Love's Redemption

Redmption 299



I said frankly, "Chris is an adult now, Conrad. He's responsible for his own choices."

If Zack threw Chris out of the house or disowned him, was because of the latter's own doing.

Conrad countered, "I know, but I can't stand seeing the wedge driven between him and Dad. Besides, if her left the company, the business would suffe

My lips tightened. "Not entirely. You're still around to hold the fort."

Surprise flickered in his eyes. "Maddie, I never wanted to run the company. I wouldn't have left if I did."

His desire, or the lack thereof, to run the company was a secret only he knew. However, I did not remark

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After a beat, I said, "I'm sure your father has plans for the company. He wouldn't have kicked Zack out so readily if he didn't think the company could s

I even threw in a kerel of wisdom. "The world moves on no matter what."

Conrad was stunned at first, and he sputtered bitterly, "I suppose I haven't thought of things on such a grand scale."

"You were probably at your wits end," I allowed in solace, hoping he would take the cue to drop the

matter.

He fixed me with an assessing stare. "You're different from four years ago, Maddie."

Four years ago?

He had to be joking. Even a child would have outgrown his juvenile traits in four years. I smiled and said wryly, "I suppose this is what they call 'growin

He sighed and gave me an unreadable look. "Yes. Our Little Maddie is all grown up now."

The old nickname made my heart

wrench. After moved in with the Gildons following my parents' death, Conrad and Chris took to calling me

ase

'Little Maddie. They meant to me, but I could sense their affection behind it.

It had been so long since either of them had called me by that nickname.

"Leave this to them to sort out,

Conrad," advised gently, my tone et

softening after hearing the

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nickname slip past his lips. "It won't do you any good to interfere.

Conrad nodded grimly. "I know."

He then appraised my face and asked, "Are you sure you're alright? You can tell me if you need anything. I'll always be your big brother. I-"

He was cut off when the door swung open, revealing Brandon on the other side. He was bringing in the takeout and didn't seem surprised to see Conrad. He even offered the datter a nod of greeting.

Conrad rose to his feet. "Haven't you eaten, Maddie?"

I was about to answer when Brandon did so on my behalf. "She's about to eat." He was as good as chasing Conrad out of the room. Brandon was a man of few words, and he already looked stoic to begin with. When he spoke, he did not mince words, either.

"In that case, I'll leave you to your dinner, Maddie. See you around, Conrad said.

I didn't ask him to stay. It would make for an awkward situation now that Brandon was here, too. "Be careful on your way home, Conrad."

He nodded as his gaze flickered, and when he walked past Brandon to the door, he gave the latter a pointed look.

No sooner had Conrad left did Brandon ask, "Will you be having dinner in bed or at the table?"

My limbs were working just fine, so I had no excuse to eat in bed. I made to get out from under the covers. as I answered, "At the table, I guess." Brandon reached me before I could get out of bed and scooped me into his arms instead. I pushed him away to no avail. “I can walk on my own." "What if I said I wanted to carry you?" he countered, his words making blood rush to my cheeks.

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Howell, there's something I-” At that moment, the door opened. Conrad had returned.