Love's Redemption

Redmption 305

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I did tell Brandon that, but what did a personal matter have to do with a business trip?

As if sensing my confusion, Brandon clarified, “I told Mr. Roulder."

"Oh," I said.

I didn't think there was anything odd about this until I had eaten a few mouthfuls of pancakes.

"Wait, when

did you and Mr. Roulder, get so friendly? You're telling me he agreed to let me take time off just because you asked, after which he came and politely me about a business trip?"

Brandon slowly chewed his food and swallowed. "We're not that friendly."

I sputtered. "Could have fooled me. Why do I feel like he owes you a favor or something?"

If I didn't know better, I would think Xander was intimidated by Brandon, for he could never say no to the latter.

"Something like that," Brandon replied. "He needs me to develop new products for the company and fatten up his purse, which

is why he's so eager to please me."

Conceited prick, I thought but did not say aloud. I supposed Brandon's arrogance was warranted, considering

his vital role in the company. It wasn't so much arrogance as it was confidence in his abilities. "Aren't we running a little late, Brandon?" I asked after b

“No. We can always postpone the date of signing," he said, ever the

unreasonably indulgent boyfriend. Even I was baffled by his attitude. "Brandon, how are you so patient with me? You're not even rushing me." "As a ge pulling one of his suave, sweet-talker moves again.

I grew uneasy and quickly packed my things, though I groused, "You could have given me a heads-

up last night, you know. I could have at least gotten my things ready in advance."

"You didn't exactly give me a chance to tell you, remember?"

His words brought the memories of last night skittering through my mind. My face warmed, and to my credit, I kept my mouth shut.

Brandon chuckled as he watched me pack in a flurry, remarking calmly, "Take your time packing. If you leave anything behind, I can always get it for you when we're there."

"Well, if you'd told me that earlier, I would have packed lighter!" I said exasperatedly.

He did not bristle and instead pointed out, "I like seeing you pack."

When I gaped at him, he added with a shrug, "I get to see a heartwarming side of you."

I froze. I knew that intrinsically, men found women the most attractive when they went through the prosaic day-to-day of running a household and that makeup, clothes, and the ability to flirt were just bonuses.

However, Brandon had never let me do any housework before this. I reckoned my bustling around and packing reminded him of his mother. Brandon and I got to the airport in time. It was only after I received my boarding pass that I was certain this business trip was happening, even as it felt like a fever dream,

"Does Ellie know we're going to pick her up?" I asked, thinking about Ellie in her long, teal dress.

"I didn't tell her.'

Ellie's illness came to mind. "Are you worried she might get too worked up and send her system into overdrive?"

Brandon kissed my forehead upon hearing my words. "You seem to know me a little better each day, Mae.

I put my hand on his chest, right over

his heart, like 1 was affirming his statement. He chuckled as I leaned against him, and he wrapped an arm around me while we waited in the boarding hall.

Just as we were cuddling in the waiting area, caught a familiar figure through my peripheral vision It was none other than Chris, and he was dragging his suitcase along. From the looks of it, he was going abroad.

I thought about what Conrad told me. If Chris and Zack had gotten into a heated fight, did his presence at the airport mean he had cut off ties with the Gildon family and decided to go abroad on his own?

"What's wrong?" Brandon asked, sensing my distraction.

I looked away from Chris' figure and shook my head. "Nothing."

Brandon did not believe me. "Do you feel unwell?”

“No,” I insisted just as my phone rang. I put the call through and greeted, "Hello?"

An unfamiliar male voice sounded on the other line. "Hi, is this Ms. Madeline Crown?"