A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

―I could help you out. You are my nephew. ―I appreciate the offer, Uncle, but I'm an a.d.u.l.t and I want to earn my wealth back. I got up early this morning and worked through the numbers. I have enough to rent an apartment and provide for my family for a month. I can take a couple of pieces of furniture but everything else will have to go.

―I notice that Jessica's crystal figurine collection is in the box of things you plan to take with you. Those are worth a pretty penny. ―I can't get rid of them. She enjoys them too much. And it reminded him of his efforts to win her over.

―You have a lot of experience with investing. You know you're always welcome to keep your job at the firm. He considered that option but it suddenly occurred to him that without Harrison Grant Sr. working with Mr. Leroy, there was an investing job opening at the bank.

It would be ideal. He would only work regular business hours and the only entertaining he'd have to talk Jessica into would be dinner parties, and she was used to those. There wouldn't be any more Mr. Tyndalls or Mr. Davidsons making irrational demands. He could do what he loved doing and Jessica would be happy with his work hours.

―I appreciate the offer but I'm going to apply for the job at Mr. Leroy's bank. Will you have to run the Monroe Investing Firm by yourself? Leo asked. His uncle smiled. ―For a couple of months. Then I will marry Miss Duff and I'll ask her to become my partner. I was thinking of having her join the team anyway, but now that I consider it, three is a crowd.

―Did you propose to her? ―I did last night when I realized that you loved Jessica so much you were willing to give up everything for her. I figured that if a good woman is that important, I'd be stupid to let something like age stand in my way.

Mary doesn't seem to mind the age difference. I think we will do well together. ―I thought you didn't believe in mixing romance and business. Not that he could ever recall his uncle even having a romance but still...It wasn't common for men to become partners with their wives.

―Last evening, she quoted the entire proposal you wrote word for word and she can calculate numbers in her head in a matter of seconds. Such talent shouldn't go to waste. Plus, she handles clients with great finesse. She was made for this type of work. It would be an insult to sit her on a chair and tell her to look pretty and be quiet.

―I think you'll find that going to bed with a soft and warm woman is much more enjoyable than bringing another client to the firm. His uncle grinned. ―I have a funny feeling you're right, and I look forward to finding out for sure on my wedding night.

He raised an eyebrow as a new thought occurred to him. ―You know. If you get that bank job, we'll be competitors. He chuckled. ―I guess we will. ―Harrison Grant Jr. decided to move out of the state. He intends to start up his investment firm but wants to be in a place where people won't connect him with his father.

He said that he wants to earn his way based on his merit. I think it will be good for him to expand his wings instead of living in his father's shadow. Leo considered that his uncle was probably right but still didn't care much for the man, though he admitted he owed him some gratitude since he stopped his father from harming Jessica.