Chapter 63

After dinner, I pulled Kelly into my room for a chat.

"So, who's that guy following you around?" I asked.

Kelly smiled, the gentle wrinkles at the corners of her eyes deepening. "Brandon hired a butler for me. He said it wasn't safe for me to live alone, so he got that man. His name is Eugene Bailey."

I nodded, making a mental note of the name. I'd have Simon look into it when he had the chance.

Hearing her say she lived alone made my heart ache.

I wished I could always be there for Kelly, even bring her to live with me, but I couldn't.

I was barely able to protect myself. What if I couldn't protect Kelly? Maybe staying at home was the best option for her right now.

While Kelly and I were chatting, Brandon kept coming in, bringing tea and trying to be helpful.

Kelly seemed pleased with Brandon's behavior, holding my hand and telling me to cherish our life together.

I wanted to tell Kelly that Brandon was just putting on an act, that he was a jerk at heart.

But I couldn't say it.

Brandon, hearing Kelly's words, immediately put on a show, kneeling on the floor and pledging his loyalty.

"Mom, don't worry. I'll treat Caroline well for the rest of my life. I'll always cherish her."

Kelly was moved to tears, while I could only roll my eyes.

In the afternoon, Brett came back from his tutoring session and saw Kelly sitting on the couch. He seemed a bit confused.

His small hands fidgeted, and his round eyes curiously observed the person on the couch.

The sight broke my heart.

If it weren't for Brandon, my child wouldn't be in a situation where he barely recognized Kelly.

I blinked back tears, nudging Brett forward. "Do you recognize her? Who is this?"

Brett looked for a long time before softly saying, "It's Grandma."

Kelly's eyes filled with tears, and she rushed to hug Brett, her face beaming with joy. "I knew Brett wouldn't forget me. I've been thinking about you every day this past year."

"Look at the toys I bought for you."

Brett, being a child, was quickly won over by the toys and happily started playing.

I stood by, watching this long-missed scene, feeling a deep sense of happiness.

It had been a long time since I felt this way.

The only thing that disgusted me was Brandon standing beside me, watching the scene.

I looked at his face, seeing the fake gentle mask he wore while watching them play, but his eyes were cold.

I didn't know what he was thinking. Was he moved by this scene?

That evening, after dinner, I wanted Kelly to stay the night. But Eugene, who had been silent, suddenly stepped forward and said something to Kelly.

Kelly's smile froze, and she sighed helplessly.

"Caroline, I can't stay. I have to go back tonight. I have things to do tomorrow."

I frowned at Eugene, who remained expressionless.

I worried that Eugene had threatened Kelly, but her expression didn't show any signs of being threatened.

At that moment, I saw Eugene and Brandon exchange a look, sharing some unspoken emotion.

I realized that Brandon didn't want Kelly to stay, so he found an excuse for her to leave.

I was filled with overwhelming hatred.

I had to make Brandon return everything he took from me and get him out of my life for good.

But for now, I had no choice but to painfully see Kelly off.

On the way to the car, Brandon accompanied me as I walked Kelly out. Before getting in the car, she said, "Brandon, wait here. I want to talk to Caroline alone."

It was a normal request, and Brandon had no right to refuse. He could only watch as I got into the car.

In the back seat, Kelly held my hand and glanced at Brandon outside.

"Caroline, I don't know how Brandon treats you. Only you know your marriage. But I advise you to be careful. Don't give everything away foolishly. The money from the urban renewal of this house is yours. Don't think about using it to support the family. Keep it for yourself."

I was stunned, looking at Kelly with confusion. "Mom, weren't you just..."

The contrast was too stark.

My mom shook her head. "This is a significant amount of money. It can make people lose their minds. Even if Brandon loved you before, can you be sure he's good to you now not because of this money?"

"So listen to me, be careful."

I nodded and said goodbye to Kelly.

As I got out of the car, Eugene got in and drove away without hesitation.

I watched Kelly's eyes looking back at me from the car, and I finally broke down, squatting on the ground and crying.

Brandon came over to help me up. "It's okay, Caroline. I know you miss Mom, but you can see her again after you get better."

He said, trying to pull me up. I angrily pushed his hand away. "Don't touch me!"

Brandon was stunned, standing there with a deep look in his eyes, not knowing what to think.

I quickly realized I had lost control of my emotions. I wiped my tears, holding back my pain, and apologized to Brandon.

"I'm sorry, Brandon. I just couldn't hold it in. I feel like it will be a long time before I see my mom again."

"So I lost control of my emotions."

Brandon nodded, understanding. "It's okay. I understand. It's not a big deal."

"We're husband and wife. There's no need to apologize. You can take out your frustrations on me."

He gently wiped my tears. "Caroline, once our overseas market stabilizes, we can bring Mom to live with us. Don't be sad now."

I nodded, not saying anything, and followed Brandon out of the garage.

Suddenly, he asked, "Caroline, what did you and Mom talk about in the car? I saw her looking at me."

I smiled. "Of course, she told me to cherish our life together, to control my temper, and not always make you give in to me."

Maybe living with Brandon for so long had made me a good liar.

Brandon nodded, clearly believing me.

He gently said, "It's okay, Caroline. I like your temper."