the Unexpected Heir

An Ignoble Armstrong

Chapter Six: An Ignoble Armstrong

Still registered in Lesley's memory was the events that happened the first time she had met Gerald. It was at a charity gala hosted by the Armstrongs to raise funds for medical researches.

Gerald was in the company of a lady, yet all his attention was fixed on her.

Lesley had initially thought she was his partner.

However, the skimpy and provocative attire clading her voluptuous body allied with her elaborate make up to explicitly project the image of an escort.

Lesley was at the event with her mother and stepfather, of course Cruz wasn't allowed to tag along on such important events. The bozo had no reputation or prestige whatsoever, he was like a stain they didn't want anyone to notice.

Gerald had approached her the moment his lady companion excused herself from his side.

He brashly introduced himself even though it wasn't necessary; he was well known in the city.

He had been unbelievably braggy with his words and had made some flirty remarks that Lesley did not find impressive at all.

Margaret had observed them from where she was having a chat with Penelope. She was pleased that the young man had picked an interest in her daughter.

It was obviously a very pleasing sight for her given how she quickly showed up to boost Gerald's agenda the moment she had sensed her disinterest.

"My daughter, Lesley is the head of operations at Bill's Logistics, Gerald. And may I add, she is recently separated from her husband." She had chimed in.

Gerald's eyes had lit up with the nudge from Margaret and he was about to go intense on his flirting when his companion suddenly reappeared. Like someone marking her territory, she had locked her arms in his.

Gerald's expression had conveyed displeasure and had almost pushed her off, but he had comported himself since he was in public.

Lesley could only shake her head in disgust and had paid him no further attention.

The other time they had met was at Bill's Logistics' premises and that meeting was something she would rather not remember.

If Margaret was not so pushy and urging her to give him a chance because of the benefits of aligning with the powerful Armstrong family, she wouldn't have desired to be anywhere within two feets from him.

Gerald was nothing like Cruz. His 5tf7 stout figure and brash demeanor did not appeal to her. Not to mention his contemptuous look and the air of pomposity he exuded.

Lesley could only wish Cruz was more ambitious or preferably from wealthy roots. Cruz was every woman's dream man in every sense apart from his social status and a lack of ambition to build his profile.

The man had chosen to go for a yoga retreat instead of doing something more meaningful with his time. Or maybe even staying back to fight for their marriage.

With a distant look on her face, Lesley kept ruminating with so much weight in her heart.

Gerald sensing she was absentminded suddenly remarked.

"I hear your loafer of a husband still lives here even though you guys are separated...?" He scoffed.

The sudden comment had taken Lesley aback. And for a moment, she couldn't think of a proper response.

Margaret noticing the awkwardness of her silence quickly intervened.

"Oh Gerald, don't stress over that loser... His days here are numbered, right Lesley?"

"Yeah... I guess." Lesley responded nonchalantly, then cleared her throat and took a sip from the wine glass in her hand.

The comment had rattled her and she didn't like the rudeness in his tone.

Just then, Lima stepped into the living room with a dish carrier. She placed the item on the massive table in the diner at the other end of the massive L-shaped livingroom. She was getting the table set for dinner.

The two families had sat at the set of furnitures that were placed at the intersection. The room had other furniture arrangements in strategic corners.

Lima's movement caused the visitors to turn towards her.

Gerald noticed the beautiful and alluring lady who had just entered the room and his eyes lit up.

She had similar physical features as Lesley, but unlike Lesley, he could already sense she had a vibrant and chic aura. She also looked a bit younger.

That must be the other daughter, he reasoned. Maybe she is the one he should be wooing, he momentarily contemplated.

He could sense Lesley's aloofness and wouldn't want to press for an unwilling prospect.

"This must be Mandy!" Gerald suddenly remarked with fervor.

The Pipers exchanged an awkward glance and then Bill quickly responded.

"Oh, Mandy and Billy are in college... That is Lima the housekeeper's daughter."

The Pipers had talked about their other kids as they acquainted with their guests earlier on.

They had informed the guests of their absence but didn't give the details. So Gerald had assumed the lady he just saw was their daughter, Mandy.

Gerald felt embarrassed by his assumption. He scoffed and gave Lima a condescending look after learning the facts.

His face flustered as he downed the glass of wine before him in disgust.

Lima avoided the gazes aimed at her and hastily exited the room.

Penelope who had witnessed her son's blunder and the awkwardness it had generated quickly spoke.

"I think our conversation is uninteresting for these ones." She enthused with a grin, referring to Gerald and Lesley. "Come on, you too go chat in private." She encouraged.

"I agree" Margaret beamed excitedly.

Gerald shot his mother a grateful look as he stood up.

"Shall we?" He said, stretching his hand to Lesley.

Lesley slowly took his hand as she pulled her weight up and walked away with him to a different corner of the living room.

Penelope looked on with hope as she watched them stroll off. She knew her son; now 30, had never had a committed relationship.

He was a sexual deviant who was heavily involved in alcohol, drugs, escorts and various polyamorous relationships.

After several back and forth stints with rehabs and shrinks, he was finally making an effort to stay clean. He also informed them he wanted to try out a committed relationship.

"I really would love to marry her" Gerald had informed them. It was the first time he had mentioned any intention to marry.

The information had gladdened the Armstrongs, and it felt like there was still redemption for the man they had previously concluded was a lost cause.

His lifestyle had been a big dent on the family's reputation, not to mention the resources they have had to burn to keep his unsavory escapades from public knowledge.

The public only knew Gerald as a playboy and party animal, unknown to everyone was his drugs and alcohol problems. The Armstrong had come good in cleaning up his mess over the years.