Love's Redemption

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But Bree didn’t believe him and punched him playfully once more. “Don’t try to scare me using Maddie. I don’t believe you.”

“Hello, Bree,” I called out, startling her. She turned around, and her eyes lit up at the sight of me.

But the next moment, she blushed upon realizing that must have seen them being all lovey–dovey.

Bree shook Zack’s hand off and hurried toward me. “Maddie, you’re back! Have you eaten yet? I’ll tell Xena to cook…”

“Actually Bree, I already have,” I lied. Only then did I realize that I hadn’t even considered if Brandon had

eaten.

“Why don’t you ever come home for dinner?” Bree chided softly. She seemed oblivious to Brandon’s presence.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen him, nor was she solely focused on me. This was just her way of expressing her disapproval of Brandon.

However, Bree came from an influential family and wouldn’t allow herself to be rude due to her

upbringing. So, after a pointed half–minute of silence, she finally acknowledged Brandon. “You must be Maddie’s friend.”

I squeezed Brandon’s arm. He readily greeted her, “Hello, Mrs. Gildon. I’m Brandon Howell.”

Bree nodded. “You’re a friend of Maddie’s, so don’t stand on ceremony. Come in.”

Zack rose from his seat as well. I walked over to him and gave him the gift with both hands. “Happy birthday in advance, Zack.” Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Maddie, you’re always so thoughtful.” Zack beamed as he accepted the gift. Then, he turned to look at Brandon.

“Hello, Mr. Gildon,” Brandon greeted him respectfully,

Zack simply nodded. “Have a seat.”

Bree asked Xena to bring some coffee and fruit. As we settled in, she kept a watchful eye on Brandon and me before finally speaking. “Maddie, don’t think you can skip the party by bringing Zack an early gift. Zack and I won’t have it.”

She seemed to be able to read my mind and expose my intentions just like that. I didn’t have any escape

route.

But thankfully, I had a backup plan. I smiled as I replied, “Of course not. Brandon and I will definitely be there.”

Twas telling Bree that if she wanted me at the party, Brandon would be there too.

Bree’s smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. “Sure. There will be many outstanding young men at the party. A wonderful opportunity for you young people to mingle.”

Mingle? Bree was clearly warning Brandon that many wealthy and elite men would be at the party, and Brandon should know his place.

In their eyes, Brandon was nothing more than an ordinary worker despite his obvious talents, a stark contrast to the capitalists. By looking down on Brandon, they were essentially looking down on me as well.

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However, I wasn’t about to help Brandon defend himself. I was curious to see how he would handle the situation–if he could maintain his dignity while deflecting Bree’s disdain.

I looked at Brandon, who was calm and composed. “I look forward to meeting more influential figures in Hilcord. After all, I plan on furthering my career here.”

I laughed inwardly. He could be an annoyance if he wanted to.

A hint of displeasure flickered in Bree’s eyes when she failed to rile him up. Yet, she remained smiling.” Will you be staying in Hilcord in the long run, Brandon?

I felt Brandon’s warmth as he took my hand. He laced his fingers through mine. “Yes. Mae is here, so naturally, I’ll have to stay with her.”

I clearly heard him call me Mae this time. I could see the shock on Zack and Bree’s faces as well, as if he had said something earth–shattering.

Bree said to Brandon directly, “Mr. Howell, what can you offer Maddie if you were to be together?”

Bree sounded just like my mother. I looked at her, but her gaze remained fixed on Brandon as she waited for his response.. ollowing her lead, I also looked at Brandon. Suddenly, I was eager to hear his answer