The sudden call for departure perplexed everyone.Only Frank could faintly surmise the rationale Upon learning of Natalie’s medical condition,
Brandon was eager for retribution against Jeremy,thus prompting him to send most of the group back.His intention was to prevent Jeremy from exploiting the situation and harming those close to him in the forthcoming conflict But when did he agree to stay behind?He was just a physician.Was he expected to participate in the hunt for Jeremy?
Frank visibly paled.Grabbing Brandon by the arm,he stammered,”Why do I need to stay?I should be heading back to study Natalie’s medical reports.”
Casting a glance at Frank,Brandon’s lips curved into a slight smile.”You have a more critical task at hand now … “
Frank looked lost,protesting,”But I’m just a doctor.”
Arching his eyebrows,Brandon challenged,
“And your point is?”
Frank pressed a hand to his forehead,evidently exasperated.”If you’re intending to confront Jeremy,keeping me here is pointless.If you’re looking for the most capable individual,you should have Laney accompany you.What role am I to play?You might end up diverting your focus to ensure I’m not captured by Jeremy.”
Upon hearing Frank’s words,it became evident to everyone why Brandon had urgently instructed them to leave.At this realization, their expressions turned grave.
Recognizing Brandon’s intentions to hunt Jeremy down,Laney felt a strong reluctance to leave.”Dealing with Jeremy is dangerous.It’s not safe for both of you to stay.I can stay here to help you.”
Brandon frowned and gazed disapprovingly at Laney.”This is an incredibly dangerous situation.Jeremy is no ordinary individual.He possesses a vast supply of dangerous substances.A person who’s skilled in close- range combat like you would be in danger if you were to engage with him.”
Despite being aware of the odds against her in a confrontation with Jeremy,Laney remained persistent.”Jeremy has caused such a tragedy for Natalie.As her close friend,I feel obligated to stay and seek justice on her behalf.”
Throughout the agonizing months when Natalie was missing,Laney’s intense hatred for Jeremy consumed her being.Given the chance to finally seek retribution,she found no reason to let this opportunity slip away.
“It’s your responsibility to convince Laney to return,”Brandon said to Garrett with an indifferent gaze Being dutifully loyal to his wife,Garrett positioned himself behind Laney and declared,
“I support every decision that Laney makes!”2
Laney turned to look at him.A smile formed on her lips upon seeing his show of unwavering support.
“But…”Garrett interjected,changing the topic.
“Since Laney has decided to stay,I’ve made up my mind as well.I want to accompany you in catching Jeremy.”
Laney’s smile froze,and she could not help but roll her eyes at him.”You have no combat skills.
If you come,you’ll only hinder us.What can you do to help?”
Garrett patted his chest confidently and responded with a hint of pride,”While I can’t fight with you,I am a semi-professional racing driver with excellent driving skills.I can assist you by driving whenever necessary!”a While they were arguing,Natalie,who had not said a word for a long time,tugged at Brandon’s sleeve.
He turned to look at her and worriedly asked,
“What’s wrong?”
Natalie,gazing at him with timidity,asked with concern,”Brandon,are you really going to stay and look for Jeremy?Isn’t it too dangerous?”
Over the past few months,despite mistakenly believing Jeremy to be her brother and relying on him,Natalie was aware that he was a dangerous person.But the most concerning thing about him was the drugs he possessed, capable of inflicting suffering worse than death upon their victims.
Natalie had heard numerous accounts of individuals who held grievances against Jeremy and had endured excruciating torture at his hands using his drugs.These unsettling tales had instilled a deep-seated fear of him within her.
Brandon’s heart warmed upon seeing the anxiety reflected in Natalie’s eyes.He placed his hand over her head and softly caressed it. “Don’t worry.You can head home with your parents with peace of mind.I’ll come back soon,”
he assured her in a gentle voice.
“But…”Natalie bit her lip,concerned for Brandon’s safety and her reluctance to leave him alone.”Jeremy is not easy to deal with.He possesses a lot of unfamiliar drugs.Even after being with him for a few months,I couldn’t fully grasp the extent of his knowledge and resources about medication … “
She clasped Brandon’s hand and pleaded,
“Please,take me with you.I’ve spent months with him,and I believe I understand him to some extent.Perhaps I can help you deal with him.”
“No,I can’t let you take such a risk,”Brandon refused without a second thought.
Having already endured the anguish of losing Natalie once,Brandon could not fathom going through that pain again.The mere thought of losing her a second time was unbearable for him.
“Perhaps I know where Jeremy is.He has let his guard down around me beforeI left…”Natalie said, the look in her eyes becoming more and more sincere.
As Natalie remained stubborn,Brandon’s frown deepened,and he said in a cold tone,”I have a plan to find Jeremy.I don’t need you to stay and put yourself at risk.”
His face darkened,and his cold tone demeanor made Natalie fall silent.
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While she did not dare to refute him,she still did not want to give up easily.She gazed at Brandon with unwavering resolve,her eyes filled with stubbornness and vulnerability.The two of them were in a stalemate.
