He Made Me His Servant, Then Begged Me to Say No novel · Chapter 12 of 24

Chapter 12: I Know Where You Live

Eli knew the handwriting by the way the capital E leaned.

It leaned the same way on every birthday card he had ever been sent from a cell.

His knees would not hold him up, so he sat down at the terrace table.

He put the envelope face down beside his plate.

Laurence took the chair next to his.

He did not say a word, but his shoulder pressed against Eli's, solid and warm.

"Eat something," Carlton said cheerfully. "Both of you. I'm told it was a late night."

Eli's face went hot.

Laurence reached for the toast.

"Father."

"Oh, I'm not asking questions. I'm only delighted."

Carlton poured the coffee himself.

"Last Tuesday my son asked me whether the cook knew how Eli takes his eggs. He has never in his life asked me about anyone's eggs."

"I did not ask about eggs."

"You asked about eggs, darling," Carlton said. "It was lovely."

Laurence said nothing and buttered his toast with extreme concentration.

Eli found, to his surprise, that he was nearly smiling.

Then Carlton set down the pot and folded his hands, and the warmth in his face took on a different shape.

"Eli, I'd like to say something, and I'd like you to hear it as it's meant."

"Yes, sir," Eli said.

"My son has never been happy a day in his life that I could buy for him. I tried. God knows I tried."

He took a slim folder from the chair beside him and laid it on the cloth.

"This is a trust. Two million dollars in your name, untouchable, whatever happens between you. A house, if you want one. I would like you to have it."

← Chapter 11 · All chapters · Chapter 13 →

Want to keep talking to characters like these? Chat with AI romance characters: AI Boyfriend · AI Girlfriend · Dark Romance · Fantasy Romance · BL (Boys’ Love) · Billionaire Boyfriend · Mafia Boyfriend · Possessive Boyfriend · Hockey Boyfriend · Older Boyfriend · K-Drama Boyfriend · Anime Boyfriend · Vampire Boyfriend · Werewolf Boyfriend · Demon Boyfriend · Fae Romance · GL (Girls’ Love) · Anime Girlfriend · Goth & Alt Girlfriend · Gamer Girlfriend · Tsundere Girlfriend · Fantasy Girlfriend