Chapter 57

Just then, Jennifer emerged from the kitchen and announced, "Mr. Ludwig, dinner is ready."

Brendan looked at Chloe and said, "Let's eat." Chloe's gaze remained fixed on Naomi.

"Naomi, have you eaten yet? Let's eat together!"

Naomi paused on her way upstairs and looked at Chloe. "Chloe, Brendan bringing you back to Yellowind Bay signifies your importance to him. Instead of plotting against me, focus on winning him over."

Since Brendan hadn't publicly acknowledged their relationship, she could still afford some harsh words. But now that he'd returned with Chloe, clinging to the title of Mrs. Ludwig would weaken her position.

She started to leave, then stopped to remind them, "By the way, ensure you leave sufficient evidence." With that, she went upstairs.

In the living room, Brendan stood with his hands in his pockets, his face grim. Naomi's reaction seemed to hit him hard.

Chloe stole a glance at him. Seeing his silence, she remained quiet.

Half an hour later, Chloe followed Brendan to the master bedroom. She was flustered when he suggested she spend the night.

"Brendan, this isn't a good idea! Do you have misunderstandings with Naomi? If so, you should explain them. Women appreciate sweet words—a little coaxing goes a long way."

Brendan ignored her. He went to the bedside cabinet and found a camera hidden in a flower vase. He then discovered several more cameras in various locations.

Watching Brendan toss the hidden cameras onto the coffee table, Chloe's face paled, and she froze.

Naomi had just finished showering in the guest bedroom when the maid knocked frantically. Naomi admitted her, and the maid hurriedly reported, "Mrs. Ludwig, Mr. Ludwig has found and removed the cameras."

Naomi replied calmly, "I know. You may continue with your duties."

Once the maid left, Naomi opened her computer, and the live feed from the master bedroom appeared on her screen. Brendan was working while Chloe sat at the vanity table. She hadn't dared to lie on the bed or touch Naomi's belongings. Perhaps due to lack of sleep, Chloe briefly drifted off at the vanity table.

Seeing Chloe asleep, Brendan stared blankly for a moment, then stopped working. He grabbed a thin, unused blanket and draped it over her. He then went to the bookshelf, opened a book, and retrieved an old group photograph.

Naomi observed Brendan's every move. When he pulled out the photo, she paused. It was seven or eight years old, if she remembered correctly. Why did he keep it? Whom did it depict?

Watching from a third-person perspective and seeing the photo, Naomi suddenly realized that despite their long marriage, they had never taken wedding photos or even a picture together.

Brendan studied the photo for a long time. Naomi then ended the surveillance feed to rest.

Despite being asleep, Naomi felt uneasy. Even in her dreams, she felt watched and spied upon. A feeling of discomfort and sleep paralysis jolted her awake. She opened her eyes to see a dark figure staring at her from the couch in the darkened room.

(End of Chapter 57)