Noticing the anxiety and persistence in Natalie’s eyes,Brandon came to the realization that his cold demeanor had caused her distress.He modulated his voice,adopting a softer tone,and offered an apology in a low,remorseful voice.
“I’m not angry with you.I just don’t want you to be in danger again.I’m sorry.My emotions got the best of me,and I frightened you.”
Natalie,aware of the efforts Brandon had made to find her,understood his concern for her. Yet, the coldness in his demeanor moments ago had stirred a sense of hurt within her.Even though he tried to appease her,she kept her lips pressed together,maintaining her silence.
Brandon held Natalie’s delicate hand and said in a softer voice,”Please,go back for now.Don’t make your parents worry about you.I promise you I’ll come back in three days.”
Brandon’s reassurance was met with silence from Natalie.She kept her gaze lowered,lips gently pursed,and didn’t utter a word.
Aware that his earlier anxiety had made him act harshly towards her,Brandon hugged Natalie, feeling a mix of guilt and sympathy.”Natalie,”he whispered,”trust me,I’ll be okay.I know you’re worried about me and that’s why you wanted to accompany me.I was…I was being too brusque earlier.”
Reaching for her hand,he positioned it as if to slap himself.”Here,hit me.Let’s not be upset anymore,okay?I promise I’ll be back with you in three days.”
Natalie quickly pulled her hand away,glaring at him.”What do you think you’re doing?”
Brandon offered a small smile.”You’re not angry anymore,are you?”
With a slight huff,Natalie decided to let it pass, acknowledging Brandon’s genuine apology.
Clearing her throat slightly,she moved on to a serious matter.”While I was at Jeremy’s place,
I happened to see him meet an old man who seemed rather intimidating.”
Brandon’s eyebrows rose,his demeanor turning serious.”An intimidating old man?”
Natalie nodded.”Yes.Whenever they met,they asked everyone else to leave.It was very secretive.They appeared to have a close relationship.I suspect that ifJeremy disappears, he might seek help from this man.”
Brandon pulled out his phone,found a photo of Britton,and handed it to Natalie.”Take a look.Is this the man you’re talking about?”
After studying the face on the screen for a few seconds,Natalie nodded,lips pursed.”It should be him.But I only caught a glimpse of him from afar,so I can’t be entirely sure.”
Handing the phone back to Brandon,she looked at him quizzically.”Do you know this old man?
Who is he?”
As Brandon gently stroked her head,he didn’t respond to her question.Instead,his expression turned sterner.
During Natalie’s disappearance,Brandon and the Darkmoon Assassin Group had targeted numerous strongholds of Jeremy’s.But somehow,Jeremy always seemed to be one step ahead,retreating before Brandon could reach him.He’d suspected back then that Britton might be collaborating with Jeremy.
Natalie’s account now seemed to confirm his suspicions.Even though Britton had provided assistance to him,it seemed he was also informing Jeremy of their moves in advance, trying to stay in the good graces of both parties.
Thinking about the ordeal Natalie had been through over the past few months and the toll it had taken on her,Brandon felt a surge of sorrow.His fists clenched so tightly that he didn’t even notice his nails digging into his flesh.
Natalie observed Brandon’s clenched fists, noticing the veins protruding visibly.It was clear that he was struggling with intense emotions,his anger teetering on the brink of explosion.
Natalie couldn’t understand why Brandon had suddenly become so emotionally charged,but she was certain it was related to her.
She wriggled her hand free from his,only to intertwine their fingers.“Brandon,what’s bothering you?”
Observing Natalie’s concern, Brandon’s expression softened.He shook his head, murmuring,”Nothing.Just promise me you won’t do anything dangerous in the future.”
Natalie realized that Brandon was referring to her accidental observation of Jeremy’s meeting with the enigmatic elder.She thought he was upset because she had risked her safety,so she hastily explained,”I stumbled upon them accidentally and left as soon as I felt something was off.I wasn’t certain about their relationship, and I didn’t take any chances by tailing them.
Please,don’t be upset.”
Brandon tightened his grip on Natalie’s hand, reassuring her gently,”I’m not upset.In fact,I owe you thanks.”
Confused,Natalie met his tender gaze and asked,
“Thank me?”
Gently pinching Natalie’s cheek,Brandon explained with a warm smile,”The elder you saw is the leader of the Darkmoon Assassin Group.I had once sought their aid to find you, but Jeremy always managed to elude me.I suspected he was in cahoots with them.Now,it seems they might not only have secret dealings but also share a close bond.”
A little stunned,Natalie nodded and blushed under Brandon’s affectionate gaze.”You’re. …
You’re welcome.”
Brandon chuckled,the sensation of her soft hand in his momentarily diverting his attention.
Natalie felt increasingly shy as she glanced at Brandon’s hand holding hers.Part of her wanted to withdraw her hand,but hearing his chuckle,she couldn’t bear to break their contact Even though she couldn’t recall their past,each time she was near Brandon,she felt a profound sense of reliance on him.As if his presence made everything less frightening.
This was a feeling of safety,Natalie mused to herself.