Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 103: Can You Come?

Chapter 103: Can You Come?

Gerald sat in his office, lost in thought. He leaned back in his leather chair, spinning a pen between his fingers as he replayed his conversation with Aubrey yesterday. The name "Edrick" echoed in his mind, gnawing at him. Edrick wasn’t just a regular man; he was a formidable figure in the business world. Known for his sharp mind and ruthless strategies, Edrick had built a reputation that rivaled even the best. But what stood out the most to Gerald was the fact that Edrick was Mason’s rival.

The rivalry between their families was practically legendary, starting with their fathers. Gerald had heard the stories, the whispers in boardrooms and the gossip at parties. What began as a professional competition had grown into something personal, something that had seeped into the next generation. Gerald had always thought it was just business, but now, with Ellen somehow in the middle of it all, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the story.

He frowned, the pen in his hand coming to a halt. What could she possibly have to do with someone like Edrick? Was she really just a friend to him, as she claimed? Or was there something else between them?

Just as Gerald was about to sink deeper into his mind, his phone buzzed on the desk, cutting through the silence. The screen lit up, and he saw Mason’s name flashing across it, making him felt intrigued and surprised. Mason didn’t usually call—at least, not anymore. They started talking less and less as time went on, reduced to the occasional text or brief encounter at social events.

He quickly picked up the phone, bringing it to his ear with a grin. "Well, well, to what do I owe the honor of Mason Coldwell calling me?" Gerald greeted, his tone laced with playful shock.

Mason’s voice came through the line, cool and direct as always. "Stop being dramatic, Gerald."

Gerald chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he spun it slightly. "Hey, it’s not every day that you decide to actually reply to one of my texts, let alone give me a call. So excuse me if I’m a little shocked."

Mason’s voice softened just a fraction, but his words remained straightforward. "I’ve been busy."

"Busy ignoring your old friends, apparently," Gerald quipped, still grinning as he twirled the pen between his fingers. But underneath the light-hearted banter, there was a genuine curiosity. Mason never called without a reason.

There was a brief pause on the other end before Mason got straight to the point. "Can you come to dinner this weekend at my house?"

Gerald’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, the playful smile fading as he considered the request. He gave the chair a little spin, his gaze drifting to the window as he thought it over. "This weekend, huh?" he muttered, more to himself than to Mason.

"Yeah," Mason confirmed, his tone still even. "Aubrey will be there too."

Gerald’s chair stilled as he stopped spinning, his attention now fully on the conversation. "Really? You’re inviting Aubrey too?" There was a note of genuine surprise in his voice. Mason wasn’t thrilled about being in close quarters with Aubrey, so this was definitely a change.

Mason’s response was quick, but there was a subtle shift in his tone, almost as if he was passing the responsibility off. "It wasn’t my idea. It was Ellen’s. She asked me to see if you both could come."

Gerald’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he processed the information. Ellen wanted them there? That made the whole thing even more confusing for him. "Ellen, huh?" he said thoughtfully, tapping the pen lightly against his desk. "Well, that’s interesting."

Gerald’s eyes narrowed as he processed Mason’s words. Ellen. The name lingered in the air like a sudden chill, causing his initial excitement to fade. What was she planning? Why would she want to invite Aubrey, her clear rival, to dinner? Gerald’s mind raced, piecing together the fragments of conversations, the subtle glances, and the tension he had sensed between the two women. It didn’t make any sense—unless Ellen was up to something.

He frowned deeply, tapping the pen rhythmically against his desk as he pondered the possibilities. No, there had to be something more behind this invitation. Gerald could almost see Ellen’s calculating smile, the way she would so effortlessly hide her true intentions behind a polite smile. What was she up to? Why drag Aubrey and him into it?

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that this dinner was a setup. Ellen must have something planned, and whatever it was, it couldn’t be good for Aubrey. The thought of Aubrey walking into a situation like that, unaware of the potential danger, made his stomach twist with unease. Gerald’s protective instincts flared up, and he knew he couldn’t let Aubrey face whatever Ellen had in mind alone.

His jaw tightened as he tried to shake off the growing anxiety. He had to keep Aubrey safe, and the best way to do that was to be there himself. He wouldn’t let Ellen pull any tricks or use the dinner to mess with Aubrey in any way. Gerald wasn’t about to sit by and watch Ellen manipulate the situation to her advantage.

Before he could dive deeper into his thoughts, Mason’s voice broke through the silence. "Gerald, are you coming or what?"

The question snapped Gerald back to reality, and he realized he had been quiet for too long. He forced a smile, though it felt hollow. Taking a deep breath, he tried to push the negativity aside and focus on the conversation. "Of course I’m coming," he replied, injecting a fake cheerfulness into his tone. "I can’t let you guys have all the fun without me, right?"

Mason didn’t seem to notice the forced enthusiasm. "Alright, it’s a deal then. This weekend."

Gerald nodded, though the gesture was more for himself than for Mason. "Yeah," he said, his voice betraying none of the apprehension he felt inside.

There was a brief pause before Mason added, "See you this weekend, Gerald," and then the line went dead.