Chapter 69

Brandon grumbled, "Can't you do that in your room?"

"He always reminds me that today's homework needs to be done with the parents. We can't let the kid develop a habit of lying from a young age, right?"

I said seriously.

Brandon was left speechless by my words, but he didn't seem upset. Instead, he kept looking at the invitation over and over.

I glanced at him. "This time, they said you can bring two assistants. Who are you planning to take?"

"I told you there will be a segment where you can talk to Oscar alone, and there might be foreign guests. You need to bring someone good with languages."

Brandon nodded. "I've already prepared. I'm taking Earl and someone from his team, a guy who studied abroad. He's very capable."

I had a hunch that the person with Earl was someone Simon had arranged. So I asked, "What's his name?"

"Francis Vasquez," he replied. I nodded, noting the name down to ask Simon about it later.

That night, Brandon was so happy about the invitation that he had a few drinks and quickly fell asleep.

I remembered what Simon and Asher had told me earlier. I felt that if Brandon was involved, there would definitely be some trace on his phone.

So, I took Brandon's phone and opened the second system.

This system held all of Brandon's secret passwords.

If he had contacted any foreign organizations, it would be through this system.

I opened WhatsApp and searched through it but found nothing.

"Could it be disguised?" I muttered, clicking into a random group.

To my surprise, this group was different. It was called "Car Club," but the people in it were posting strange things.

And the key point was, only a few people were posting while the others seemed to be muted.

It was as if these few people were issuing tasks.

I quickly took a photo and sent it to Simon. "Do you know what this is?"

Simon replied quickly, "Where did you get this?"

I honestly replied, "From Brandon's phone."

"It could be something, but I need to check his phone to be sure. It might take some time, about half an hour."

"Okay, when do you need it?"

Simon said, "Wait a few days, until after he attends that gathering. I need to prepare as well."

After finishing the chat with Simon, I put Brandon's phone back in its place.

Unexpectedly, he suddenly spoke, "Caroline..."

I was startled, breaking out in a cold sweat.

I thought Brandon had caught me looking at his phone and was thinking of how to explain it.

He mumbled again, "Caroline's money, I want..."

The rest was just incoherent mumbling. It turned out he was talking in his sleep.

My face turned cold immediately. I couldn't believe Brandon was dreaming about my money. How despicable.

I lifted his pant leg and kicked hard at the spot where he had a growth on his leg.

Brandon grimaced in pain in his sleep.

"If you dare think about my money, I'll kick you to death."

The next morning, Brandon asked me, "Honey, do you know why my leg hurt so much last night?"

I pretended to be clueless. "Maybe I bumped into you last night? Sorry about that."

Brandon waved it off. "It's okay, just be careful next time and don't touch that leg."

I replied, "Got it."

After breakfast with Brett, I took him to school.

Jason happened to be there too, just entering the school gate.

And nearby, I saw Earl's car flash by, the same one I saw yesterday.

It seemed he was the one who dropped Jason off, and Jason looked visibly happy.

I pulled Brett aside and reminded him, "Don't forget what I told you."

He nodded seriously, "Don't worry, Mom. I'll get it done."

His earnest little face was so adorable.

After dropping Brett off, I went back home.

Since someone was following me, wandering around aimlessly would make Brandon suspicious.

At home, Holly immediately brought me some supplements.

She had been instructed by Kathy and knew a bit about my situation. She felt sorry for me and took extra care of my health.

Under her care, I felt like I had gained some weight. Although my body hadn't fully recovered, I felt more energetic.

A few uneventful days passed, and it was time for Brandon to attend the gathering.

As soon as he left, Paula messaged me, telling me who Brandon really took with him.

It was indeed Earl and Francis, but also someone unexpected-Elora.

I couldn't believe she was going too. It seemed Brandon had some other plans.

I messaged Paula, "Why don't you tell your sister about this? She'd be very interested."

Paula quickly replied, "Got it."

It seemed she understood my hint. A few minutes later, she video-called me.

I answered and saw Paula recording Shirley, who seemed oblivious.

"Sis, who are you waiting for? Mr. Jordan, perhaps?"

Shirley had changed a lot since she stopped being a nanny. She used to wear plain clothes, but now she was in high heels and a little camisole, with heavy makeup on.

I didn't say anything, just watched as Shirley glared at Paula. "What's it to you?"

Paula's voice was lazy, "How is it not my business? After all, I've slept with Mr. Jordan too, and I'm his secretary now. I know his whereabouts best."

Sure enough, Shirley got agitated and looked at Paula eagerly. "Where is he?"

"What's it to you?"

Paula shot back with the same words Shirley had used.

"You..."

Shirley looked furious. "I'm telling you, once you find a place, get out of my house. I don't need you here."

"What do you mean your house? This is the place Mr. Jordan rented for both of us. It's neither your house nor mine."

"Stop talking nonsense. Are you going to tell me or not?"

Paula picked up an apple from the table. "Fine, I'll tell you. Mr. Jordan isn't coming back today. He's gone to a gathering with some people."

"And it's a very important gathering, the one you almost messed up."

Shirley's face turned sour, glaring at Paula.

Paula shrugged innocently. "Glaring at me won't help. Mr. Jordan is indeed not here. He's attending a leader's gathering."

"And he took Elora with him. See how capable Elora is?"

"Why is it that as a mistress, your treatment is so poor?"

I had to admire Paula's sharp tongue. She would probably drive Shirley crazy sooner or later.