When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 95

Brody caught sight of a familiar figure and instantly tuned out everything around him. Before the person beside him could finish their sentence, he was already walking away.

Alan didn’t even realize Brody had left. He kept listening in, still curious about what was happening.

Brody picked up his pace, following Nelly straight out of the ballroom.

As he got closer, there was no doubt. It was Nelly.

She wore a dazzling, backless gown that hugged her perfect, glowing skin. In the lavish hotel, she looked impossibly striking, like she didn’t belong to this world. She drew every eye, whether she wanted to or not.

Brody frowned and called her name quietly.

She didn’t respond. If anything, she moved faster, slipping into the elevator just as the doors slid shut.

Brody rushed after her, but he was too late.

He checked the display, saw which floor she picked, and without thinking twice, he headed straight for the stairs.

Something was definitely off with Nelly. Her steps were rushed and unsteady, like she was hurting or scared.

Brody remembered the medical report. Was she faking it again? Did she bring him here just to play sick?

Even with all those doubts, his legs didn’t stop. He ran up the stairs, faster and faster.

She’d chosen the fifth floor. He barely managed to keep up.

When the elevator doors opened, Nelly stumbled out, almost tripping over her own feet.

She hadn’t even reached her room when two men appeared. They checked a photo, shared a look, and then each grabbed one of her arms.

Nelly’s cheeks were burning red. Her eyes were glassy, her mind slipping away.

They started guiding her away, but suddenly she woke up enough to fight back.

“Who are you? Let go of me!”

She twisted and struggled, but the men were too strong. One of them, worried she’d cause a scene, scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder, heading for the stairs.

They didn’t get far. At the top of the stairwell, Brody came running up, out of breath.

For a second, everyone froze. The two men quickly stepped aside to let Brody pass, even giving him a polite smile. They wondered why a guy in a suit would be taking the stairs. Did rich people really care that much about cardio?

But Brody didn’t move aside. He blocked them.

Before they could react, Brody lashed out. One man tumbled down the stairs with a cry. The other, still holding Nelly, caught a sharp kick to the knee and crashed to the floor.

Nelly landed on top of him, and Brody grabbed her, pulling her safely to his side.

“Nelly?”

He felt solid and safe. She wanted more.

“What do you want?” Brody forced out, fighting his own reaction.

He was furious, biting down so hard he tasted blood.

“I want you. I want you so much.” Nelly couldn’t see him clearly, couldn’t think straight. She just stared at his mouth, licking her dry lips, desperate for a taste.

Her gaze felt like a touch, lighting him up inside. He grabbed her face, his grip tight. “Say that again.”

Nelly shook her head, trying to clear away the fog. The voice at her ear was starting to sound familiar.

Her eyes finally focused. Brody’s face came into view.

“Brody… what are you doing here?”

Brody almost laughed. She was good at this. One minute she threw herself into his arms, the next she was acting innocent.

“Nelly, why are you putting on this act again? I thought you want a divorce?”

His cold tone snapped her back to reality. She shoved him away with all her strength.

“Stay away from me. Don’t touch me!”