Chapter 87

I don't know why, but when I heard Elora's last words, I caught a hint of fear in her voice.

What kind of woman could make Elora so willing to endure and still feel afraid?

I thought about the women around Brandon and realized none of them seemed capable of instilling such fear in Elora.

Suddenly, I remembered the woman with the spider lily profile picture who had been flirting with Brandon. Their chat history suggested their relationship was quite unusual. Could it be her?

I decided to ask Simon to look into this woman more closely.

Just then, Simon sent me a video.

I played it in front of the two people with me. In the video, Earl stormed into Brandon's office, slamming his hand on the desk.

"Where's Jason?" Earl demanded angrily.

I was taken aback. What happened to Jason?

Brandon casually looked at his phone, not even raising an eyebrow. "How should I know?"

Earl was furious. "Don't forget, Jason is also your..."

"My what?" Brandon looked up, his gaze cold and piercing. "You want to say my child?"

"I really treated Jason as my heir, but it turns out he's your child with someone else. I've been raising someone else's son all this time, and you have the nerve to say that?"

Earl gritted his teeth. "Don't you have any feelings for him at all? How can you be so heartless?"

"Yes, I am that heartless. Now get out!"

Earl, in a fit of rage, grabbed Brandon by the collar. "Bring Jason out!"

The video cut off abruptly, but it was clear that Brandon probably called security to drag Earl out.

However, when Elora called me earlier, she didn't seem aware of this video. Otherwise, she would have been a wreck.

When did this happen? I couldn't figure it out.

I glanced at Royce and said, "Maybe I should go back. If something happens before the verification, all our plans will be for nothing."

Royce nodded. "I agree. At least if you go back, they won't dare to act too recklessly."

Just then, Brandon called me.

I quickly signaled Asher and Royce to be quiet and answered slowly. "Realized your mistake?"

"Yeah, I know I was wrong, babe. I shouldn't have had any contact with Elora. She's just a shameless tramp!"

I smirked. "Good that you know. Why are you calling?"

"Nothing much, just wanted to ask when you're coming back. I miss you, babe."

I glanced at Royce, who was looking down, hiding any sign of guilt.

I replied coldly, "Why do you care? I'll come back when I want to. You'll know when the time comes."

I knew that with Eugene at home, no one could stop me from returning whenever I decided to.

Brandon was at a loss for words and didn't ask further. He just spewed some nauseating sweet talk, which made me feel sick.

I quickly found an excuse to hang up and let out a long sigh of relief.

After leaving with the two of them, I took Royce's car home.

I stared at the night scenery outside, feeling a heavy weight in my chest.

The car stopped, and Royce patted my hand. "Don't worry, everything will pass."

For some reason, I felt touched at that moment.

Maybe Royce saw that I didn't want to talk, so he just offered a simple word of comfort, but it meant a lot to me.

When I got home, I told Kelly I needed to go back.

Kelly looked at me sharply. "What's going on with you and Brandon?"

"What do you mean? I know about the online rumors!"

I knew I couldn't hide it, so I smiled and explained, "It's nothing. Brandon cheated with a female employee, and I'm dealing with it."

Kelly was furious, slamming the table as she stood up. "He dared to cheat? You need to divorce him immediately!"

I quickly reassured her. "I know, Mom, but this can't be rushed. I plan to make sure Brandon leaves with nothing."

Hearing this, Kelly calmed down.

I didn't tell her about being poisoned. Otherwise, with her personality, she would drag me back to get a divorce right away.

"Mom, I think the three kids and Holly should stay with you. I don't know what will happen when I go back. Is that okay?"

Kelly was delighted. "Of course, they can stay. Having them here makes me happier than having you here."

I knew Kelly was just venting. She was still mad that I hadn't told her directly about coming back.

The next morning, I packed a few things and said goodbye to Holly before leaving.

On the first flight out, I was surprised to find Royce sitting next to me.

I was taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

Royce smiled, his sunglasses hiding his eyes. "Ms. Sharp, don't forget I need to go back too. It just so happens we booked the same flight. Is there a problem?"

His tone was odd, reminding me of his inexplicable anger yesterday.

"Can you tell me why you were angry yesterday?"

He stared at me, making me uncomfortable. "You really don't know?"

I shook my head honestly. Royce scoffed.

"You're really dense, you know that? A blockhead."

I was baffled by the new nickname. "Say it or don't, you petty man!"

I pulled down my sleep mask, not noticing Royce's long gaze after I did.

When the plane landed, I saw Kathy waiting for me outside the airport.

I hugged her, and she noticed Royce behind me, carrying my luggage.

Her eyes widened, and she pointed between us. "You two?"

I grabbed her hand. "Don't overthink it. We were on the same flight, and he was kind enough to help with my luggage."

Kathy pouted. "Why have I never been on the same flight as my ex?"

Royce put my luggage in Kathy's trunk.

Kathy smiled. "Want to join us for a meal?"

Royce shook his head. "No, I have some things to do. You two enjoy. It's on me."