Chapter 14 - Graham Visits Lauren To Cut Ties With Toxic Chase
The following afternoon, my office door chimed softly before opening to reveal retired Colonel Graham standing in the hallway.
He wore a clean tweed jacket, looking older and deeply exhausted by the family explosion over Thanksgiving.
“May I come in, Commander?” Graham asked quietly, using my military title with genuine, hard-earned respect.
“Have a seat, Graham. What brings you out to the naval air station?” I asked, gesturing to the chair opposite my desk.
“I came here to deliver two things, Lauren,” Graham said, placing a heavy manila folder on my desk blotter.
“First, an official family apology that should have been spoken by my foolish son Evan weeks ago.”
“And second?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Second, I legally disinherited Chase this morning and cut him off from all family financial support,” Graham stated flatly.
I looked up in surprise, studying the tired old Marine’s eyes for any sign of hesitation or regret.
“He threatened your career, Lauren. A man who targets a service member is no longer welcome in my bloodline,” Graham declared.
May you like
“Thank you, Graham. That means more to me than you realize,” I answered with a genuine, softening smile.
***
Related Stories
