Chapter 277:

Millie studied her mother’s impassive features for an extended period before offering a single nod of acknowledgment. “I understand completely.”

And with that crushing simplicity, they severed their brief connection after exchanging only the most essential words.

Before departing the suite, Millie systematically emptied her purse of every available bill and carefully placed her most treasured necklace upon the marble of the entryway table.

Returning to the solitude of the road, Millie resumed her aimless navigation through the city’s darkened arteries.

She had harbored hope that driving without a destination might somehow lift the oppressive weight from her spirit, but the strategy had failed miserably. The night’s restless wind swept fallen leaves across her path, and Millie felt an involuntary shiver course through her body.

Enough wandering for one evening.

The time had arrived to seek the sanctuary of home.

A steaming hot bath followed by restorative sleep would surely make everything appear brighter when tomorrow’s sun rose.

However, as she navigated toward the apartment complex where she currently resided, Brandon’s distinctive Maybach materialized in her peripheral vision, parked with unmistakable intention.

He had successfully located her closely guarded address, despite her deliberate decision never to share this information with him.

She recognized that when Brandon committed himself to discovering something, the outcome became inevitable regardless of the obstacles placed in his path.

Millie forced herself to avoid overthinking this unwelcome development.

She maneuvered her vehicle into an available space and stepped onto the pavement, striding purposefully toward the building’s entrance. However, her progress was immediately interrupted.

“Millie,” Brandon called, his voice filled with urgent intensity as he quickly advanced, positioning himself to block her path.

Millie moved to slip past Brandon, but he blocked her path, holding firm. He caught her wrist, his voice low. “I know Babette provoked you with the Bennett family.”

At the sound of that name, Millie stopped in her tracks, her gaze steady and expectant.

“She’s not joining that department,” Brandon continued, his hair tousled by the restless night wind. “Whenever you’re ready to come back, that position will still be waiting.”

Back?

Millie searched his face for some hint of sincerity, but her heart had long since closed that door.

Returning to Brandon and the Watson Group was the last thing she wanted. She’d had enough—of everything.

Brandon held her gaze, trying to decipher her thoughts, but her expression gave nothing away.

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