Chapter 79

When I stepped outside, the tension in the air was thick, and I didn't notice someone following me.

I turned around to see Francis trailing behind. "Mr. Lawson's waiting for you outside," he said.

I nodded, and Francis quickly walked away. As the Earl's assistant, it wouldn't look good for him to be seen with me.

I left the venue and saw Simon's car discreetly parked in the shadows. I got in, and Simon immediately started the engine. We couldn't afford to be seen by the company people around here.

Once we reached a quiet spot, Simon turned to me. "I just saw your press conference. Elora's no longer trusted by the Jordan family. Now's the perfect time to get rid of the person close to your mom."

I nodded, having already considered this. "But I don't know what excuse to use."

"You mentioned in the lounge that Brandon and Elora were involved. Use that as your reason. Say you need to go back to your mom's place."

"What about the kids?"

Simon replied, "I've already thought of that. The kids are in another car. Someone will drive you all to your mom's place tonight, catching Brandon off guard."

I was impressed by Simon's foresight. He had planned everything, and with Brett on vacation, it was convenient to take the kids back.

I thanked him, and the car drove me to a secluded lakeside where an SUV was waiting. I got in, and Holly was in the back with the kids, while Brett sat in the second row, excited to see me.

"Mom, someone told me we're going to Grandma's house. Is that true?"

I nodded, ruffling Brett's hair. "Yep, we're spending the holiday at Grandma's."

I rolled down the window and saw Simon's car across from us. He flashed his hazards twice, signaling goodbye, and then drove off hurriedly.

I took a deep breath, knowing we had to leave quickly. This might be our only chance.

I told the driver, "Let's go."

He drove us to the airport, where I bought tickets for a flight a few hours later. We spent the night at the airport.

By the time we arrived in Suncrest City, it was noon. Unlike the city I lived in, Suncrest City was still developing, with a charming, old-world feel. The streets were paved with ancient stones, so cars weren't allowed. We had to walk.

My family's house was deep in the old street. Since my dad passed away, Kelly had lived there alone, saying she was used to the old neighbors.

Urban renewal was coming, and the bustling scenes of my childhood were fading away.

Holly and I carried the kids, while Brett held my hand, bouncing with excitement. He had only been here as a child, and after I got sick, he hadn't returned.

"Mom, Grandma's house is so pretty," Brett said, looking around excitedly.

I smiled. "Wait until you see inside. It's even prettier."

We reached the house, and the door was open. Kelly was sitting at a stone table in the yard, reading a newspaper with her glasses on. The sight brought tears to my eyes.

"Mom..." I called out.

Kelly looked up, dazed, as if she couldn't believe her eyes. "Caroline?"

I nodded, smiling through my tears. Kelly rushed over and hugged me tightly. "Caroline, I thought I was dreaming. You're really back?"

I nodded, not mentioning Brandon. "Yeah, the kids are on break, and I'm feeling better, so I came back."

Kelly took Brett's hand, and we all went inside. Eugene came out, looking surprised to see me.

I smiled. "Eugene, right? Could you help us with the luggage?"

Eugene nodded and took our things inside.

My room was just as it had been before I got married. My mom hadn't changed a thing, making it feel like I was back in my carefree youth.

Eugene brought in the luggage and said, "Even though you weren't here, Mrs. Sharp had me clean the room regularly."

Holly came in with the kids, and I said, "Eugene, could you arrange a room for them too? Holly will be taking care of my kids."

Eugene nodded, took the baby from me, and led Holly out.

Left alone with my mom, I had so much to say but didn't know where to start. Kelly's hair had streaks of white, and seeing them made it even harder to speak.

"Caroline, tell me the truth. Why did you come back so suddenly? Did you have a fight with Brandon?"

I shook my head. "Don't worry, Mom. No, I just missed you. And the kids hadn't been here, so I decided to come."

Kelly looked at me. "Then why didn't Brandon come?"

"He's busy with work. I'll have him call you later."

Kelly didn't press further. I didn't want to burden her with the ugly details of my life, so I lied.

After settling in, Eugene started preparing lunch. Holly wanted to help, but I stopped her.

"Holly, you didn't sleep much last night, taking care of the kids. You should rest. I'll call you when lunch is ready."

Holly hesitated. "What about the kids?"

I pointed to Kelly, who was happily playing with them. "My mom can handle three kids on her own. You can relax here."

With my encouragement, Holly reluctantly went to rest.

Soon, Brandon called. "Honey, where are you?"

I didn't know if Eugene had told him or if he had just come home to find me gone.

"I'm at my mom's."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Brandon sounded annoyed.

I laughed coldly. "You don't know why I left? I haven't even confronted you about Elora, and you're already questioning me?"

"Just because I'm not making a fuss doesn't mean I'm not angry."

Brandon fell silent, guilt evident in his voice.