Chapter 323:

Hardly more than a nibble from each, Brandon set his spoon down and gave up. Outside the window, his gaze drifted to the city, where May’s early heat shimmered.

Time slipped by as he remained fixated on the view.

All around him, the silence was deep, making it seem as though someone else ought to fill the chair across from him.

Tucked in the drawer was his grandfather’s note, and sorting through his own emotions felt impossible.

Finishing up with the lunch boxes, Vivian called out, “Brandon,” her voice gentle as she made her way over.

With an expectant look, he turned toward her, waiting for what she might say.

Shifting awkwardly, Vivian hesitated before speaking. “Um, could you… lend me some money?” she asked, clearly uneasy. “The studio’s tight on funds, but I’ll pay you back soon.”

Brandon’s reply came quickly. “How much?”

Almost whispering, Vivian kept her head low. “Five million,” she said, sounding even less sure.

Pulling out his phone, Brandon didn’t hesitate.

A ping from her phone signaled the transfer had gone through.

Vivian’s entire face lit up. “You have no idea how much this means to me!”

No hint of emotion crossed Brandon’s features. His heartbeat remained even, untouched.

Once Vivian slipped out the door, he turned to address Eugene, his ever-present assistant. “Clear everything from my schedule this afternoon and tonight.”

With a simple tilt of his head, Eugene acknowledged the order.

Not long after, Brandon spoke again. “Take tomorrow off my calendar as well.” Eugene’s eyes widened just slightly. The unspoken message was clear. Brandon would be closing the chapter on his marriage first thing tomorrow. A moment of silence passed before Eugene offered a searching look, then answered, “Of course.”

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Brandon wasted no more time. Keys in one hand and jacket in the other, he stepped out into the corridor.

Eugene’s voice carried down the hallway. “Do you mind telling me your destination, Mr. Watson?”

A simple flick of Brandon’s hand served as his only answer.

Nothing more needed to be said. Eugene knew better than to follow. Solitude became Brandon’s companion as he cruised through city streets in his Maybach, directionless.

No plan guided him. Instead, he wandered, untethered, much like a cloud searching for somewhere to settle.

At last, his drive ended. The car rolled to a stop before the gates of a mansion. This had once been the home where Millie’s family built their lives.

Brandon’s own childhood memories lingered, mingling with those of another house.

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