Chapter 380:
No matter how deep into the night it was, this city never truly slept—its lights blazed, restless as her own thoughts.
Finally, the phone shuddered in her hand again. This time, the caller ID flashed Derek’s name.
Millie drew in a steadying breath, squared her shoulders, and answered with a warmth she hoped sounded effortless.
“Derek,” she greeted him softly.
“Millie,” he responded with a heaviness she could feel even through the line. After a long moment, he just breathed—then, with a weary sigh, he finally asked, “What’s really going on between you and Brandon?”
Millie hesitated, at a loss for words. Derek’s voice, sharp with anger, broke the silence.
“I know you’re furious about Brandon and Vivian!” He practically spat Vivian’s name. “Norma’s already decided she’ll handle Vivian herself!”
An older woman’s voice cut in from nearby—firm, unmistakably Norma. “Millie, we gave that fool a chance to fix things on his own, but it’s clear he’s hopeless! I’ll have a word with Vivian myself!”
A knot of emotion twisted in Millie’s chest—part gratitude, part resignation.
But her marriage to Brandon was over, and she had no plans to turn back. Whatever happened between Brandon and Vivian had nothing to do with her anymore, so Norma really didn’t have to get involved. She let out a steady breath.
“There’s really no need.”
“Millie…”
“Brandon still has things he hasn’t told you,” Millie remarked gently, her tone measured. “There are details I really can’t share right now. He’ll fill you in when he’s ready.”
Derek went quiet for a beat, his voice returning, low and searching. “Millie, is there something going on between the two of you?”
Millie lifted her eyes to the scattered city lights, weighing her words. “It’s nothing major—just something he should explain to you himself.”
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Once, Brandon had led her to Derek’s bedside during a health crisis; now, she felt it was only right for Brandon to face Derek on his own.
She let out a faint sigh. “I’m a little tired tonight. I think I’ll turn in.”
Cutting off any chance for more questions, Millie said a quick goodnight and ended the call.
As the screen went dark, she drew a slow, steady breath. Only then did she feel ready for sleep—until a new message flashed across her phone.
Millie unlocked her phone and found a video of a cat doing an energetic backflip.
Following that, a message read, “My cat can do a backflip.”
Millie let out a soft chuckle. “Childish,” she muttered, tossing her phone onto the nightstand and settling into bed, ready for sleep.
Meanwhile, at the Elliott Mansion, Jayceon sat on the carpet, coaxing Myron’s ragdoll cat with treats.
“Show us your acrobatic moves, superstar!” he insisted eagerly. “Let’s see it again—come on, just one more backflip!”
But the cat, thoroughly unimpressed, stretched languidly and sauntered off, leaping straight into Myron’s waiting lap. Myron’s eyes softened as he scratched under the cat’s chin, earning a deep, satisfied purr.
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