Chapter 255

Standing at the gate of the Anderson estate was Brandon. He wore a black turtleneck beneath a camel-colored cashmere coat, hands tucked casually into his pockets. Tall, poised, and exuding a refined British elegance, he radiated charm and composure. Just standing there, he was impossible to ignore.

“Brandon!” Noelle recognized him instantly.

Even though they hadn’t seen each other in nearly a decade, those deep emerald eyes were unforgettable.

Delighted, Noelle ran straight into his arms. “Brandon! Brandon, Brandon, Brandon! You’re finally here! I missed you so much!”

Brandon’s lips curved into a smile as he opened his arms, catching her as she leapt up and wrapped herself around his neck like an excited child.

His arms instinctively wrapped around her slender waist – much slimmer than he’d anticipated. Though he’d seen her physical data countless times, holding her in person made her feel even more delicate – a soft, precious thing.

He gently pulled her back just enough to see her face, brushing a hand against her cheek, his voice tender. “Have you been well here, Noelle?”

“Mm-hmm,” she nodded with a bright smile. “I’ve been so happy. I have a dad and a mom now, a bunch of brothers – and even a future sister-in-law!”

Then, remembering something, she grabbed his hand and turned to introduce someone. “Brandon, look – this is Elsie! She’s a ‘transformer’ from the Serpaton-Mocrta Alliance Lab, but she’s lost her memory now. Totally harmless!”

Brandon let Noelle clasp his hand as his eyes moved to Elsie. His emerald gaze grew thoughtful as he murmured, “So this is their masterpiece…”

Noelle nodded, then waved at Elsie, beaming. “Elsie, this is Brandon Jones – my very best friend!”

Brandon’s eyes flicked quickly back to Noelle. Just a friend? Hm. Clearly, someone needs to be reminded of a few things. But he wasn’t in a rush. There would be plenty of time later.

Elsie, however, didn’t seem as thrilled to see Brandon. She didn’t run up or even smile – just stood there watching him with wary eyes. He had the same aura as her and Noelle… but something about him felt dangerous.

Noticing Elsie’s hesitation, Noelle took a step toward her to check what was wrong – but before she could move far, Brandon caught her hand.

“Brandon!” she looked at him, puzzled.

Still smiling, he leaned down slightly and asked, “Noelle, would you take me to meet your family? I’d love to see the people who share your blood.”

“Huh? Right now?” she hesitated. She’d been planning to head to Nicolas’s place. Brandon tilted his head, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “Oh? Got plans?”

Sensing he wasn’t too fond of Nicolas, Noelle treaded carefully. “Well, I was going to visit Nicolas…”

Brandon kept smiling, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. “Seems I came at the wrong time then.”

Noelle, now somewhat versed in social cues, suddenly felt a chill run up her spine. That smile of his didn’t feel friendly at all. She scrambled to make amends. “No, no – it’s fine! I can see Nicolas later. Since you’re here, I’ll take you to meet my family first.”

“You sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude,” Brandon replied gently.

Noelle shook her head firmly. “Not at all.”

If Brandon got upset, who knows what he might do? And if Nicolas got caught in the crossfire…

Brandon chuckled, clearly satiated. Using his height advantage, he pulled Noelle in close, kissed her cheek, and said with a teasing smile, “I knew it. Noelle always puts me first.”

The sudden kiss startled Noelle. Brandon had kissed her…

Nicolas had warned her about things like this – no physical closeness with other men. And now…

Still caught in thought, Noelle blinked up at him. “Brandon… you kissed me.”

“I did,” Brandon replied without shame, even arching a brow. “Why? Am I not allowed to?”

“Well… it’s just…” Noelle looked down, unsure how to answer. Logic told her she shouldn’t say what came next, but she said it anyway. “Nicolas told me not to get too close to other men… since I’m his fiancée, I should keep a certain distance.”

Brandon’s expression darkened slightly, cutting her off. “You really listen to him, don’t you?”

He fixed her with a sharp, possessive stare, voice low and firm. “But you belong to me. I can do anything I want with you. Letting you stay close to him is already my bottom line. And now he wants to dictate my actions too? Isn’t that getting things backwards, Noelle? What do you think?”

“You’re right,” she said quietly, dropping her head. “I’m sorry, Brandon. Please don’t be mad.”

The way she shrank back made Brandon laugh softly. He crouched slightly to meet her eyes, caressing her cheek with exaggerated gentleness. “Why do you look so scared of me? I’m not angry, Noelle. Don’t be afraid.”

“Really?” she asked nervously.

“Of course,” he said warmly. “You’re the person I cherish most. No matter what mistake you make, I’ll forgive you. Just promise me one thing – don’t ever be afraid of me. That would really break my heart.”

That did the trick. Noelle’s spirit instantly revived. If Brandon wasn’t angry, then everything was fine. No need to worry he’d do something awful.

Brandon watched her brighten again, amused. He reached for her hand. “Come on – let’s go meet your family.”

“Okay!” she smiled. “You’re my best friend – my parents and brothers are going to love you!”

“That’s great. I even brought a few gifts for them. Let’s bring them along.”

“I’ll help,” Noelle offered, reaching for the bags.

Before leaving, she turned to Elsie with an apologetic smile. “Elsie, sorry – looks like I’ll need you to take the suitcase back again.” Elsie shook her head. “It’s okay.”

“Thanks! Let’s go home,” Noelle said.

Elsie nodded and followed them quietly, but her eyes lingered on Brandon. The communication earpiece at her ear began to flash a faint, pulsing blue…