Chapter 173: Booking a Room
Skyler planned meticulously, and everything seemed to be going smoothly until Walter discovered the truth.
When Elliott invited Walter to join Grey Matter, Walter was tempted but hesitant due to his lack of confidence.
Elliott inadvertently revealed that he knew about Walter's cancer, which aroused Walter's suspicion.
Had Walter not picked up on this, he might have joined Grey Matter.
However, upon realizing Skyler's involvement and that Elliott's offer wasn't purely based on his talent, Walter decided against joining.
"Walter, regardless of whether he asked, what else could I have done but tell him the truth?" Skyler argued, frustrated by Walter's anger. She had done this for him.
"You could have simply said I was fine," Walter retorted.
"I don't like your tone!" Skyler snapped.
"Nor do I like you discussing my personal matters with people who are no longer part of our lives," Walter replied, agitated.
"What did you two talk about? What did he say?" Skyler pressed.
"He offered me a job, like a fig leaf to preserve my dignity, so I could accept his charity," Walter scoffed.
"That's your goal, isn't it?" Walter accused.
"Walter, I didn't... What did you tell him?" Skyler asked.
"What do you think? I told him I'd think about it, but I'll call tonight to decline," Walter said, taking the car keys from the valet and getting in.
"Walter!" Skyler got in the car, trying to persuade him, but Walter drove in silence.
At dusk, Frank received a call from Gretchen.
Instead of meeting at a café, they booked a hotel room.
Once inside, Gretchen pulled Frank in, and they engaged in a fervent encounter.
Earlier, in the house during the birthday party, they had to be discreet due to the crowd, ending things quickly to avoid drawing attention.
But now, without external interruptions, they indulged freely.
After several hours, they finally rested.
"Feeling good?" Frank asked, holding Gretchen.
"I'm exhausted. You're as vigorous as ever," Gretchen replied, her voice hoarse.
"Elliott isn't satisfying you? You seemed quite pent-up," Frank teased.
"He's not as good as Walter, and it's been years since he touched me," Gretchen admitted.
"Is he having an affair?" Frank wondered.
"No, he's just... inadequate. Even with medication, it doesn't last long," Gretchen explained, resting on Frank's chest.
If not for that, she wouldn't have rekindled things with Frank so easily after decades.
Never underestimate a woman's desire; it's no joke that women reach their peak in their fifties.
While men's vitality declines at fifty, women experience heightened desire.
Gretchen, starved for intimacy, was easily swayed by Frank's experienced touch.
"Given his condition, how are you planning to have kids?" Frank asked.
"He wants to try IVF, but I'm hesitant due to my age," Gretchen said.
"You look young. You saw Skyler's bump, right? You could have one too. Let me help," Frank suggested playfully.
"Stop it, let me rest a bit."
"You're insatiable," Gretchen laughed, playfully hitting Frank after another round.
"Didn't you enjoy it?" Frank chuckled.
Suddenly, Frank's phone rang.
"Hello? Walter? Now? I'll be there," Frank said, answering the call.
"Is Walter okay?" Gretchen asked after Frank hung up.
"Yeah," Frank nodded.
"I heard about his cancer from Skyler. It's hard to believe. Elliott and I want to help," Gretchen said.
"You know his pride won't let him accept help. He'll see it as charity," Frank said, getting up to wash briefly.
"I'll be off. Rest well," Frank said, dressing and kissing Gretchen before leaving.
Frank could have ignored Walter, staying with Gretchen, but he wasn't one to neglect important matters for pleasure.
Frank found Walter, who had already been drinking.
"Why the long face after Elliott's party?" Frank asked, sitting down.
"Do you know what Elliott said to me?" Walter asked.
"Let me guess, he knows about your cancer and wants you at Grey Matter, using company benefits for treatment," Frank speculated.
"Yeah, I called him back and declined. He outright offered to cover my treatment costs," Walter said, downing his drink.
"Fuck!" Walter cursed, smashing his glass.
"Isn't that a good thing? Treatment costs over ninety thousand dollars. It's pocket change for a billionaire," Frank reasoned.
"They dare insult me like this! Do they think I should beg for their charity because I have cancer? Waving their checkbook as if it's a magic wand to forgive their betrayal?" Walter fumed.
(End of Chapter)