Page 68 of Miss Treated

Chapter Thirty-Four

Dominic

I didn’t normally get nervous when it came to social situations, but this was something else. I was meeting Kelsey’s father, with whom she didn’t have the best relationship, at a party celebrating his company, which he’d prioritized above his family. I had a foreboding feeling like the coming encounter might be awkward.

My hand gripped hers tightly as we walked into the house. No hugs from loved ones when we entered, no warm greetings, nothing to indicate she was part of the family.

I was here for her and whatever she wanted to do. Even if I was tempted to sweep her away from a place where she didn’t seem to be appreciated.

The inside of the house was grander than the outside of the estate. Old money came to mind with the grand chandeliers, the wainscoting, crown molding, and rich wallpaper. “This is where you grew up?”

Sadness was reflected in her smile. “Until I was six and my parents divorced. My father lets each of his wives remodel everything but the grand entrance. No one is allowed to touch it. Well, that and his office, but I was never permitted to go in there, so I couldn’t tell you what it looks like.”

My father had a home office too, and he’d often been in there while I was growing up. Although he was sometimes irritated when I interrupted him, I could remember him setting me up with an iPad on the couch while he took a phone call. Or putting cartoons on a television, so he could watch me while he was working on his computer.

We meandered into what I’d call a great room where tables were set with food and drinks. A number of people milled about, but Kelsey made a beeline for an older, distinguished gentleman in a black suit.

“Hello, Father.”

He looked up, apparently surprised to see her. “Kelsey, I didn’t know you’d be coming.”

“Candance called to give me the details.”

What the actual fuck. Her own father hadn’t called her?

Kelsey turned to the younger woman beside him. “Hi, Candace. Nice to see you again.”

“You too.” She smiled in a genuine manner, and I tried not to stare at the startling age difference between her and her husband.

“Dad, Candace, this is Dominic Chambers. Dominic, this is my father, Warren Maxwell, and his wife, Candace.”

I held out my hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Maxwell.”

He shook my hand briefly, but there was confusion in his weathered face. “This mean you’re not marrying Joel?”

Jesus, how could a parent be that out of touch?

Kelsey’s lips flattened. “Yeah, I’m no longer with him.”

“Good, he was always a kiss-ass.”

“I’m going to find my brothers and say hello.”

He nodded, but then his gaze suddenly shot over toward the front entrance. “What in the hell is she doing here?”

Kelsey and I turned. She tensed as a woman walked toward us as if she owned the place.

“Who is she?” I asked

She sighed. “My mother.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Kelsey

I was horrified to see my mother walk in to my father’s anniversary party. Not only was she uninvited, but she loathed my father with every fiber of her being. She could only be here for one reason.

To make a scene.