Chapter 93

Brendan looked up. Everyone's eyes were on him, awaiting his answer. It seemed he wouldn't be leaving unless he agreed.

With his hands in his pockets, Brendan stared at Naomi. After a long gaze, he said expressionlessly, "Of course I do."

Naomi smiled dismissively, as if saying, "I thought you were tougher than that." In reality, he hadn't paid attention to the pressure from Heather, Jackson, and the others. He acted according to his mood, regardless of external pressure.

"Brendan, you said it yourself. We'll all look forward to your celebration banquet next year when you become a father."

"Yes, you're not getting any younger. It's time to settle down."

With each comment, Brendan took his right hand from his pocket and placed it on Naomi's neck. In a calm voice, he said, "Let's go and complete the mission."

Naomi looked up. Brendan, his hand still firmly on her neck, walked with her into the courtyard.

"So, there are times when you're afraid too, Brendan."

Brendan, one hand in his pocket and the other on Naomi's neck, replied, "I was just playing along."

Naomi was speechless. She removed his hand, turned, and shouted toward the house, "Mom…"

Brendan opened the car door before she finished and tossed her inside. The car started immediately. He turned to her, saying, "You've made all of Ashburgh restless."

"Stop it," Naomi replied. "I don't have that much influence."

As Naomi finished, Brendan's phone rang—a work call. While he was on the phone, Naomi browsed her own.

Despite Henry's efforts to remove the previous night's controversial topic from the internet, and Elaine's public apology and clarification, Sabella Group's stock price opened limit-down, signaling substantial losses. As Naomi scrolled through this news, her phone rang. It was her father, Dennis.

"Dad."