Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Caroline had spent a good half a month in the hospital. Her swelling condition and complications were finally under control. She finally got to go home.
After settling Caroline, Brianna finally went back to work. As she hadn’t been back at the office for more than a month, she had plenty of things to handle.
She was swamped, barely keeping her head above water. Just then, her phone rang. It was Kendra.
She glanced at the time; it was already past 7:00 p.m. Brianna rubbed her stiff neck and answered the call. On the other end, Kendra was practically sobbing. “Mom, can you come pick me up? Please, hurry,” Kendra pleaded.
Brianna felt a jolt of worry and quickly asked, “Kendra, what’s wrong with you? Where are you now?” she asked with concern.
Kendra was falling apart, quietly sobbing as she spoke. “I’m at Grandma’s place. She’s gone out to a party, and only Aunt Margo is at home. I really don’t want to stay with her. Can you please come pick me up, Mom? Hurry, okay?”
There was no way Brianna could ignore her daughter’s cries. She grabbed her keys and rushed downstairs, driving straight to Gabrielle’s place.
The nanny opened the door, and Brianna asked anxiously, “Where’s Kendra?”
When Kendra heard her mom’s voice, she rushed out of her room and hugged Brianna tightly, burying her face against her mom’s stomach. Brianna gently patted Kendra’s head, murmuring, “There, there, it’s okay. No more tears.”
She took Kendra’s hand and walked into the living room. The huge living room was eerily quiet, and the moment Brianna stepped in, the tension was palpable. There were several aunts and kids in the house, but not a single sound could be heard.
An oppressive silence hung in the air. Brianna felt a wave of confusion. ‘When did Gabrielle’s house start feeling so heavy?‘ she wondered.
On the couch, someone sat with her back facing Brianna and Kendra. Her hair was a mess, still in her pajamas, looking like she hadn’t bothered to get dressed all day. Judging by the silhouette, it seemed to be Margo.
As they got closer, Kendra clung tightly to Brianna’s hand, clearly not wanting to get any closer. “Mom, let’s go now,” Kendra whispered, her voice trembling.
Brianna ignored Kendra’s request. She strode right over and stopped in front of Margo. Margo looked utterly exhausted, her gaze distant and weary.
She held a glass of wine, giving Brianna a sarcastic, angry look. Brianna was shocked. Ever since she became part of the Levy family, Margo had always come across as a sharp, capable woman. Brianna had never seen her this down and out.
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Without thinking, Brianna blurted out, “Margo, what’s wrong with you?”
Margo just snapped back with sarcasm, “Did Brandon send you here just to watch me fall apart?”
Brianna frowned, thinking about explaining herself, but realized there was no point. “I’m just here to pick up Kendra. When Gabrielle’s back, let her know, okay?” she said.
Margo glared at them, her face tight with barely concealed anger. “It’s none of my business. Why should I tell her?” she snapped.
Seeing Margo acting this way, Brianna realized she was spoiling for an argument. Brianna decided not to waste her breath, grabbed Kendra’s hand, and headed for the door.
They had barely taken a few steps when Brianna caught sight of Justin out in the yard through the massive living room windows.
Justin looked over at Brianna, worry written all over his face. He seemed totally weighed down, as if he had a lot of things on his mind.
Brianna’s heart went out to him. But Justin just stayed where he was, not coming any closer. He glanced back at Margo.
She held onto Kendra’s hand and headed out to the yard. When Justin saw them approaching, he took off in a hurry, not wanting to face them. Brianna had no choice but to leave with Kendra.
Just as they stepped out of the house, Kendra’s gloomy face finally brightened up. She hopped into the car, bursting with energy like a wild pony let loose.
Brianna gave Gabrielle a quick call to let her know they were leaving before driving off. She was in a dilemma now. She didn’t want to head back home, and she also didn’t want to take Kendra to the south side either.
Caroline had just been discharged, so it wasn’t convenient to bring Kendra to her place. After much hesitation, Brianna turned to Kendra and said, “Sweetie, why don’t you give your dad a call and see where he is now?”
Kendra looked completely carefree, as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She asked innocently, “Are we going to pick Dad up from work?”
