Redmption 159
But Bree didn’t believe him and punched him yfully once more. “Don’t try to scare me using
Maddie. I don’t believe you.”
“Hello, Bree,” I called out, startling her. She turned around, and her eyes lit up at the sight of me.
But the next moment, she blushed upon realizing that must have seen them being all lovey–dovey.
Bree shook Zack’s hand off and hurried toward me. “Maddie, you’re back! Have you eaten yet? I’ll
tell Xena to cook…”
“Actually Bree, I already have,” I lied. Only then did I realize that I hadn’t even considered if
Brandon had
eaten.
“Why don’t you evere home for dinner?” Bree chided softly. She seemed oblivious to
Brandon’s presence.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen him, nor was she solely focused on me. This was just her way of
expressing her disapproval of Brandon.
However, Bree came from an influential family and wouldn’t allow herself to be rude due to her
upbringing. So, after a pointed half–minute of silence, she finally acknowledged Brandon. “You must
be Maddie’s friend.”
I squeezed Brandon’s arm. He readily greeted her, “Hello, Mrs. Gildon. I’m Brandon Howell.”
Bree nodded. “You’re a friend of Maddie’s, so don’t stand on ceremony. Come in.”
Zack rose from his seat as well. I walked over to him and gave him the gift with both hands. “Happy
birthday in advance, Zack.”
“Maddie, you’re always so thoughtful.” Zack beamed as he epted the gift. Then, he turned to
look at Brandon.
“Hello, Mr. Gildon,” Brandon greeted him respectfully,
Zack simply nodded. “Have a seat.”
Bree asked Xena to bring some coffee and fruit. As we settled in, she kept a watchful eye on
Brandon and me before finally speaking. “Maddie, don’t think you can skip the party by bringing
Zack an early gift. Zack and I won’t have it.”
She seemed to be able to read my mind and expose my intentions just like that. I didn’t have any
escape
route.
But thankfully, I had a backup n. I smiled as I replied, “Of course not. Brandon and I will
definitely be there.”
Twas telling Bree that if she wanted me at the party, Brandon would be there too.
Bree’s smile faltered for a moment before she regained herposure. “Sure. There will be many
outstanding young men at the party. A wonderful opportunity for you young people to mingle.”
Mingle? Bree was clearly warning Brandon that many wealthy and elite men would be at the party,
and Brandon should know his ce.
In their eyes, Brandon was nothing more than an ordinary worker despite his obvious talents, a
stark contrast to the capitalists. By looking down on Brandon, they were essentially looking down on
me as well.
212
However, I wasn’t about to help Brandon defend himself. I was curious to see how he would handle
the situation–if he could maintain his dignity while deflecting Bree’s disdain.
I looked at Brandon, who was calm andposed. “I look forward to meeting more influential
figures in Hilcord. After all, I n on furthering my career here.”
Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.
Iughed inwardly. He could be an annoyance if he wanted to.
A hint of displeasure flickered in Bree’s eyes when she failed to rile him up. Yet, she remained
smiling.” Will you be staying in Hilcord in the long run, Brandon?
I felt Brandon’s warmth as he took my hand. Heced his fingers through mine. “Yes. Mae is here,
so naturally, I’ll have to stay with her.”
I clearly heard him call me Mae this time. I could see the shock on Zack and Bree’s faces as well,
as if he had said something earth–shattering.
Bree said to Brandon directly, “Mr. Howell, what can you offer Maddie if you were to be together?”
Bree sounded just like my mother. I looked at her, but her gaze remained fixed on Brandon as she
waited for his response.. ollowing her lead, I also looked at Brandon. Suddenly, I was eager to hear
his answer