Chapter 231


    Ian''s eyes, which had just been smiling, instantly chilled as he reached for ra''s phone, intending


    to hang up. But then he heard her soft reply. “Sure, I''m free tomorrow. What kind of food does your


    mom fancy? I could help her pick a restaurant.”


    Brodie''s smile was gentle. “Aren’t you worried my mom will actually take a shine to you?”


    “That’s what you want, isn’t it? For her to like me so you can dodge the arranged marriage back


    home? Don’t worry, I’ll make a good impression,” ra said, stirring the spaghetti in the pot.


    Brodie pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling helpless. ra didn''t remember him at all. She was


    no longer the little girl who used to run after him, calling out ''brother.'' She had be a self-


    assured and independent woman.


    He gave a half-smile. “Fine, you choose the restaurant, and I’ll pick you up from your ce.”


    “No need, Mr. Brodie. I can drive myself there.”


    Brodie chuckled lowly. “ra, that formality kind of gives away that you’re a rental.”


    After a few seconds of stunned silence, ra asked, “So, should I just call you Brodie?”


    “Sure. Everyone at home does. It sounds more familiar,” he suggested.


    ra hesitated, then said, “Alright. Don’t worry. I’ll help you out with this mission.” They agreed on


    the time and ce before hanging up.


    ra turned to get two eggs from the fridge and was surprised to find Ian standing at the doorway,


    his eyes full of silent sorrow. “ra, you can’t call him that.”


    “You and he are different. He’s a pretend boyfriend, and you’re not even that, are you?”


    Ian clenched his jaw in frustration. “Brodie is not as simple as you think. I’ve investigated him for so


    long and found nothing. Not even his family background, schools, workces – everything’s a


    nk. Don’t you find that dangerous? His intention to introduce you to his mother is a sham. He’s


    nning to whisk you away, and I won''t allow you to go with him!”


    Ian had used private detectives and still couldn''t uncover Brodie''s details, only that he was a


    criminal psychology expert brought in by the local police.


    Someone so secretive about their background was not to be trifled with. Ian moved closer to ra


    and embraced her. His chin rested on her shoulder, his voice muffled. “ra, I''m injured and afraid I


    can''t protect you if something happens. Please, don''t go. Stay home with me, will you?”


    ra was merciless. “No.”


    “Then take me with you. I promise I won’t interfere with your conversation.”


    ra raised an eyebrow at him. “Who brings their ex to meet their boyfriend’s parents?”


    She cracked the eggs into a bowl and added, “Oh, and you’re not even an ex. At best, a former


    boss, or maybe a former benefactor.”


    Ian felt like his heart was pierced by a thousand arrows. All the harsh words he had once said to


    ra were now being returned with interest. Each time she retorted, it was a fresh wound in his


    heart.


    “ra, I nearly died saving you. Can''t you treat me a little better?”


    ra scoffed, “Trying to y the victim like Heidi? It won’t work with me.”


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    She ced the spaghetti on the table and handed Ian a pair of cutlery. “Eat up. You must be


    starving, right?”


    Ian’s eyes darkened, and he grabbed her wrist firmly, his expression stern. “What do you mean by


    that?”


    “I’m saying you intentionally got hurt saving me, trying to use that to keep me tied to you.”


    Upon hearing this, Ian sat down thoughtfully and took out his phone to call Dawson. “Check the


    backgrounds of the people who went after me three years ago. See if there''s any link to the


    Campbell family.”


    Dawson understood immediately. “Mr. Hayes, do you suspect this was a trap set by Heidi?”


    “It’s not outside the realm of possibility. And get Heidi''s medical reports thoroughly checked.”


    ra''s words had made him think of Heidi. Ever since his eyes had healed, the Campbell family


    had repeatedly sought intermediaries to restore the marriage arrangement. He had coldly refused


    each time.


    Using a life debt as a form of maniption was not beyond Heidi’s capabilities. He had simply failed


    to see her true nature before.


    The next day at noon, ra arrived as nned to meet Brodie and his mother.


    Liana was a refined woman with a gentle demeanor and an air of elegance. She held ra''s hand


    and looked her over, her eyes glistening with tears. “ra, how have you been all these years?”


    ra was a bit taken aback by such a question on their first meeting, but she replied with a polite


    smile. “I’ve been well.”


    “That’s good to hear. Now that Brodie is in Northbridge, you should go to him if you need anything.


    It’s nice to have someone to rely on.”


    “Of course, I will.”


    As they were enjoying their conversation, Ian approached with a stern expression. Spotting ra,


    he feigned surprise, raising his eyebrows. “What a coincidence.”


    ra internally cursed at the unwee intrusion. She nodded politely, knowing better than to


    provoke him in front of others. “Mr. Hayes, indeed it is.”


    She expected Ian to sit at a nearby table, but to her dismay, he took the seat beside Liana.


    Pretending to be the perfect gentleman, he suggested, “Since we’re all here, why don’t we join


    tables? Ma''am, would you mind?”


    Liana looked at him warmly, and at that moment, their gazes locked, both of their pupils dting with


    recognition.