter replied. "She spent a lot of time on the wedding and on random projects for you."
Nancy looked chagrined. "She brought Stacy into your life. She's been a terrible influence on you."
"No, she hasn't. I'm a better man because of her," Carter said.
"Obviously you aren't if there are random women accusing you of being the father of their unborn children," Jack stated.
Carted shook his head.
"I don't understand why you both hate me so much," he said, "Especially you, Dad."
"Carter," Nancy pleaded.
"You know," Carter told them, "I think I should cut you off."
"Excuse me?" Jack said.
"None of you cares about me."
"That's not true, Carter," his mother said.
"Yes, it is!" Carter yelled. "You can't stand me!"
