Falling for my ex’s uncle novel

Chapter 76 When I walked into the cafe .

I immediately spotted Kayden sitting by the window Though he was nearly fifty , Kayden looked remarkably well preserved .

His physique , appearance , and manner of speaking exuded a cultured .

relined charm .

He looked no older than a man in his early forties .

I remembered the first time I saw him at the Herrera family gathering 1 almost mistook him for Austins older brother .

Amanda was younger than Kayden , but standing next to him , they didnt look much like a married couple .

To be precise , Amanda was quite attractive tall and slender but she was so thin , and her entire demeanor radiated a sharp , bitter energ Yet , I had to admit , my gut instinct had been spot on Amanda wasnt just bitter ; she was two faced .

In contrast , Kayden remained calm and graceful throughout When they stood together , without Amanda speaking , they seemed like a well matched couple .

But once she opened her mouth , with her haughty .

abrasive tone , the entire room seemed to shrink under the weight of her presence .

Though Kayden wasnt particularly accomplished in his career , he had a humble and gentle nature .

Even the household staff thought Amanda had truly earned her fortune by marrying him .

After all , within the Herrera family , Kayden was the only one with a truly kind temperament If it werent for Kayden stepping in at the dinner last night , I mightve assumed he was just another mild , naive man , out of his depth in family matters .

Kayden stood when he saw me enter and politely pulled out a chair for me .

Thank you , I said , sitting down .

He looked at me , his eyes softening with a small smile .

Laurel , you dont I need to be so formal with me .

Ive always liked you Hearing those words from a handsome , poised man someone who exuded maturity and self assuredness made them feel strangely ambiguous .

In was hard not to wonder if he had other motives .

Kayden seemed to notice my discomfort and quickly added a bittersweet smile .

If you hadnt broken up with Austin , I imagine you two already been married would ve a small smile , deliberately meeting his gaze .

Life is full of surprises , both good and bad I gave him a Kayden was here to talk , and it was clear his intentions werent entirely benign .

I hadnt expected him to use his status to pressure me so quickly .

He gave a short laugh .

I dont know much about you and Alex , but Ive heard plenty of rumors .

Rumors ! I chuckled lightly , completely unfazed .

Ive long since stopped paying attention to them .

Even if you and Austin never had an intimate relationship , you two were together for six years , and thats a fact that cant be changed .

And what of it ? I fe feigned confusion .

Kayden spoke earnestly , his tone turning serious .

Im just warning you out of kindness Alex isnt right for you .

Is that so … ..

I murmured , maintaining my nonchalance .

Kayden didnt seem upset by my indifference .

Instead , he looked as though he had something more to say but held back .

I couldnt help but find this amusing .

It was clear now like father , like son .

The entire Herrera family seemed to excel at playing roles .

* If you leave Alex .

Il make sure Austin marries you , Kayden said , his voice firm and decisive .

I furrowed my brow slightly .

His tone implied that had no other option but to marry into the Herrera family .

Are you telling me to leave Alex ? I asked Kayden remained silent , his eyes locked on mine with a deep , searching look .

The silence in the room felt suffocating , a tension hanging between u 1/2 221 PM = d Chapter 76 I dont go for leftovers .

What I like is money , I said , raising an eyebrow .

Miss Harvey offered me 6 million dollars , but honestly , I think Alex should have more than that .

At the mention of the 6 million dollars , Kayden froze for a moment , then instinctively asked , Did Samantha approach you ? Yep , but she was a step ahead of you .

Kayden hesitated , his gaze shifting briefly.

He then looked back at me , his voice lowering as he said , Laurel , I wont beat around the bush .

How much do you want ! I can go ask Samantha for it , as long as you leave Alex .

He sighed heavily , his eyes showing a flicker of concern .

You should know when to stop.

Alex is my fathers most cherished son .

With your background , do you really think theyll accept you into the Herrera family ? I wiped the smile from my face , noticing the flicker of impatience in Kaydens expression .

It was clear he was losing patience with our conversation .

Despite his outward composure , there was no mistaking his desire to wrap things up .

His cool , detached demeanor told me everything I needed to know .

Kayden wasnt interested in negotiating any longer .

I had only just gotten interested in the conversation , and now it seemed he was ready to pull the plug .

At first , I thought he was trying to use Austin as leverage , as if I was trying to get closer to Alex just to marry that scumbag But then came Samantha , throwing in million dollars , thinking Id just take the money and leave .

And here I was , still trying to haggle over it Seeing my continued indifference , Kayden reached for Raphael an ace up his sleeve , hoping to intimidate me into submission He was trying to make me see the folly of my position , warning me not to get my hopes up .

felt like a veiled threat .

Every friendly suggestion fo How had I never realized how insufferable Kayden could be ? Looking back , it wasnt Amanda , with her fiery temper , who was the most dangerous in the Herrera family .

It was Kayden the man who never got involved in family disputes , but always managed to call the shots behind the scenes .

I laughed softly , taking a sip of the lemonade in front of me .

I didnt touch the Americano Kayden had ordered for me .

In the six years I was with Austin , he always thought I liked iced Americanos .

The truth is , I never did .

I smirked , adding .

I actually prefer caramel macchiatos .

But Austin said they were too sweet , and theyd make me gain weight .

So , from then on .

I just ordered iced Americanos , like he liked .

Kayden looked confused , his expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity .

He probably didnt understand why I was telling him this .

Maybe in your eyes , you think Im not worthy of Austin .

Hell , sometimes I even thought I wasnt good enough for him .

Over time , I adapted to his preferences , trying to please him .

I took step after step , retreating , but what did I get in return ? I paused , looking him in the eye .

I only wanted one thing a home .

But now I see that stepping back doesnt show humility .

It just makes people think youre cheap .

Kayden frowned slightly .

Laurel , I always thought Austin treated you well Really ? I raised an eyebrow , a hint of sarcasm in my tone .

As for the past , I dont want to dwell on it .

The truth is , Im freer now .

I can drink what I want , wear what I want , and even choose who I want .