Chapter 45

Naomi chuckled softly. “I understand, Ms. Logan. If any of your friends need a divorce lawyer, feel free to contact me.”

Annie responded enthusiastically, “Absolutely, Ms. Goodwin. With your dedication and professionalism, you’ll be the first person I think of for any future legal matters.”

Expressing her gratitude, Naomi replied, “Thank you in advance, Ms. Logan.”

As their conversation concluded, Naomi retrieved her car keys and noticed Brendan emerging from a watch store across the street. Chloe’s brother, Caleb Yates, was talking with him, while Chloe stood beside them, smiling.

“Brendan, you’re so clever! Even my sister couldn’t solve the math problem this morning.”

“Brendan, can we have pasta for lunch?”

“Brendan…”

Despite the distance, Naomi could discern the nature of their conversation from their expressive faces. Brendan seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

Observing Naomi’s pause, Annie followed her gaze and asked, “Ms. Goodwin, do you know that family across the street?”

Caleb was chatting enthusiastically with Brendan, and Chloe looked blissful. To any onlooker, they seemed like a harmonious family.

With a self-deprecating smile, Naomi replied casually, “They’re just acquaintances.”

That was the extent of her relationship with Brendan.

Shifting her gaze, Annie added, “That man has quite a presence and charisma. The woman beside him doesn’t seem to match him.”

Naomi giggled. “Different strokes for different folks, I guess.”

As Naomi opened her car door, Annie hastily added, “You’ve spent your whole morning with me, Ms. Goodwin. You should hurry home for the holidays! I’ll treat you to a meal whenever you have time.”

“Sure, that sounds like a plan,” Naomi agreed.

After bidding farewell to her client, Naomi drove away. She noticed Brendan helping Chloe and Caleb into their car. In their two years of marriage, he had never opened a car door for her.

A sardonic yet resigned smile played on her lips. She resisted calling Brendan. Instead, she accelerated and sped home.

As she entered the house, Christine noticed Naomi’s solo arrival and expressed her disappointment. “Why isn’t Brendan with you? You both have the day off. Couldn’t you have planned a trip or something?”

Naomi replied casually, “He’s busy.”

“You should still enjoy life even if you’re busy with work!” Christine continued. “Didn’t Brendan defend you last time? Hasn’t your relationship progressed?”

Avoiding the subject of Brendan, Naomi quickly changed the topic. “Mom, what dishes have you prepared today? And where’s Dad? How’s the project he mentioned? Do you want me to take a look?”

Having spent her breaks and internships at her family’s company before graduation, Naomi was well-versed in its affairs.

Christine responded, “Your favorite dishes are all here. For work matters, ask your dad. He’s in the study.”

“Alright,” Naomi agreed and went upstairs.

After a brief conversation in the study, Dennis and Naomi went downstairs to eat.

After lunch, Naomi retired to her room to rest.

Around three in the afternoon, she awoke from a nap to find Brendan, dressed in a dark suit, sitting on the adjacent sofa.

“Are you awake?” he asked.

(The final sentence "Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!" appears to be unrelated and likely an advertisement or artifact from another source.)