Chapter 867

Gwyneth set up her easel and painted while she waited. The little puppy scurried around her feet, growing cuter by the day.

Hawthorne had debated getting rid of the dog multiple times, worried it might be a tripping hazard during her pregnancy, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it.

Now, the dog acted like Gwyneth's shadow, following her every move. If Hawthorne got too close, the tiny furball would bare its teeth, fiercely guarding its owner despite being the size of a pint glass.

Sometimes Hawthorne would gently nudge it aside with his foot, and the dog would scramble back, snarling and snapping, determined to keep him away. The ridiculous standoff always left Gwyneth torn between exasperation and amusement.

Gwyneth sat on the second-floor balcony, working on her canvas and occasionally reaching down to pet the dog. The puppy was impeccably well-behaved, sitting quietly beside her, tilting its little head as it watched her paint.

Whenever she offered her hand, it would immediately start covering her fingers with enthusiastic kisses.

Leonie arrived promptly, trailed by a tall, devastatingly handsome man who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else: Connor Kaufman.

When Butler Parham opened the door, he was greeted by Miss Leonie and a thoroughly irritated Connor.

Connor was begrudgingly carrying the thermos of stew Mrs. Everhart had prepared for Gwyneth.

At first, Butler Parham didn't think much of it, but the more he looked at the young man, the more amused he felt. Was Mr. Kaufman here to start a fight? He always looked so resentful when trailing behind Miss Leonie, yet a single sharp glare from her was enough to instantly put him in line.

"Butler Parham, where is Gwyneth?"

Butler Parham gestured toward the stairs.

"She's painting on the balcony upstairs, Miss. Just look up to the second floor." Leonie glanced up and spotted Gwyneth focused on her canvas. She bounced excitedly on her toes and shouted, "Gwyneth! Gwyneth, I came to see you!" Connor stood behind her, his expression sour. Hearing the commotion, Gwyneth stood up, looked over the railing, and waved with a bright smile.

"Come on up! Butler Parham, could you bring us some tea and pastries?"

Butler Parham bowed and hurried off. Leonie turned and shot Connor a withering glare.

"What's with that attitude? Hurry up and bring the food upstairs for Gwyneth."

Leonie's authoritative tone forcefully crushed whatever complaints Connor had brewing. It genuinely felt like if he showed a single ounce of reluctance, she would physically kick him across the room.

"Why do I always end up acting like your lackey whenever I'm with you? Do you not

have hands? You could easily carry this yourself, but no, you have to make me do

it."

He was six-foot-two, and she had him trailing behind her like a glorified bodyguard. Leonie rolled her eyes aggressively.

"I ask you to carry one little thing and you throw a fit? Did you forget who took care

of you day and night at the hospital when all your buddies abandoned you?

Do you need a reminder about who helped you when you couldn't even pee—"

They were already nearing the

second floor, and Gwyneth was in plain sight. Seeing that Leonie was fully prepared to broadcast his most humiliating hospital moments to the world, Connor panicked.

He reached out and clamped a large hand directly over Leonie's mouth.

"Alright, alright! Shut up! I surrender, your highness!"

Gwyneth hadn't caught exactly what they were arguing about, but she beamed as the two chaotic forces stumbled onto the balcony.

Connor's gaze fell to her heavily pregnant belly, and a crushing wave of despair

mixed with stubborn resignation washed over him.

"So you and Hawthorne made up, huh? You really never learn. Do you honestly think he's the right guy for you?"

Connor practically threw the

thermos onto the table, his mouth

running off before his brain could

catch up. The very next second, a handsmacked the back of his head hard.

Leonie stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him like a demon.

"Is there something wrong with your brain?! Do you know where you are right now? Gwyneth and my uncle are legally married.

Do I look invisible to you? How dare you try to stir up drama right in front of me! What, are you dreaming of becoming the step-dad to my uncle's kids? Keep dreaming!"

Leonie raised a clenched fist, fully prepared to beat him to a pulp if he uttered one more stupid sentence.

Gwyneth watched the two clowns bickering and couldn't stop laughing, entirely abandoning her painting.

Their shouting match even got the puppy hyped up.