The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 515

Gavin didn’t say a word.

“So? That thing you said about wanting to marry Catherine... was that all just talk?”

Lorinda’s smile was cool but probing. “Gavin, how far are you actually willing to go for Catherine? How much can you really protect her?”

Gavin looked away, not meeting her eyes. “I meant it.”

He left the rest of her question hanging.

“Catherine deserves better. She only made the mistake of loving the wrong person. She’s amazing, Gavin. If you can’t give her a real future, just... keep your distance.” With that, Lorinda scooped Jasper up and headed for the kitchen to help Alexa.

Gavin was left, tangled up in his own thoughts. Catherine’s past with Lance didn't bother him. She’d already had a child with Lance, so her history wasn’t something he cared about. No need to dwell on an old marriage certificate.

What got him was that Catherine and Lance had been married. That proved her feelings weren’t just some harmless crush. She’d been all in, even when she must’ve known it was a losing game. She was smart enough to realize marrying Lance was a huge risk, probably one where she’d end up hurt.

Yet she’d done it anyway. She’d lost herself to her feelings, leaping before she looked.

The sound of the doorbell cut through Gavin’s thoughts.

Lorinda came out of the kitchen holding Jasper. “You know Harrell, right? He’s close with Lance, but seriously, try not to make things awkward tonight. If you blow this up, you’re the one I’ll blame.”

She shot him a look, then went to open the door.

Outside, Harrell was standing there with a fancy fruit basket. Lance was behind him, hands empty.

“You’re coming too?” Lorinda’s heart sank. This was looking like trouble. Never mind that Gavin was still here. The thought of Catherine and Lance sharing a dinner table made her nervous. She had no idea what had happened during their month at the hospital, but just imagining it made her skin prickle.

“I’m still not really up for driving, so Lance brought me over.” Harrell had actually just bumped into Lance downstairs, but he came up with the excuse right away.

“Lance, Harrell, we’re all old friends here,” Gavin said, keeping his tone light. “Make yourselves comfortable. Sit down. Can I get you guys anything? Juice? Lemonade?”

He couldn’t resist adding a little dig. “It kind of suits the mood today, huh?”

Gavin’s whole body was tense the minute he saw Lance.

Harrell set his fruit basket down and glanced from Lance to Gavin. “Water’s fine for me,” he said, adding, “Lance, too.”

Gavin let out a long “Oh,” making it clear he wasn’t thrilled.

He brought over two glasses of warm water and took a seat in a single armchair.

“Lance, thanks for taking care of Catherine and the baby these past few weeks.” Gavin leaned in, wanting to get the upper hand or at least take the lead. “Let me buy you dinner sometime, all right? I owe you.”