Chapter 32: Time to introduce Bella to everyone.
"Your wife?" Gary’s booming question echoed off the walls. His friend, who had never indulged himself with any woman and who had never dated before, finally got married.
Gary’s bewildered gaze darted between his friend and the woman, his mind struggling to comprehend this sudden development. "You are married! Already? When? How did that miracle happen? And how didn’t I know about it?"
A barrage of questions followed, each one more incredulous than the last.
"It’s a long story," Theodore said dismissively, trying to defuse the conversation. "Aren’t you busy? You can leave if you’re done here."
"Very well." Gary’s face contorted in annoyance. "You, arrogant prick! You are treating me like trash. Next time, I won’t come running when you call. I am leaving." With a huff, he began to gather his belongings.
Just as Gary reached the door, Theodore’s voice stopped him. "Hey, Gary!" A sly smile played on Theodore’s lips. "I heard you were looking for a diamond necklace for your wife."
Gary froze, his annoyance forgotten. He schooled his features into a scowl, but the spark of interest in his eyes betrayed him. "How did you know?" he asked cautiously.
Theodore’s smirk widened, arrogance radiating from him. "How I know isn’t important," he drawled. "If you want one, contact Skyler."
Gary tilted his head, a skeptical glint in his eyes. "Do you think money can buy everything?"
"Not really." Theodore shrugged, his attitude indifferent. "But money can do many things."
Theodore’s casual confidence was both infuriating and compelling, leaving Gary torn between frustration and the lure of his friend’s offer. The tension in the room shifted. Gary’s irritation melted away, replaced by curiosity and a touch of greed.
He couldn’t argue; accepting a handout felt wrong, yet refusing Theodore’s generosity seemed churlish. Swallowing his discomfort, Gary mumbled, "Okay, I’ll contact him."