Brian knew that once Judy went abroad, she’d definitely be with that man. To him, how was that any different from cheating?

Judy suddenly let out a light laugh. “It’s fine. Since you’ve said all that, I won’t be so ungrateful. Let me go. I’ve got things to do.”

Brian was thrown off by her reaction, caught completely off guard. He blinked in confusion. “Why should I let you go?”

“Because I’m not leaving anymore.” Judy rolled her eyes at him, hinting he should use some common sense.

“Didn’t you just say that yourself?” Brian glanced at her, then looked around; something still felt off. “When you say you’re not leaving… that’s just a verbal promise?”

Judy rolled her eyes again. “Of course not. Anyone can make empty promises. I’ll message him right now and tell him I’m not going abroad.”

Brian hesitated but eventually loosened his grip, the doubt in his eyes nearly spilling over. “Are you really telling the truth?”

“Of course. There’s no reason to lie to you. It’s not worth it.”

What Judy really wanted was to grab her phone and text Kenneth for help. Brian was out of his mind–she couldn’t control him at all. And who knew what he might do next? Dealing with him alone in this room was far too dangerous. Judy understood that clearly now.

Brian still didn’t fully trust her, but he had no other choice at this point. The alternative was letting her leave for her overseas plans. But if he just kept her here by force, what would happen to the studio? She wouldn’t be able to bring in any money.

Chapter 998 +15 BONUS

Clearly, Brian wanted to have it both ways, and he still had just enough brains to realize it.

Judy cautiously picked up her phone, testing the waters, and sure enough, Brian was watching her like a hawk. She quickly sent a brief SOS to Kenneth, then began composing a message.

In the message, she wrote that she wanted to stay and develop her career in the country, that she couldn’t bear to leave home, especially this office. She had built it from the ground up, and it held so many memories for her. So, the plan to expand overseas, she’d decided to give that up.

Brian hovered beside her the entire time, eyes glued to her phone. Though something about it felt off, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. In the end, he gave a slight nod, signaling she could send it.

Judy breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Knowing Kenneth, he would pick up on it and rush back to rescue her. It was just a matter of time now. She just had to stall Brian long enough.

Right after she hit send, Brian snatched the phone out of her hand, ready to power it off. Judy saw what he was doing and quickly stopped him. “If you switch off my phone now and Kenneth calls, he’ll definitely get suspicious and think something’s happened to me. My advice? Leave it here and don’t make any sudden moves.”

Brian thought it over and realized she had a point. Because Judy was speaking calmly and siding with him, he actually trusted her a bit more now.

“So… you really do want to stay?”

Judy nodded. “Of course. Just like I said in the message–this is where I grew up. How could I bear to leave a place like this?”

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