When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 94

Normally, such a small task could have been handled by someone at Garland Inc. But as luck would have it, the gala was happening right near the company, so she ended up inviting Brody herself. At first, it was just a polite offer. Brody was never the type to show up at these things anyway. But then Gina mentioned, almost offhand, that Nelly would be there too.

Gina had always thought of Brody and Nelly as a couple in name only, with Nelly doing all the heavy lifting. Lately, Nelly had blossomed into this stunning, radiant woman. Gina figured that even someone as cold and aloof as Brody wouldn’t be able to ignore her now. She meant well, but she had messed up big time. She never actually checked with Nelly first. She had no idea they were in the middle of a divorce, and Brody didn’t even know about Nelly’s secret identity.

Now, she’d walked herself right into a mess. What was she supposed to do if Brody and Nelly ran into each other tonight?

“It’s all signed,” Gina said quickly, shoving the documents toward Brody. “It’s getting late, Mr. Garland. Let me walk you out.”

Her mind was in chaos, but she kept her cool on the outside, moving fast so she could get Brody out the door before anything happened. But Brody didn’t budge. He grabbed a glass of champagne and took a slow sip.

“Where is she?”

“Who?” Gina tried to play dumb.

“Nelly.” Brody’s tone was blunt, straightforward. “You said she’d be here.”

Gina gave a nervous laugh, still scrambling for an answer, but Brody cut her off. “Didn’t you say she wanted to see me? That she had something to say?”

“Did I?” Gina tried to laugh it off.

“I hope you are not messing with me.”

Brody stared at her, completely serious, his strong features making him seem even more intimidating. He was never interested in events like this. The only reason he’d come was because Gina told him Nelly would be here. Nelly never went to fashion galas, so the idea had caught his attention. Gina had insisted, hinting that Nelly wanted to talk to him and that it was important.

Now, Gina wanted to kick herself. She’d finally become friends with Ms. Watson, and here she was, getting involved in things she had no business touching.

“…Of course not,” she managed.

“Ms. Stewart was here a minute ago,” she added, forcing a smile. “I’m not sure where she went. I’ll go look for her. She’ll be so happy to see you.”

Gina couldn’t take Brody’s stare anymore. She turned to leave, but Brody called out again. She stopped, feeling tense.

“She really wants to see me that much?” he asked quietly.

Gina hesitatedw someone about to get divorced could possibly want to see her husband. Shouldn’t he k. Brody’s expression was impossible to read. She nodded, but inside, she wondered honow better?

“Where did you go? I’ve been looking all over for you,” Gina said, concern filling her voice. Before she could say more, Nelly clutched her chest and tried to leave.

“I don’t feel well. Can you get me a hotel room? I just need to lie down…” Nelly’s voice was shaky.

“What’s going on? Your face is so red. Are you okay…”

“Room. Please.”

“I’ll take you.”

“No, it’s fine. I just… want to be alone.” Nelly’s eyes were glazed, her breathing quick and shallow. She kept her head down, hoping Gina wouldn’t see how out of it she was. She reached out, and Gina handed over her hotel key. Before Gina could react, Nelly was already gone.

Gina thought about following her, but someone stopped her along the way. Nelly had already left anyway. Now, as long as she could get Brody out of here, maybe she could avoid a disaster.

Trying not to draw attention, Nelly slipped out through the back exit of the ballroom. But Brody, who was chatting quietly with someone nearby, happened to be standing in a spot where he could see the back door perfectly.

“Mr. Garland, you picked the right night,” his companion said with a smile. “This gala is usually nothing special, but tonight’s different. Ms. Watson is here.”