Chapter 96

"And then there's Ronald and Mason," Naomi said. "Neither of them persuaded me to divorce you. But you still sent Ronald to the mountains to build Hope Elementary School. During the past two years, you've never once come home with a good attitude."

There were too many things, big and small, for Naomi to keep track of. She was too lazy to list them all. Besides, she wasn't one to hold grudges or dwell on the past. She preferred to move forward. It was Brendan who constantly found fault and created conflict.

She had been in a good mood when she returned home and tried to have a pleasant conversation, but his bad attitude provoked her. He even threatened her family. Her patience had limits, and she wouldn't tolerate such behavior.

Just as Brendan was about to speak, Naomi continued, "There's also that morning at the old Ludwig mansion. You agreed in front of everyone, but later claimed it was an act to appease me. Do you think I have no dignity or self-respect, Brendan?"

Naomi's emotions had calmed, and she was regaining her composure. "Brendan," she added, "my patience isn't endless. I won't always indulge you. So don't take those fortune-tellers' words so seriously. I haven't been with anyone else, so how can you be so sure I can't live without you?"

Naomi stopped short of saying the word "divorce." Her rationality stemmed not only from the fortune-teller's words but also from their shared history. Her mother often told her that Brendan was the first person she saw after birth. She had cherished their relationship for many years.

Naomi's words profoundly impacted Brendan. Knowing her for 23 years, he understood her well. She didn't usually engage in conflict or arguments. If truly unhappy, she would act decisively. This was the second time in months she'd argued with him about moral issues, both related to Maximus, and he was concerned.

As they locked eyes, tension grew, but their standoff was interrupted by a call from Mason. Naomi answered on speakerphone without hiding anything. "What's up, Mason?"

Her voice remained confident and lively. Mason sounded pitiful. "Naomi, please help me. I escaped the Hope Elementary School project, but Brendan found out. I heard Ronald's suffering. Naomi, you have to save me!"

Naomi gave Brendan a cold look. "Go on."

"Naomi, just temporarily deceive Brendan into thinking you're considering divorce. You don't actually have to divorce him. Just buy me time. After all, he's always wanted to divorce you."

Mason's request brought a self-deprecating smile to Naomi's lips. Her marriage was a bargaining chip for others—quite ridiculous. After laughing, she said, "Okay, forget temporarily deceiving him; actually divorce him."

On the other end, Mason was deeply moved, close to tears. "Naomi, I'm so touched! I love you so much. After this, I'll thank you properly. If you really divorce Brendan, I'll introduce you to a good man. I guarantee he'll be more faithful—he'll never stray and leave you alone."

Every word mocked Naomi's marriage. She smiled nonchalantly. "Okay, then I'll wait for you to introduce me to a good man."

Brendan's face was unreadable. Their marriage, in the eyes of others, seemed ruined. Hearing Mason's gratitude, Brendan hung up the call.

Seeing his reaction, Naomi calmly said, "You heard it. Handle the divorce proceedings whenever you have time."

Naomi's sarcastic tone made Brendan's expression contort. "You'd let outsiders decide your marriage and divorce?"

Naomi replied eerily, "If it benefits everyone, it doesn't matter who decides."

"Benefits everyone? You or me?" Brendan questioned, pinching her chin. He leaned down and kissed her.

The scent of cigarette smoke mingled with Brendan's cologne. Naomi frowned unconsciously. Was he addicted to this tactic—kissing her after losing an argument? He probably thought he had it all figured out.

Naomi kept her eyes open, disdain on her face, pushing him away with her foot. But Brendan's kiss intensified.

Naomi's earlier grievances had touched Brendan. He thought she didn't care, but she did. Her concerns added authenticity to their relationship. But he needed to teach Ronald and Mason a lesson. When did he tell them to convince her to divorce him? They were mischievous scoundrels.

Naomi could barely breathe. She blushed, pushing him away. "Have you no shame left?"

Chapter 56 (Note: This chapter appears to be out of order. It should come after Chapter 96 based on the narrative.)

Brendan retorted, "Shamelessness is something we both share. Don't look down on me."

Naomi rolled her eyes. Then, she asked, "Brendan, you're not going to tell me you're starting to have feelings for me and can't bear the thought of us separating, are you?"

Although unpleasant, Mason's call had eased the tension. Naomi's bright gaze made Brendan restless.