Chapter 88

Naomi had searched everywhere but found no one—not even a mosquito. "Brendan," she said, "if you don't find anyone here today, you owe me an explanation."

Brendan replied, "Naomi, you don't need to be so defensive."

Seeing his unconvinced expression, she continued helping him search. Meanwhile, Jason, waiting at the door, burst into laughter upon hearing Naomi repeatedly call for her "lover." Brendan was no match for Naomi when it came to arguing.

As Brendan searched through drawers and closets, he felt increasingly uneasy each time Naomi called out for her lover. His expression suggested he wouldn't rest until he found someone. However, despite their thorough search, they found nothing, and his anger gradually subsided.

"Where are you hiding, lover?"

Finally losing his patience, Brendan snapped, "Naomi, shut your mouth!"

Naomi smirked. "Brendan, if you have something to say, say it directly. Don't try to deflect. You brought someone else to the banquet, and now you're searching for a lover here? How shameless."

Ignoring her, Brendan walked toward the fourth bedroom. Naomi followed, her heart pounding. She opened the bedroom door, calling out, "Lover, where are you?" She checked under the bed and in the bathroom, finally opening the closet. After a brief search, she closed the door. "Brendan," she said, "just tell me what's on your mind. Don't play games."

They had searched the entire house, finding nothing. Brendan stared at Naomi expressionlessly for a moment, then calmly walked to the edge of the bed. He glanced at the neatly made bed, his gaze finally settling on the foot. Naomi watched attentively, awaiting an explanation.

After a long, silent moment of intense eye contact, Brendan was about to leave when he stopped. He bent down and picked up a short strand of hair from the foot of the bed.

Naomi remained calm. "That's mine," she claimed.

Brendan didn't believe her. He walked to the wardrobe, pulled Naomi aside, and opened the closet.

Ronald stared at Brendan from the top of the wardrobe, stunned, like a statue. Brendan felt a chill run down his spine, as if he'd been doused in ice water. However, relief washed over him when he realized it was Ronald.

No matter how unreliable Naomi might be, she wouldn't be involved with Ronald. Even emboldened, Ronald wouldn't dare do anything with her.

The cousins faced each other. Ronald spoke first. "Brendan," he said.

Brendan, hands in his pockets, replied casually, "Are you coming down on your own, or should I invite you down?"

Ronald hurried to reply, "I'll do it myself." It was better to come down voluntarily.

Moments later, the three returned to the living room. Ronald confessed, "Brendan, I was just being a smart aleck. I was teasing you."

From the other side of the door, Jason exclaimed in disbelief, "Mr. Ronald, weren't you at Hope Elementary School?" He never expected a man to be hiding in Naomi's room.

Ronald continued, "I wasn't feeling well due to the change in environment, so I came back to rest."

Brendan sat on the couch, legs spread, arms resting on his thighs. He looked at Ronald calmly. "What can you do to make me believe you were just joking and nothing happened between you two?"