House Divided by Jennifer Peel Read Free Book Online

because if he had died, my
aunt would have thrown a party. I also wasn’t ready to announce I was in town,
and I knew walking into that bank was going to do just that.
    I pulled into the parking lot and checked
my hair and make-up. I added a touch more lipstick, took a deep breath, and
then met Mr. Howard in the lobby. I felt like, instantly, all eyes were on me.
I was an Eaton in Jackson territory. It was a reminder of why I had left and
meant to never come back. With my head held high, but nervous as could be I
walked to the receptionist desk with Mr. Howard.
    “We have an appointment with Mrs. Wells,”
Mr. Howard informed the receptionist.
    The young receptionist asked us to have a
seat. I felt lots of eyes on me, and I knew they weren’t staring at me because
they recognized my face from the back of my books. They were staring because I
was an Eaton, and a long time ago I broke the granddaddy of the rules. It made
my skin crawl.
    After a few moments, the receptionist
walked over to us. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Wells has left for the day, but Mr. Jackson
is expecting you.”
    It was my worst nightmare. My heart began
to beat rapidly. I needed this to be done today so that my aunt would schedule
her procedure, but the thought of being in the presence of that man made me
feel ill. First he broke my aunt’s heart, and then he ripped mine out when he
made Brady break up with me. I had always wondered, though, if that was just an
excuse Brady used, because he took no time falling right into Amber Capshaw’s
arms. But regardless, they hated me.
    Mr. Howard must not have been clued into
the Jackson-Eaton drama because he didn’t consult with me, and he answered for
both of us. “Perfect, lead the way.”
    It wasn’t perfect. It was anything but.
The whole way back I kept reminding myself , I’m not seventeen anymore, I’m successful,
and oh yeah, I have more money than the Queen of England . I wouldn’t let
Mr. Isaac Jackson intimidate me.
    There was only one problem, though. It
wasn’t Mr. Isaac Jackson I was meeting with. It was Mr. Brady Jackson.

Chapter Three
     
    Why didn’t my aunt tell me Brady Jackson
was the Vice President? She surely knew. I froze as we were shown into his
office. He, on the other hand, immediately rose and walked over to greet us.
His eyes were alight as he approached me. Mr. Howard’s hand was stretched out,
in anticipation of shaking Brady’s hand, but Brady paid no attention to him. He
came directly toward me. He looked amazing. His sandy hair had darkened, but
his eyes were just as blue. He didn’t look like a kid anymore; he looked like a
man now, an extremely attractive man.
    “Ellie!” he sounded so happy to see me.
    I wasn’t happy to see him at all. “It’s
Elle, Mr. Jackson.”
    His face dropped, but he recovered
quickly. “Well, Elle, please have a seat.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Jackson.”
    He winked at me. “Maybe you forgot, but
it’s Brady.”
    I would not be falling under the influence
of his country boy charm. I just sat down, along with Mr. Howard, and let him
take it from there. He explained to Brady why we were there and what we needed
to have done. Brady nodded and replied when appropriate, but the whole time he
looked at me and smiled that smile I loved so much. I mean the smile I used to
love so much. I hated it now.
    Brady turned his attention toward Mr.
Howard. “I believe we have all the necessary paperwork in order.” He looked back
over at me with a genuine smile. “We just need your signatures, Ellie, I mean
Elle.”
    Mr. Howard got up. “Perfect. I will leave
you to it then, Ms. Eaton.”
    “You’re leaving?” Panic was definitely
setting in.
    “Yes, I have another appointment. Don’t
worry, I think you’re in good hands with Mr. Jackson.”
    Oh, no no. I am not in good hands. They are
the worst hands possible.
    Brady looked at Mr. Howard. “I’ll take
good care of her.”
    Mr. Howard rubbed his hands together and
smiled. “Excellent.” He