Too Late For Regrets, Mr. Billionaire (Brianna Meyers and Brandon Levy) novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Moving Out

As Brianna Meyers headed upstairs, she spotted Kendra Levy with both hands clutched in front of her, sneaking into the study like a little thief.

Brianna stayed quiet, documents in hand, and followed suit toward the study.

Before she could even cross the threshold, she caught her daughter Kendra’s childish voice, hushed low. “Dad, this is the gift I got for Darcy. Hide it for me, don’t let Mom see.”

With that, Kendra fished a large box out from under her clothes.

At six years old, she was pure innocence, convinced she could fool anyone.

When Brianna walked in, Brandon Levy shot her a quick glance before looking away, the box dangling blatantly from his hand.

Feeling guilty, Kendra cozied up to her dad Brandon, turning on the charm on purpose. “Mom, we’ll bring you something back from Drokvine. What do you want?”

Brianna just smiled, not the least bit fazed. “All I want is for you to have fun, sweetie. Enjoy yourself and mind your dad.”

She stepped closer, tousled Kendra’s hair, then turned and passed the documents to Brandon.

He eyed the cover without a flicker of change in his expression.

It was the usual drill. With Kendra around, no matter how much he loathed her, he’d keep things civil.

Brianna ignored it, grabbing Kendra’s hand and guiding her out of the room. “Did you double-check your luggage? Remember everything I told you? You’ve got to start taking care of yourself.”

Her voice drifted back from the hallway. He thought it sounded off but shrugged it away.

Glancing at the file in his grip, a divorce agreement. A cold sneer curled his lip. He didn’t even crack it open, just jerked a drawer wide and chucked it in.

The drawer was crammed a foot deep with similar agreements she’d dumped on him before.

It was her signature move, one she’d trotted out endlessly over the last seven years.

They’d covered everything from threats to terminate the pregnancy to demands that he forfeit custody and walk away penniless. Brandon had evolved from rage to wry amusement to barely glancing at them now, but she kept it up, tireless as ever.

Each time, before he could put pen to paper, she’d dissolve into sobs, pleading with him, vowing she’d never go through with a divorce.

As she handed over another one as leverage now, it was clear she knew the true reason behind this father-daughter jaunt to Drokvine.

Brandon furrowed his brow. He thought she’d likely kick up a storm before they even left, just to vent.

Irritated by the thought, he strode out of the study. He couldn’t care less if she flipped out, but not in front of Kendra. Kendra was his absolute limit.

Downstairs, Brianna was stuffing a jacket and water bottle into Kendra’s backpack.

Brandon halted a couple of steps back, hands shoved in his pockets, his face a blank slate of indifference. He braced for her to send Kendra off so she could tear into him.

The agreement was delivered; next up would be branding him a scumbag and swearing she’d leave for good.

Spotting him downstairs, Brianna took Kendra’s hand and made for the door.

On the way, she fired off a string of last-minute reminders. Kendra was antsy but bit her lip, knowing departure was imminent.

The assistant hauled the luggage into the car. Brianna helped Kendra climb in and ran through one final checklist.

“Baby, Dad’s going to be tied up, so behave and do what he says. If anything happens, call me right away.” She sealed it with a kiss on her forehead.

Brandon lingered nearby.

Brianna turned to him, her face serene and steady. “The regular meds are in her pink suitcase, labeled clearly, easy to spot.”

Brandon gave a noncommittal grunt.

The pair fell silent.

After an awkward beat, Brianna offered a small smile. “Better get going.”

Brandon blinked, caught off balance. He thought, ‘That is all?’

He didn’t linger on her vibe, though. Relieved by the quiet, he pivoted and slid into the car.

Perhaps it was that instinctive pull a daughter feels toward her mom, but Kendra cranked down the window. “Mom, next study trip, we’ll take you for sure. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, sweetie!” Brianna smiled thinly, head cocked, waving farewell.

The instant the car pulled away, she spun on her heel and went back inside. She had work to do.

Staring at Brianna’s receding back, Brandon felt a flicker of surprise. No blowup, no meltdown, no rage-fueled scene, not even sticking around to watch them go. It was as casual as waving off a casual acquaintance.

She was always either fawning over him desperately or flying into a rage, her eyes filled with raw, unwavering affection. But just moments ago, her stare had been as lifeless as a stagnant pond, remote and utterly detached.

It threw him off.

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