TRADING MY EX FOR HIS STEP BROTHER

JUST AFTER HIS MONEY

CHAPTER 9: JUST AFTER HIS MONEY

KIMBERLY:

I was just beginning to drift off when I heard the knock.

It was soft at first. I rolled over, hoping whoever it was would just go away. But it came again and again.

Groaning, I threw off the covers and padded across the room, rubbing my eyes. When I opened the door, I saw Janet, a maid standing there.

"Miss Kim," Janet whispered, wringing her hands nervously. "Sorry to disturb you. Mr. Kelvin wants to see you downstairs."

I blinked. "Kelvin? Now?"

She nodded apologetically. "He said it’s important."

I suppressed a sigh. I had grown up visiting the Carters often enough to know everyone here.

Kelvin was my father in-law.

I didn’t want to displease him. "Alright. I’ll come."

Janet gave a small bow and hurried off.

I closed the door, grabbed Damien's robe, and slipped it over my camisole and shorts. My feet felt like lead as I followed the soft lights down the grand staircase, the house eerily quiet except for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall.

Kelvin Carter stood at the bottom of the stairs and waited for me. His hands clasped behind his back and he wore a polite smile on his face.

"Kimberly," he greeted warmly. "Thank you for coming. I realize it's late."

I gave a small nod. "It’s okay, Mr. Carter."

"Call me Dad, please," he corrected gently. "You’re my daughter now."

I forced a smile. “Okay Dad.”

"We're having a small dinner. Family custom, you see," he continued, gesturing toward the formal dining room. "Newlyweds should always eat their first meal with the family."

I hesitated, then nodded. "Of course."

As I entered, I spotted Barbra sitting at the head of the table, her fingers drumming against the polished wood.

Great.

Kelvin pulled out a chair for me. I murmured a thanks and sat.

"You must be tired," he said kindly, taking his seat.

"A little," I admitted.

He chuckled. "We won’t keep you long. Just a simple meal."

Barbra sniffed dramatically. "Some of us have been waiting for hours."

I ignored her.

A butler appeared with silver trays, uncovering roast chicken, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh bread. My mouth watered despite my nerves.

"Please, eat," Kelvin encouraged.

I picked up my fork and took a small bite, chewing slowly, aware that Barbra wouldn't stop glaring at me.

"So," Kelvin said casually, cutting into his chicken, "where’s Damien?"

"He had a meeting with some business associates," I replied, trying to keep my voice even.

Barbra’s laugh was sharp, and cruel. "Associates? Oh, sweet girl, is that what he told you?"

I stiffened. "Yes."

"Poor thing," she said mockingly, tilting her head. "Acting so naïve."

"Barbra," Kelvin warned in a low voice.

She ignored him, leaning forward, her eyes gleaming. "You think you’ve married a responsible billionaire heir? Hah! Damien’s a playboy, darling. Always has been. Always will be."

I stiffened.

Then set my fork down carefully. "It doesn't matter."

Barbra’s laughter was humourless. "Of course. You're just after his money. What a gold digger.”

"That’s enough," Kelvin said firmly.

"Oh, come off it, Kelvin," Barbra snapped. "You’re the one who's supposed to have stopped this disaster from happening. And now we’re all supposed to sit here and pretend it’s fine?"

"My mother has the best interest of everyone at heart," Kelvin said, voice growing harder. "And we will respect it."

Barbra’s eyes flashed. "Respect it? Kimberly has already driven a wedge between Roland and Damien! She has torn apart two brothers.”

I flinched.

"Roland drove that wedge himself," Kelvin said sharply.

Barbra slammed her fork onto her plate. "No! It’s her! Just in one day, she's able to tear this family apart! Just imagine what would happen if she's allowed to remain married to Damien."

I swallowed hard, my throat burning.

"You’re being ridiculous," Kelvin muttered.

"Am I?" Barbra hissed. "First Roland's in jail, then Damien marries a gold-digger—"

"Enough," Kelvin barked, his face flushing red.

The silence that followed was deafening.

I pushed my chair back quietly. Their heads snapped toward me.

"I’m sorry," I said softly, my voice surprisingly steady. "But I don't think I belong at this table."

Barbra sneered. "Oh, poor thing. Running away already? I told you you won't be able to handle it.”

I ignored her. Without another word, I turned and walked away.

Behind me, I heard Kelvin sigh heavily. "Barbra, for once in your life, think before you speak."

"Don’t you dare blame me for this!" she screeched.

I didn’t look back. Just kept moving.

I climbed the staircase, and found my way back to Damien's apartment.

Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it, breathing hard.

I had thought marrying Damien would give me a fresh start.

Instead, it felt like stepping straight into a lion’s den.

But I'm Kimberly Walker. I don't run away from challenges. I tried to act indifferent but my emotions got the better of me.

I broke down and cried.