Chapter 110

As an elite caregiver, she had cared for many high-profile individuals and was well aware that the heads of major corporations often had prenuptial agreements to protect their assets in high-stakes marriages.Given that Brandon's wife had no notable background or leverage, the risk of a costly divorce was virtually nonexistent. So, she chose not to bring it up.

··.

Brandon sat in the back seat of the car.He pulled out his phone and called Eugene.

"Mr.Watson," Eugene answered promptly.

"There's something I need you to take care of,"Brandon said, outlining the details.

"Understood, Mr. Watson. I'll begin preparing the materials right away."

After ending the call, Brandon fell silent, lost in thought

"Where to, sir?" the driver asked.

"Just drive around," Brandon said quietly.

He didn't want to go back to the apartment.

Serenity Villa no longer felt like home since Millie had moved out. Without her, it was just an empty house.

Moonlit Estate wasn't an option either. His grandparents still refused to see him.

And Millie's place... was closed off to him now.

Brandon gazed out the window,taking in the glittering city lights. The nightscape was as dazzling as ever,but he felt disconnected from it all.

Despite being at the top of Crobert's social and financial ladder, he suddenly felt like an outsider in his own life.

What was happening to him?

He leaned back in his seat and rubbed his temples, the weight of conflicting emotions pressing down on him.

The driver continued to cruise through the city in silence. Brandon stared absently out the window.

Shop fronts passed by. Bright displays flickered besides crowded sidewalks. It was lively. Then something caught his eye.

"Stop here," Brandon said.

He stepped into a nearby mall. His gaze was drawn to racks of little girls' dresses, colorful stationery,backpacks, and art supplies.

He imagined Ari in one of those dresses-she would look lovely.

He remembered her passion for drawing, the quiet intensity she showed, and the genuine promise in her work.

With proper support, she could become a true artist.

Guided by impulse, Brandon began selecting items.

His presence didn't go unnoticed, but when the staff approached,he simply gestured for them not to make a scene.

He picked out several dresses, art materials, and school supplies, and then paid and had everything packed neatly.

When he returned to the car, the driver looked surprised but said nothing.

"To the Crobert Children's Home," Brandon instructed.

The car pulled away smoothly.

As he held the bags beside him, Brandon felt an unexpected sense of peace.

He wanted to see Ari. To bring her gifts.To make her feel cherished.

Soon, they arrived. Brandon spoke with the director and arranged a short visit in a designated meeting area.

After a brief wait, Ari appeared, slowly making her way toward him with a plush puppy toy clutched in her arms.

She didn't say anything. She simply sat on a nearby chair.

They sat in silence for a while.

Then Brandon spoke up first. "I brought you something."

He placed the bags on the table and showed her one of the dresses.

Ari looked at the dress briefly. "Thank you, sir," she said politely, "but I don't need it."

Unfazed, Brandon gently moved the dress aside and brought out the backpack and art supplies.

"I saw your drawing at the kindergarten last time," he said. "You're really talented." He laid the items out carefully.

Ari looked at him but didn't reach for anything.

"You can give them to other kids here," she said.

Brandon studied her small face, unsure how to respond.

Ari spoke again, softly but clearly. "My mom will buy the things I need. And even if she's busy,Alexia and Charles will help. I'm only staying here because the paperwork isn't finalized yet."

She lifted her plush toy slightly. "Look, Alexia gave this to me. I really like it."

"If you like it, I can buy you more," Brandon offered.

Ari didn't answer. She just held the toy tightly and looked at him.

Then she said, "Sir, don't you understand? I only accept things from my mom and her friends. I don't take things from anyone else."

In that modest children's home,she looked small and delicate, but there was strength in her voice, a quiet resolve that reminded him of Millie.

"Please go back," she said gently. "Don't come Looking for me anymore."

Brandon remained still, his hands clenched beneath the table.

"You must know about my relationship with Millie," he said. "If you call her 'Mom,' then you should call me 'Dad.' There's nothing wrong with accepting these gifts from me. It's what I should do. I'm not sure if your mother told you about me... but as my daughter,there's nothing in Crobert you couldn't have."

He smiled softly. "I can help cure your illness, and support your dreams Just..."

Brandon paused, feeling a fragile vulnerability he'd never experienced before. His eyes reddened slightly,but he kept his composure. "All I ask," he said, "is that you call me 'Dad.'"

Ari looked at him steadily, her expression unreadable.

Then,finally,she asked, "But are you?"

Brandon stiffened slightly. She had seen his eyes, his hesitation. She understood. He wanted to know if Millie had put her up to this.

Ari gently tugged at her toy's ears. "Sir," she said, "my mom is an amazing person. Before you came to me last time, she hadn't said a word about you. You forced her to reveal who you are. She didn't want to upset me, so she only said you were her husband.

Then I asked Alexia, but she wouldn't tell me anything either. It was only after I asked the director for help that I learned more about you."

Her gaze met his, clear and unwavering. "I know there's someone named Vivian in your life. Every time I search your name, she comes up, not my mom. If she's the person you've chosen, then maybe it's best if you stay with her."

Her voice remained calm, but her words struck deep."Just... don't hurt my mom again."