Chapter 78

After Ian finished speaking, someone nearby asked, "Mr. Obel, has your son reached the legal age?"

Ian chuckled. "He just turned eighteen two months ago. He gave Naomi a car as a gift, and that's how he became acquainted with her."

After Naomi handled the case, Brian started clinging to her. He and a group of boys constantly hung around her office, even calling her "Mrs. Obel." Naomi had a daily escort of bodyguards, which was a headache.

Eventually, she dealt with the boys, and Ian's stern admonishments quieted Brian for a while. However, he promised to return.

Brendan remained expressionless, but upon hearing about a newly adult boy pursuing Naomi, he raised his gaze and looked at her. First, Maximus, and now even teenagers were fair game. She had quite the knack for attracting them.

Naomi felt Brendan's gaze but ignored it, only turning her attention to him when Ian introduced them.

"Naomi, this is Mr. Ludwig, the CEO of Ludwig Corporation."

"Mr. Ludwig," Naomi greeted, extending her hand.

Seeing Naomi act as if she didn't know him, Brendan unexpectedly held her hand tightly when she tried to withdraw it.

Naomi lifted her head, and Brendan offered a half-smile, saying, "Ms. Goodwin."

Naomi stared at him and replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ludwig. My expertise lies in divorce cases, so if you ever need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me."

Brendan tightened his grip. "I will."

Naomi sharply inhaled and used her fingernails to pinch the back of his hand, maintaining eye contact. Their standoff puzzled those nearby.

Ian glanced between them, asking, "Do you two know each other?"

They simultaneously released each other's hands. Naomi spoke first: "No, we don't."

Naomi's right hand was red, and nail marks marred Brendan's hand. His expression had darkened considerably.

They didn't know each other? He had known her since birth.

With a dark expression, Brendan stuffed his hands in his pockets. He had lost count of how many times he'd denied knowing Naomi in public.

Ian laughed. "Well, you know each other now. You're all young; plenty of room for future interactions."

Naomi smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Obel, for the introduction."

After exchanging pleasantries with Ian, Naomi excused herself. She bumped into Brendan just after leaving the restroom.

She wiped her hands with tissues and greeted him nonchalantly, "Mr. Ludwig."

It had been over ten days since they last met. Brendan disliked acknowledging their connection in public, so Naomi addressed him formally.

Brendan frowned, blocking her path. Looking down, he asked, "Why are you acting like you don't know me?"