Chapter 83
Daniel had already gotten used to Patricia’s thoughtful companionship, and even relied on her to the point where his initial intentions of a mutually beneficial relationship had evolved into genuine care. So, when he saw Brandon snub Patricia, his face turned stormy in an instant. “What’s with that attitude? Is that any way to treat your mom?”
Brandon spun around, glaring at him. “My mom’s been dead for ages.”
Patricia’s face stiffened.
Then Brandon turned to Patricia and Daniel. “Did you guys hit up Sophia the other day?”
Patricia’s spirit deflated. She had been warned by Brandon not to contact Sophia.
“Just ran into her at school and chit–chatted a bit, Patricia’s voice faded, even sounding a bit shaky.
“Just a chat?” Brandon’s lips curled up slightly, but he quickly composed himself and looked at her calmly, “Mrs. Crawley, I used to call you ‘mom‘ out of respect for your situation, but let’s get one thing straight. Just because you are my stepmother doesn’t mean you get to badmouth or meddle with my people. If there’s a next time, don’t expect me to hold back.”
Patricia’s face turned sour.
Daniel was also furning. “Brandon, what the hell are you blabbering about? Apologize to your mom, now”
“You too, Dad,” Brandon continued, “I hope I don’t have to stop calling you ‘dad after today!
Daniel was livid.
Patricia forced a smile. “Let’s all chill, no hard feelings. It’s my bad, just happened to bump into her that day. I thought it’d be nice to catch up over a meal. I didn’t realize Sophia was so against it.”
Brandon shot her a glance. “Shut it!”
Patricia and Daniel fell silent.
Both had always known Brandon as a self–disciplined and calm individual, always polite and composed. They were taken aback by his blunt and harsh choice of words.
Louis’s family lived next door and, with their door ajar, had overheard the commotion. Curious, Louis opened the door wider.
Louis, having weathered many storms, quickly surmised there was a family spat and tried to play peacemaker with a chuckle. “What’s going on here? Why’s everyone looking so sour?”
Then he turned to Brandon with a warm invitation. “Hey, little Crawley, come on over tonight. Martin has invited Yolanda over for dinner. You should join. It’s been a while since you two caught up.”
Brandon didn’t respond, his gaze passing over Louis’s shoulder to Martin behind him.
Martin stood there, expressionless, yet his eyes were fixed intently on Brandon.
“No need,” Brandon declined Louis’s offer. “Yolanda’s never coming back.”
Everyone’s expression shifted at that.
Daniel snapped, cursing. “What kind of crap are you talking? Who speaks like that?”
Brandon ignored him, walked straight to the elevator, and with an impassive face, watched the varied expressions of those left behind.
The elevator descended to the underground parking lot.
Brandon stepped out, loaded his suitcase into the car, slammed the trunk shut, got in, buckled up, and amoothly shifted gears. As the car passed the elevator entrance, Brandon glanced over at the spot where he
and Sophia had recently run into Darcy and Dennis. Not wanting Darcy to find out he was in Wye City, he had used Sophia as a cover. Though she was puzzled at the time, she had still tiptoed up and wrapped her arms around his neck to help him hide.
Back then, Sophia’s eyes were filled with him, and they were considering whether to keep the baby
But in just a few short days, everything had changed, the past was the past, and nothing was the same.
Brandon withdrew his gaze, his hand deftly steering the wheel, and the car sped away.
The cold aura surrounding him was still palpable when Kent came to pick him up at the West district airport.
Brandon had booked his own ticket, and Kent knew exactly when he’d arrive, so he’d shown up half an hour early.
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As the passengers disembarked, Kent spotted the tall figure with the taut face and an even chillier aura than before he’d left the country.
Kent’s initially cheerful wave turned cautious when he felt the frost coming off Brandon’s face, and his greeting morphed into something as restrained and polite as Brandon’s own demeanor. “Mr. Crawley, this way.”
Brandon glanced at him but remained silent, striding out.
Kent didn’t dare to speak again, silently accompanying Brandon to retrieve his luggage and then to the car. As they started the car, Kent couldn’t help but sneak a peek at Brandon and ask, “Mr. Crawley, should I take you home to rest first?”
“To the office.”
Kent sneaked another look at his phone. It was already midnight.
