Chapter 573

This punishment was more severe than any physical punishment Brittany had ever endured. "Mom..." she cried and begged, but her parents' resolute attitude made it clear there was no room for negotiation. Sydney Oakley sighed. She wanted to speak, but seeing her son's face, she fell silent, turning away to weep.

Brandon discarded his carefree demeanor, saying sternly, "It's useless to ask for help now! Weren't you fearless when you provoked him? Why didn't you consider the consequences? Stop pampering her, Mother. We over-pampered her, harming her instead! The Oakley family business will collapse if we don't send her abroad. It will be the end of us!" Sydney paled, saying cautiously, "N-No, it won't! Our family has connections, and I even watched Alexander grow up. Tanny made a mistake in a moment of confusion. She's liked Alex since childhood, and he knows it. This isn't a major mistake. Even if it happened, Tanny was at a disadvantage. How could he—"

"Mom!" Brandon shouted, a nasty headache throbbing. His sister's actions stemmed from their mother's over-indulgent parenting. She never considered consequences. "What are you saying?! Brittany tried to drug him! Do you know how serious that is? Did you consider her reputation if this was publicized? What if the person in her room was a stranger? Considering our family's reputation, who knows what would happen?"

Both women shuddered at Brandon's outburst. Brittany felt a chilling coldness. She'd only been dissatisfied with her failed plan, not considering the broader implications. Brandon's words were a blow to the head. He was right. If it hadn't been Brandon, but a stranger...

A chill ran down her spine. The thought was terrifying.

"Tanny, understand the situation. He let you go twice. It won't happen a third time. If there is, it won't just be you; Mother, Father, I, everyone in the Oakley family will pay. Do you understand?!"

Brittany remained silent, her pale complexion speaking volumes.

"This is your last chance. Go abroad, and it's best if you never return. We can visit. Retire from entertainment, saying you're studying abroad. This will protect your reputation." Brandon's tone softened, seeing her distress. She was his sister; he felt sadness too.

Brittany was silent a moment, then asked, "If so... can I see him before I leave?"

"No!" He refused decisively. Before she could respond, he continued, "Do you think he'll see you after what you did? He's not in Sapphire City. He's likely blocked you. Don't you understand? He never wants to see you again. Give up, Tanny!"

His words were the final blow. Brittany swayed, nearly collapsing. Sydney, seeing her daughter's despair, hugged her.

"Don't say it, Brandon! Tanny, it's fine if he doesn't contact you. There are many good men. It's his loss. Don't waste tears on him. Understand?"

Brittany bit her lip, eyes wide, holding back tears. She let her mother hold her. After a while, she took a deep breath. "If so... I want to meet someone before I leave."