Chapter 46

"Why are you here?" Naomi's surprise was evident.

Brendan responded nonchalantly, "Can't I come over for dinner?"

Naomi sat up and smiled. "You seldom come over anymore. I'm just a little surprised."

Brendan's gaze lingered on Naomi. Despite her smile, a subtle unease caught his attention.

Naomi got up and made her bed. Brendan was engrossed in a book, so she poured herself a glass of water and returned to her work at the desk.

Brendan glanced at Naomi, sensing an underlying tension.

Both continued to focus on their tasks until Christine knocked, prompting them to head downstairs for dinner.

"Brendan, make yourself at home. Please have more food if you wish," Christine warmly insisted. The amiable atmosphere slightly discomfited him. He had barely visited her family since marrying Naomi.

Work-related discussions ensued between Brendan and Dennis. Naomi, who usually participated, displayed unusual disinterest, focusing solely on her phone.

Noticing her strange behavior, Christine asked, "Naomi, why are you looking at your phone during dinner?"

Naomi explained, "I'm reviewing case files."

"Do it after dinner. It's a holiday. Give yourself a break," Christine suggested.

"Alright," Naomi agreed, turning off her phone and returning to her food.

Christine muttered, "You're too absorbed in work. All you do is work."

After Christine's gentle reprimand, Brendan stole a glance at Naomi, but she avoided his eyes. In the past, when Brendan visited, she radiated happiness and teased him constantly. Her indifference today was striking.

Even Christine noticed Naomi's unusual silence, asking, "Naomi, are there any problems at work? If you're unhappy, you can consider returning to the company to assist your dad. At least you won't face any unpleasantness there."

Naomi chuckled. "Mom, don't worry. Work has never been a challenge for me." Despite being a legal rookie, Naomi hadn't lost a case since starting her career.

As she spoke, her gaze met Brendan's. She smiled faintly and said, "Don't be shy. Have some more food."

Chapter 46 (continued)

Around 8:00 pm, the family finished dinner. The couple spent some time downstairs with Dennis and Christine before heading upstairs.

Naomi retrieved a change of clothes from her wardrobe, but noticed Brendan's hesitation. She asked, "Aren't you staying tonight?"

In their two years of marriage, Brendan had never spent the night at her family's house.

Brendan asked emotionlessly, "Am I not welcome?"

Naomi smiled. "Of course you're welcome."

Despite the welcome, her demeanor was distant, and she wasn't teasing him as usual. Typically, she would have made flirtatious remarks, perhaps suggesting a shower together, to tease him.

She continued, "You can use the bathroom here. I'll go to the guest room."