After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 371

His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex–Wife

Chapter 371 Warning Signs

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She bit her lower lip, drew a slow breath, and nervously adjusted the strap of her crossbody bag. After a moment’s hesitation, she glanced back at Brandon.

Brandon pulled out his keys, walked past her, and tossed over his shoulder, “If you’re not worried about falling for me, then just act normal around me.”

Zoe had to admit he had a point.

Her heart was guarded, her life uncomplicated–what did she have to lose by spending time with him?

She followed him down the steps to the garage and slid into the passenger seat of his car as they left Whitmore Manor behind.

The morning sun poured in, warm and gentle, lighting up Zoe’s fair complexion and giving her a soft, almost sweet glow.

Keeping his eyes on the road, Brandon asked in that smooth, deep voice of his, “My sister mentioned you’re quitting your job and moving out of city?”

Zoe gazed out the window and gave a slight nod. “Yeah.”

Brandon let out a quiet breath, his lips pressing together as his expression sobered.

After a pause, he asked, voice low, “Really no one here worth staying for?”

Zoe rested her hand lightly against her forehead. “No one except Iris.”

“Then for Iris‘ sake, could you—”

“No,” Zoe cut him off, firm and immediate. “Iris has her own family now–a husband who adores her, a daughter, relatives, a demanding career. The time she can spare for me is barely enough as it is. I won’t take more of it.”

“Any idea where you’re headed?”

“Anywhere but here.”

“Planning to stay single forever?”

Zoe let out a soft laugh, then grew quiet for a beat. “In an ideal world, yes. But if it gets too lonely… I suppose I could settle down with someone.”

Brandon smiled faintly. “If you’re going to settle, why not settle for me? I’m only two years

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older. You’re in pharmaceutical research, I’m a doctor–we’d have plenty to talk about.”

Zoe turned to study his sharp profile, feeling an unexpected pang in her chest.

Marry Brandon?

She didn’t even let herself entertain the thought.

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Being friends with Iris already felt like stretching her luck. Marriage was out of the question- they came from different worlds.

Life wasn’t a fairy tale. Cinderella and the prince rarely got a happy ending in the real world.

“Dr. Whitmore,” she said, earnest now, “you should find someone else. We wouldn’t be a good match.”

“Why not?”

“In every way that matters.”

“Willing to give it a try?”

“No.” Her reply was gentle but final.

Brandon chuckled, though it came out tinged with bitterness.

Just then, Zoe’s phone rang.

She pulled it out and glanced at him. “Do you mind if I take this?”

Brandon was struck by her asking permission for something so small–it showed just how carefully she held herself around him.

“Go ahead,” he said, softening his tone. “You can relax a little, you know.”

“Thanks.” She answered the call.

It was her mother.

“Hi, Mom…” Zoe kept her voice down.

On the other end, Sally was audibly upset. “Zoe, your brother’s in serious trouble. What are we going to do? He… He needs money to leave the country. Can you help him?”

Zoe went still, then anger flashed through her. “What did he do this time? When is he going to stop? Where is he? I’m coming over.”

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Sally’s voice shook. “He’s hiding at your aunt’s. Come alone, and don’t tell anyone.”

“What law did he break? Why does he have to flee the country?”

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“Just come here first, please.”

“Fine. I’m on my way.” Zoe ended the call.

Brandon had caught most of it. His expression turned grim.

Zoe pointed toward the subway station up ahead. “You can drop me off there.”

He cleared his throat, voice sincere. “I’ve got time. I’ll drive you.”

Zoe didn’t argue. She gave him the address.

Brandon turned the wheel, heading toward the location. With one hand on the wheel, he discreetly pulled out his phone and sent a pin to Julian.

Then he typed one word–Arthur.

Half an hour later, Brandon’s car entered a worn–down suburban neighborhood and came to a stop in front of a modest single–story house with peeling paint.

Zoe stepped out quickly and hurried up to knock on the rusty metal door.

Brandon exited as well, his eyes scanning the quiet street with caution.

The door opened a crack. Sally peered out, relief washing over her face when she saw Zoe- until she noticed the man behind her. Her eyes widened with panic. “I told you to come alone! Why would you bring someone?”

“He’s my best friend’s brother,” Zoe said flatly.

“Iris‘ brother?” Sally’s voice rose. “You brought him here? Are you trying to get your brother caught?”

Zoe pushed the door open, impatient. “What’s going on? Let me inside first.”

“Your brother and his girlfriend tried to kidnap Iris last night,” Sally choked out, her face pale with fear. “The girlfriend’s already in custody. Your brother… he’s on the run.”

Zoe froze, as if someone had hit pause on the world around her.

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