Brianna rubbed her forehead, feeling a bit overwhelmed. “I still have things to deal with. I’ll send you to your dad,” she said.
Kendra’s cheerful glow dimmed, her smile faltering. “Mom, you’re not staying with me? Didn’t you promise that?” Kendra asked, her voice full of disappointment.
Brianna’s face was tinged with regret. She looked at Kendra, voice soft and pleading. “We’ll hang out another day. Is that okay?”
Kendra’s face fell. She hugged her arms tightly, pouting and grumbling, “Why is it always ‘another day, Mom? You promised you’d stay with me!”
Brianna couldn’t help but feel awkward and guilty. It had been a long time since she last spent time with her daughter. She softened her tone and said, “But Mom still has a lot to finish at work. I need to work overtime
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tonight.”
Kendra’s expression softened. “Can I hang out with you at work tonight?” she asked, her eyes full of hope.
Brianna couldn’t bring herself to say no again, so she gave in. When they got to the office, Patsy was still working. “Aunt Patsy!” Kendra called out, bouncing over with a big smile.
Perhaps Bianna didn’t spend time with her lately; Kendra was particularly sweet and well–behaved today. Patsy scooped Kendra up and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. “Princess Kendra, what are you doing here?” Patsy asked warmly.
“I’m here to keep Mom company while she works overtime,” Kendra said sweetly.
Just then, Clair walked in, carrying a bag. “Hey, everyone’s here,” Clair said with a grin. When Clair saw Kendra, he was momentarily lost in thought.
Although he already knew Brianna had a child, seeing a little girl who resembled her, Clair couldn’t help but feel a subtle pang of sadness deep down.
“Mom, who’s that?” Kendra asked, edging closer to Brianna instinctively.
Brianna smiled and said, “This is Uncle Clair. He used to be my senior. Clair, this is my daughter, Kendra.”
Clair walked over, crouched down before Kendra, and greeted her with a warm smile, “Hi, Kendra.”
Kendra got a little shy around strangers and snuggled even closer to Brianna. “Hi, Uncle Clair,” she mumbled.
Clair waved the bag playfully before Kendra and said warmly, “I bought some snacks. Take a look and see if there’s anything you like. If there’s anything else you’re craving, just let me know, and I’ll get it for you.”
Brianna was about to decline, but before she could say that, Kendra spoke up politely, “Thank you, Uncle Clair. This is plenty for me.”
A few of them went to Brianna’s office and arranged the snacks on the coffee table. As they were eating, they discussed jewelry design and sales. Kendra listened patiently, not saying a word.
She suddenly realized that when her mom talked about her work, she shone just like Patsy. She was full of energy and confidence.
When Brianna caught Kendra gazing at her with bright, expectant eyes, she turned to her, a bit confused, and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Kendra gave her a secretive little smile. “Mom, you’re so beautiful,” she said, her voice full of admiration.
Brianna blinked in surprise, then her face lit up with a genuine, sunny smile. ‘Kendra really meant it. She’s never said anything like that to me before, Brianna thought, her heart fluttering with happiness.
Clair looked at Kendra with a gentle, affectionate smile. “Brianna, your daughter is so thoughtful. She’s absolutely adorable and so sweet. No wonder people say daughters are the best comfort, always warming your heart,” he said, smiling.
Chapter 78
5 vouchers
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Brianna’s face at his words. ‘If only he knew; my little sweetheart sometimes lets things slip,‘ she thought wryly.
Patsy looked at Kendra with a warm smile and said, “Kendra’s such a sweetheart. She’s as pretty as her mom and as clever as her dad.” Kendra couldn’t stop grinning as everyone showered her with praise.
After finishing the snacks, the three of them jumped right back into work. Horizon Group was preparing to roll out a luxury custom collection, and Clair had come by to help out with the preparations.
Perhaps Kendra was afraid of being sent back to Grandma’s house; she was exceptionally sweet and well- behaved today. While Brianna was busy at work, Kendra kept herself occupied. She settled in on the couch, quietly doodling away.
By the time Brianna finally finished up her work, she looked up and saw Kendra fast asleep on the couch, curled up like a little kitten. Brianna just sat there, gazing at her daughter’s peaceful face. A warm, fuzzy feeling spread through her heart.
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