Time to introduce Bella to everyone.

"Your wife?" Gary's booming question echoed off the walls. His friend, who had never indulged himself with any woman and who had never dated before, finally got married.

Gary's bewildered gaze darted between his friend and the woman, his mind struggling to comprehend this sudden development. "You are married! Already? When? How did that miracle happen? And how didn't I know about it?"

A barrage of questions followed, each one more incredulous than the last.

"It's a long story," Theodore said dismissively, trying to defuse the conversation. "Aren't you busy? You can leave if you're done here."

"Very well." Gary's face contorted in annoyance. "You, arrogant prick! You are treating me like trash. Next time, I won't come running when you call. I am leaving." With a huff, he began to gather his belongings.

Just as Gary reached the door, Theodore's voice stopped him. "Hey, Gary!" A sly smile played on Theodore's lips. "I heard you were looking for a diamond necklace for your wife."

Gary froze, his annoyance forgotten. He schooled his features into a scowl, but the spark of interest in his eyes betrayed him. "How did you know?" he asked cautiously.

Theodore's smirk widened, arrogance radiating from him. "How I know isn't important," he drawled. "If you want one, contact Skyler."

Gary tilted his head, a skeptical glint in his eyes. "Do you think money can buy everything?"

"Not really." Theodore shrugged, his attitude indifferent. "But money can do many things."

Theodore's casual confidence was both infuriating and compelling, leaving Gary torn between frustration and the lure of his friend's offer. The tension in the room shifted. Gary's irritation melted away, replaced by curiosity and a touch of greed.

He couldn't argue; accepting a handout felt wrong, yet refusing Theodore's generosity seemed churlish. Swallowing his discomfort, Gary mumbled, "Okay, I'll contact him."

As Gary exited the room, a smirk played on his lips. There was one person who deserved to know this news – Malcolm.

"I should inform the old man about this good news. He will be happy to know that Theodore is finally married."

Gary couldn't resist sharing this juicy tidbit. With newfound zeal, he dialed Malcolm's number.

"Hello, Grandpa... It's Gary speaking," he said. "I've got something to tell you – good news."

"Nothing is good for me if that brat doesn't find a woman to marry." The annoyance in Malcolm's voice was unmistakable.

"Grandpa, your wish has been granted!" Gary declared, barely containing his amusement. "Theodore is already married. I just met his wife."

Silence. A tense beat followed, and then Malcolm's voice erupted, several octaves higher. "What did you say? He has married already!" The phone vibrated against Gary's ear. "Gary, you haven't been mistaken, have you?"

"No, Grandpa, the news is confirmed," Gary emphasized, enjoying the old man's shock. "Right now, I'm at the farmhouse. Theodore urgently called me here to treat his wife."

The other end of the phone went dead silent. Gary could practically picture Malcolm sputtering on the other end.

A moment later, a stern warning crackled through the receiver. "Gary, you aren't joking with me, are you? If I find out the news is fake, I'll skin you alive."

Gary's grin widened, savoring the moment. "I assure you, Grandpa, it's true. Theodore is married, and his wife is here with him. You'll see for yourself soon enough." The satisfaction of delivering such surprising news lingered in his tone, knowing it would send shockwaves through their family.

He strategically omitted the details of Bella's condition,

"Hmm!" A low hum emanated from the phone. "Alright, Gary. I'll reward you for sharing such good news."

"Thank you, Grandpa."

Gary grinned. A reward from Theodore, and now one from Malcolm! In a buoyant mood, he hung up and hopped into his car.

On the other end, Malcolm's face contorted into a mask of fury. The news from Gary settled in his gut like a lead weight. "That ungrateful brat!" he roared. "He got married and didn't even think to tell me? Does he think he can forget I exist?"

With a resounding thud, his fist slammed onto the table. A dark glint flickered in his eyes. He was both hurt and furious that Theodore had kept such news from him.

With a flurry, he dialed Theodore's number.

The call was connected quickly. "Hello, Grandpa… How are you doing?"

Malcolm wasted no time. "Do you still remember me?" he roared. "Here I am, getting old and sick, and you don't even care about me at all!"

"Grandpa, don't say such things," Theodore interjected. "In this family, you are the only one I care about."

"Is that so? Then how could you ignore my words?"

Theodore winced, rubbing his ear. He assumed Malcolm's anger stemmed from the postponed meeting with Mr. Willis.

"I know you're upset with me, Grandpa," he offered gently, his tone turning persuasive. "The meeting with Mr. Willis can wait. I wanted to inspect the land in the west district first. Anyway, I need to tell you something, and I'm sure you'll like it."

A flicker of anticipation sparked in Malcolm's eyes, but he quickly schooled his features. "What is it?" he asked, maintaining a serious tone despite the excitement in his heart.

"I'll come see you this weekend," Theodore promised. "We'll talk then."

"No, no… not on the weekend," Malcolm barked impatiently. "You need to come here right away. I've got something important to discuss with you." Theodore could sense the urgency in Malcolm's voice, realizing this wasn't just about business. It was personal, and he knew what his grandfather wanted to discuss.

Theodore glanced at Bella, her chest rising and falling softly in sleep. He wouldn't dream of disturbing her now. It was crucial she rest and regain strength before facing the whirlwind that was his family.

"There are still loose ends I need to tie up," he said carefully. "I'll be there for sure, this weekend."

"Are you coming? Or shall I come there?" Malcolm snapped, his voice resolute, not giving a chance for defiance.

Theodore sighed, the knot in his stomach tightening. "No, Grandpa," he conceded. "There's no need for you to come here. I'll be there."

"Excellent. Dinner tonight, then," Malcolm declared with a finality. "And Keith is quite eager about that marriage proposal, Theodore. I think you should give it serious consideration."

Malcolm deliberately mentioned it, as he knew Theodore wouldn't lie to him if he had already married.

"Grandpa!" Theodore groaned, exasperation coloring his voice. "You know I have no interest in Keith Willis or his daughter."

"What is the problem with that girl? She is smart, beautiful, and a talented actress."

While he spoke the words, a part of him loathed the woman as much as Theodore did. It was simply a tactic, a way to corner his grandson, to force him to reveal his hand. Malcolm wouldn't give Theodore an inch and wouldn't allow room for excuses about not bringing his wife.

"She'll be joining us for dinner, as well," Malcolm added, his voice firm. "Don't be late."

With that stern command, he ended the call. A sly smile played on his lips. "You can't hide her any longer," he murmured.

Theodore, on the other hand, muttered a curse under his breath. "Time to introduce Bella to everyone."