When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 50

Carrie had stumbled across a sketchbook left behind in the lounge. She was bored, so she picked it up and started doodling, not thinking much of it. What she didn’t realize was that the book actually held the original designs for a dress brand’s spring and summer collection. When the designer discovered what happened, of course she wanted an explanation. But instead of apologizing, Carrie got upset and tore out a few of the design pages.

Brody turned to look at her. After hearing the whole story, Carrie was at a loss for words. Her cheeks turned bright red and she couldn’t bring herself to meet her dad’s eyes. She was still clutching a crumpled piece of paper in her little fist.

“Is it true?” Brody’s voice was low and steady as he walked toward her. Even though he wasn’t yelling, his tone was enough to make anyone nervous.

Carrie’s eyes filled with tears. She was scared. Brody knew his daughter well. She wasn’t the type to let anyone push her around, especially not with him there. But her silence said it all.

Brody pulled a card from his pocket and handed it over. “Tell me what it’s worth. I’ll pay double.”

The designer wasn’t impressed. “Money? My work over the past year is ruined. And you think you can just throw money at me without even an apology?”

She flipped open the sketchbook. Several pages were covered in childish scribbles, but you could still make out the fashion sketches underneath.

Brody glanced at Alan, his jaw clenched tight. Alan picked up on the signal and quickly handed over a business card. “This is Mr. Garland’s card. It was just a child’s mistake. Mr. Garland will make it right. Can we please settle this without making things harder for everyone?”

The middle-aged man took the card and gave a cold smile. “I was wondering whose daughter would act so entitled. Figures, Mr. Garland’s kid. That explains everything.”

Brody was well known in the business world. Almost nobody in Westhaven dared to cross him. But his reputation wasn’t all that great. Garland Inc. was famous for chasing profit at any cost, and Brody wasn’t exactly known for being gentle.

The man went on, “I’m not trying to pick a fight, Mr. Garland, but these designs are our company’s trade secrets. If this becomes a big deal, it won’t be good for Garland Inc. or your daughter.”

Carrie’s face went pale. She hated being talked to like that and wanted to snap back, but Sheila just hugged her and whispered, “It’s okay, Carrie. Don’t listen to them. I’m here, and so is your dad. Nothing’s going to happen.”

Brody had had enough. “If you want an apology, I’ll apologize for my daughter.”

The middle-aged man hesitated. After all, this was Garland Inc. involved. Even if they were in the right, there had to be a way for both sides to save face.

The designer, though, wasn’t backing down. She pulled out her phone. “Then let’s get the police involved. I’m sure they’ll have something to say about your daughter’s behavior.”

She had barely finished speaking when someone new arrived at the door. It was one of the event organizers. Someone must have called them about the commotion, and now they were here to step in and try to smooth things over.