When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 60

Sheila had first met Carlos at an art show overseas. He’d always admired her, and they’d kept in touch ever since. Now that she was back in town, they got together, and she finally realized that Carlos was a much bigger deal than she’d thought. Since he had ties to Garland Inc., Sheila decided to set up a dinner with both him and Brody, hoping to help Brody get closer to the Watson family.

Thanks to Sheila’s introduction, the conversation between Brody and Carlos flowed more easily. But the whole time, Brody seemed miles away. He missed half of what Carlos said, barely paying attention. That was totally unlike him. Work had always been his number one priority. Nothing was ever allowed to distract him.

Sheila leaned over and whispered, “Brody, are you alright?”

That finally snapped him out of it.

His mind had been all over the place, and not just because he’d seen Nelly earlier. That afternoon, his bank had called. Apparently, someone had withdrawn eighty million from his account for “personal expenses.” The person who did it was Nelly.

Eighty million. What on earth could she have bought that cost eighty million?

The first thing that popped into Brody’s mind was the painting from last night’s art auction, the one bought by the mysterious Watson family heiress. But how could Nelly be related to the Watsons? And even if she was, why would the Watsons use his money?

“Mr. Watson, did you catch the news today?” Brody asked suddenly, staring right at Carlos. He was so blunt, it was like he’d forgotten about their earlier conversation.

Carlos blinked, confused. “The news?”

“Last night, there was this mysterious heiress—everyone’s calling her Miss X. She dropped eighty million at the international art show on a few paintings. I heard she’s Mr. Christopher Watson’s daughter, the Watson family’s legitimate heiress.”

As soon as Brody said it, Carlos’ face changed. Sheila glanced between them, caught off guard. Brody had just ignored all the business talk for some gossipy family drama. Then again, a billionaire heiress was big news, even in their world. And after the bidding frenzy last night, Sheila had to admit, she was curious about Ms. Watson too.

Brody finally picked up his glass and took three shots in a row. “Sorry about that.” His voice was rough. He was definitely off his game. Somehow, Nelly was starting to matter more to him than the company. And honestly, his theory about her and the Watsons was a stretch. It just didn’t make sense.

The rest of the dinner was awkward, and before long, Carlos made up an excuse to leave.

Once Carlos was gone, Sheila turned to Brody, both worried and exasperated. “Brody, what is going on with you? Carlos is a Watson, you could at least show him some respect.”

Brody’s reply was quiet, almost to himself. “The woman from last night… she looked a lot like Nelly.”

Sheila’s heart dropped. So all of his weird behavior tonight was really just because of Nelly?