Chapter 79

Annabelle stood in the center of the room, arms crossed and chin lifted. "I'm in charge of this house now!"

"Legally, Evelyn is still the lady of this house."

Annabelle scoffed. "If she hadn't stubbornly refused to sign the divorce papers, we'd be married by now!"

Alexander's gaze swept over the empty bookshelf. His voice turned icy. "Where are the medical textbooks?"

"Those heavy old books?" She shrugged. "Sold them to the scrap collector."

"...Say that again."

"I wanted to throw them out, but they were too heavy. So I sold them." Annabelle waved a hand dismissively. "They weren't worth much anyway."

A vein pulsed at Alexander's temple. "You didn't even ask me?"

"Ask what?" She let out a mocking laugh. "Since when have I ever needed your permission for anything?"

"Annabelle!"

Ding-dong—

The doorbell cut through the tension.

Alexander yanked the door open, his expression dark.

Vincent stood on the doorstep, grinning as he hefted a massive audio system. "Morning, Alex! Morning, Annabelle!"

"What are you doing here?"

"Delivering Annabelle's new sound system!" He shook the bulky equipment. "Latest model. Killer sound quality!"

Alexander turned to Annabelle. "Sound system?"

"Of course." She stroked her belly. "For the baby's prenatal music."

Vincent burst out laughing. "Rock music for prenatal education? Planning to raise the next rock legend?"

"Enough jokes. Bring it in."

"On it!"

"Wait." Alexander blocked the doorway. "Take it back."

"Why?"

"The walls are thin. It'll disturb the neighbors."

Vincent froze awkwardly.

Annabelle shoved past Alexander. "Since when can't I play music in my own home? If they don't like it, they can move!"

"Be reasonable."

"I am being reasonable!" She tilted her chin up. "Let them call the police if they dare!"

"You—"

Vincent jumped in. "Hey now, no fighting! You two finally got together. Why the drama?"

Annabelle snorted. "Blame his ex-wife."

"She causing trouble? Didn't you offer her enough money?"

"Playing hard to get." She rolled her eyes. "All that fake nobility makes me sick."

Vincent slapped his thigh. "Leave it to me! Alex, stay out of this. I'll handle it."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "How?"

"Don't worry. I'll make sure she signs those divorce papers."

Annabelle beamed. "Vincent, dinner's on me when it's done."

"Forget dinner." He grinned, patting her belly. "Just make me the godfather."

"Deal."

Vincent addressed her stomach with mock solemnity. "Listen up, little one. I'm your godfather now. Your parents agreed."

"Vincent." Alexander's voice could freeze hell.

"Yeah? What's up, Alex?"