Chapter 49

Although Heather didn't explicitly mention it, Naomi knew the phone call was a reminder to return home. Even without the call, she would have gone back anyway; Christine had been urging her to do so for days.

On the other end, Heather felt relieved when Naomi confirmed she would return after dinner. After a few more words, she hung up.

As promised, Naomi drove back to Yellowwind Bay after dinner.

"Mrs. Ludwig, you're back!" Jennifer exclaimed.

"Yeah," Naomi replied.

She changed her shoes and glanced around. The house was empty, despite it being the holidays.

Jennifer said with a sly smile, "Mr. Ludwig has been here the past few days. He came back early today, too."

"Well, that's rare," Naomi replied.

Naomi had been wondering why Heather had called her back. It turned out Brendan was home alone.

After a brief chat with Jennifer downstairs, Naomi went upstairs with little enthusiasm. In the past, she would have eagerly gone upstairs to flirt with Brendan, but today, she had no interest.

Watching Naomi go upstairs without her usual cheerfulness, Jennifer couldn't help but notice her subdued demeanor.

Soon, Naomi walked into the bedroom just as Brendan exited the bathroom after showering. This time, she didn't greet him with her usual cheerful smile. Brendan felt a pang in his heart; he felt upset. They had argued before, but Naomi never held a grudge overnight; they always resumed their normal interactions the next day.

Brendan silently sat back on the bed. Naomi said nothing as she walked to the desk, turned on her computer, and showed no intention of acknowledging him. In the past, Naomi always initiated conversations. Now, with her silent treatment, Brendan found it difficult to swallow his pride and speak first.

As she opened her case files, Naomi's phone rang. It was Maximus.

She answered with a smile. "Hello, Maximus." Her tone and demeanor remained confident and composed.

On the bed, Brendan's eyes flickered at the mention of Maximus. He looked up at Naomi, who seemed oblivious as she walked toward the window.

From the other end, Maximus said, "Naomi, I have a case regarding the wages and project payments of some migrant workers. Can you take it?"

Naomi responded, "Sure! I'm familiar with labor laws." She had a decent understanding of the law, and her skills were relatively solid, though she was most interested in international law.

After she agreed, Maximus said, "Alright. Let me give you a brief overview." He then explained the case and asked his secretary to send the relevant documents. This wasn't directly related to Maximus's work; however, yesterday, some migrant workers had blocked his car as he was leaving the office, claiming unpaid wages and project funds. Maximus had thought of consulting Naomi to see if she could help resolve the issue legally.

After their call ended, Brendan finally spoke, remarking coldly, "Maximus Martin, the mayor, couldn't find a lawyer of his own and specifically chose you to take on a case?"

Did Maximus really need Naomi to intervene? With a phone call from his secretary, the construction site boss would likely settle the wages and payments swiftly.

Naomi chuckled and replied, "Am I not the lawyer closest to him?"

Brendan refused to back down. He put down his book. Before he could speak, Naomi said, "I haven't done anything tonight, Brendan. I didn't even breathe loudly, so don't pick a fight with me."