Redmption 81


    “Ms. Crown, you might not know this, but I’ve never been in a rtionship. My reputation is


    spotless, unlike yours. You have an ex–fiancé and that ambiguous head–patting guy. Oh, and


    there’s that brother, Brandon said. He looked at me, speaking slowly and deliberately.


    I wanted to retort. But before I could say anything, he lowered his eyes and continued. “So I’m the


    one who should be afraid. If word gets out that we slept togetherst night, people will think I’m not


    chaste.”


    “Are you saying that I’ve defiled your honor?” I blurted out, angry.


    “Not at all. You were quite well–behavedst night. You didn’t make any improper moves on me.”


    Brandon’s tone made him sound like a victimized maiden wronged by me, the ruffian.


    What a piece of work!


    This man was infuriating, but I couldn’t express this anger. I could only vent my frustration on the


    poppyseed bagel.


    “If Mr. Howell wants to stay honorable, it’s best to stay away from me.” I finally found aeback


    after finishing the bagel.


    “That’s impossible unless we stop working together.” Brandon put down the napkin and stood up.


    I was speechless.


    When I finished breakfast, Kara had finished hers too. She bid farewell to her friend, promising to


    call ahead the next time she visited Hilcord so they could have a proper get–together.


    As soon as her friend got in the car, Kara turned to me. “Maddie, what were you talking about with


    Mr. Howell? He was talking the whole time.”


    I was exasperated. This girl was distracted, with her heart elsewhere. She was having a meal with


    her friend, but her eyes were on us the whole time.


    “Nothing much,” I replied curtly to avoid any further questions from Kara.


    She blinked, unconvinced. I added, “It was about work. We might have to work


    21


    longer hours in the future.”


    “What?” Kara’s smile turned into a frown instantly. “How heartless and inconsiderate Mr. Howell is!


    He doesn’t have an ounce ofpassion.”


    I didn’t say anything and headed to the amusement park with her. But Brandon hadn’t arrived yet.


    When we stopped the car, Brandon arrived on his bicycle.


    “Maddie, does Mr. Howell rent a bicycle every day? I didn’t expect there were still men willing to ride


    this nowadays.” Kara was shocked, and I was surprised


    too.


    I thought he took a cab or used the subway or bus every day. I didn’t expect him to ride a rental


    bike.


    “Mr. Howell, don’t ride this anymore. Come with us from now on. Maddie’s car has enough space,”


    Kara said, taking liberties as if she were in charge.


    I was about to say something when Brandon looked at me. “Alright, that’s kind of you, Ms. Crown.”


    I was speechless.


    He had been getting under my skin all morning, and I was beyond annoyed.


    I directed my frustration at Kara. “Kara, shouldn’t you ask me first before deciding something like


    that?”


    Kara noticed I was unhappy. “Maddie, I’m trying to be efficient and ensure safety. Mr. Howell is new


    around here, and riding a bicycle is dangerous. If something happened, how would we finish the job


    on time?”


    I was lost for words again.


    “Maddie, I promise I’ll ask you first next time.” Kara hugged me, trying to appease me.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Resigned, I tapped her head with my finger. “You’re responsible for all the errands today.”


    “Sure thing, Maddie. I’ve got good stamina for it,” Kara replied, cheerful and resilient like always.


    “Then today, you’ll work with Mr. Howell, and I’ll handle things on the other side


    Chapter


    with Mr. Lachy.” I didn’t want to face Brandon today.


    But as soon as I got to Mr. Lachy’s side, got a call from Kara. “Maddie, we’re


    done here.”


    “What?” I asked, puzzled..


    “Mr. Howell said to take the day off.” Kara’s reply made my temper re.


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