Chapter 99: You'll Just Have to Endure Tonight

"You think I can't afford to support your family?" Arthur's voice was low, smooth, carrying that dangerous calm I'd come to know too well. His brown eyes pinned me as he leaned closer, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. "It's not about that. You don't need to give them money," I said carefully, forcing myself to hold his gaze. "They already misunderstand what's going on between us. If you keep giving them money, they'll just expect more. And my brother… the more you give him, the worse he'll get." Arthur's brow furrowed slightly, his expression unreadable as he studied me like he was peeling back layers. My pulse thudded in my ears. What was he thinking? Finally, that smile curved again. "Serena Cole, are you trying to save me money? Any other woman would be begging me to give them more. You… you're something else." His words hit harder than I expected. Was that what all the other women in his life had done? Asked for more, taken more? The question burned in my throat, but I swallowed