Chapter 197:

Defeated, he let the silence grow.

Brows knitted in frustration, he finally pulled himself upright, unwilling to add to her misery.

His eyes lingered on her, rumpled and broken on the sheets. Heat still pulsed beneath his skin, but with effort, he drew his hands away, forcing himself to turn from her.

A muscle worked in his jaw as he pressed his eyes shut, wrestling his own desire into submission.

Pale moonlight spilled across the floor, illuminating every quiet detail in the room. He listened as her sobs slowly faded, powerless to comfort either her or himself.

A movement caught his attention—Millie straightened, gathering herself.

She quickly buttoned up her shirt, swiped the tears from her cheeks, and pulled her pants into place. Several buttons had vanished—torn away by his impatience, now nowhere to be found.

“I’ll get you a new shirt,” Brandon said quietly, his gaze settling on her. Her lips were flushed and swollen, still bearing traces of where his mouth had lingered. Desire, only moments ago pushed aside, now threatened to break loose again. Fingers curled into tight fists as he fought for control.

Refusing to look at him, she slid off the bed, her eyes fixed on the floor. He saw her intent clear as day—she was determined to leave.

“Do you really have to go?” Brandon asked, his voice tight, working to keep his temper in check.

Without a word, Millie rose, though her legs were unsteady beneath her. Irritated, Brandon reached for her, pulling her back down to the mattress. “Grandma expects us to remain here tonight,” he said, his tone edged with warning.

Millie’s reply came out cold. “I have no intention of staying. Try to force me, Brandon, and you’ll only earn my hatred.”

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Frustration churned inside him, his jaw tight and his body tense with restraint. She started to rise once more, and Brandon was ready to snap, but the sudden buzz of his phone cut him off. Vivian’s name flashed across the screen.

A faint crease appeared on Brandon’s brow. He paused, debating, but finally accepted the call.

Vivian’s voice came through, strained and uncertain. “Brandon, I heard you went back to Moonlit Estate tonight—with Millie. Is that true?”

“Yes,” he answered, his voice flat.

With news of his return spreading through the family, it was no wonder Vivian had somehow caught wind of it.

“Are you with her right now?” Vivian asked, her words trembling, barely holding back tears. “Are you… spending the night there together?”

Brandon found himself without a ready answer. They were meant to share the night under the same roof, but Millie had refused. That was a detail Vivian didn’t need to hear.

His silence stretched between them, and Vivian’s quiet sniffles gave way to soft sobbing.

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