Brandon was acutely aware of their subtle interaction. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned against the sofa without uttering a word.
Beal whispered in Johannas ear,If we do this now, well only make things worse. We wouldnt be any different from those media. Dont mention it to Brandon.At the worst, we can arrange for more bodyguards to ensure our daughters safety. That way, those guys wont be able to get close to her.
Johanna shrugged off Beals hand and glared at him, retorting, Natalie is our daughter. Even if. youre not concernedI am deeply worried about her. Her previous disappearance has had a huge psychological impact on me. I wont tolerate any risk to her safety again.
Beals brow furrowed as he turned his gaze to Brandon. Lowering his voice,he said,Of course Im concerned about our daughter, but I also have faith that Brandon will keep her safe.
These are tumultuous times. If we take Natalie home abruptly, it might lead the media to believe that Brandon is truly guilty of the alleged murder and that a rift between the White Group and the Larson Group has arisen. Despite speaking in hushed tones, Brandon managed to catch the gist of their conversation. He arched an eyebrow and asked in a composed manner, Beal, Johanna, are you considering taking Natalie back to your house?
With a helpless look on his face, Beal replied,No, were just a bit worried about her safety. As he spoke, he continued to tug at Johannas sleeve,clearly signaling for her to refrain from going any further.
In spite of Beals attempt to stop her,Johanna persistedBrandon,I we have no ulterior motives. Were just a bit concerned that your house isnt entirely safe,and wish to take Natalie back to our house for the time being.
Observing Johannas insistence,Beal placed a hand on his forehead and let out a deep sigh. With a look ofconcession on his face, he chimed in,saying,Now, Jeremy is like a viper lurking in the dark. We cant tell when hell suddenly reappear and strike. Were really worried that Natalie might still be in danger. Johanna nodded in agreement and added,Besides, shes still grappling with amnesia. Were keen to avoid any further distressing stimuli for her.
Casting a glance at Brandons somber expression,Beal said with a bitter smile,We understand that now isnt the best time for such a discussion. Its just that Natalie is our only daughter.We
He let out soft sigh and left his sentence unfinished.
As parents, their utmost priority was their daughters safety, especially given Natalies prior disappearance for a few months. They didnt know how much hardship she had suffered, but they wanted to shield her from any further harm. In order to prevent Brandon from being overly concerned, Johanna let out a sigh and reassured him, saying, Dont worry. We just want to take Natalie home for a while so she can recover. Once youve resolved the situation here, well bring her back.
Beal immediately concurred, Indeed. If you ever want to see her,youre always welcome at our house.
Brandons expression grew somber. He pursed his lips and remained silent.
In truth, he understood Johannas and Beals concerns and their deep affection for Natalie. Nonetheless, he felt a lingering sense of depression.
The thought of being separated from Natalie weighed heavily on him,creating a feeling of suffocation within him.
At the moment,however, Jeremy was operating undercover,whileBrandonhimselfwas exposed, with public opinion squarely against him.
Since he wasnt completely confident in his ability to locate Jeremy, it might indeed not have been the best choice for Natalie to stay with him.
Johanna and Beal exchanged glances,both with a helpless look in their eyes.
In truth, they held Brandon in very high regard, but Natalies safety took precedence above all else. As a result, they were genuinely averse to taking any risks.
Despite the potential for their words to cause some friction between the White family and the Larson family, they felt the need to say them.
Their fervent hope was that Brandon wouldnt hold Natalie responsible,and that if he wanted to lay blame on anyone, he would direct it to them. After a moment of silence, Brandon finally yielded with a reluctant nod. I understand. Youre right. Its not the best course of action for Natalie stay with me at this time.
Upon seeing that Brandon had agreed, Johanna and Beal felt a collective sense of relief wash over them. Prior to that, they had been worried about how they were going to take Natalie back home if Brandon didnt agree. Brandon pursed his lips and said, Please take good care of her during her time with you. As for her amnesia, Ive hired a professional team to address it. Tomorrow, Ill personally accompany her to go have an examination.
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Were family. Youre welcome to visit the White residence whenever you wish, Johanna quickly replied. Well bring Natalie back when the time is right. Shes the apple of our eye,and well ensure that shes well taken care of. Rest assured.
It seems like youve had a good discussion, but shouldnt you have asked for my opinion first? The abrupt voice from the stairwell caught them off guard. Their gazes turned in the direction of the voice, revealing Natalie, dressed in a housecoat, standing in the living room stairway. With her lips tightly pressed together, she glanced at them with a displeased look on her face.
When Brandon saw Natalies unhappy expression, a doting smile spread across his face.He stood up,approachedherandrubbedher head playfully. How long have you been downstairs? Did you overhear our conversation?
Natalie slapped his hand away and stared daggers at him. How dare you even ask me that?
Brandon had not expected she would be angry when she heard the plan to send her back to the White familys homel His eyebrows shot up in surprise,and his gaze landed on the tablet in her hand.
It was the same tablet she used to indulge in movies and gossip in the shower. Brandon realized that she must have seen the news about his alleged murder on the Internet.
He could not help but sigh in helplessness as he stared at the tablet He had meant to shield her from the rumors on the Internet but had forgotten the tablet.
Youre accused of being a murderer,and I was stared at the tablet. He had meant to shield her from the rumors on the Internet but had forgotten the tablet.
Youre accused of being a murderer, and I was the last to know!Natalie exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes!If I hadnt seen the news myself, how long would you have hidden it from me? And now you want to send me away? What do you take me for, Brandon?
Brandon reached out to hold her hand. I just dont want you to worry about me. Besides, its not safe here. It would be best if you stay with your parents for a couple of days. When I finish my work, I promise Ill come for you.
His reassurance, on the contrary, only fanned the flames of Natalies anger. You always want to send me away when something happens. You didnt even ask me if I wanted to go! she bellowed. Natalie-
Enough! Natalie, with no expression on her face, shook off his hand and marched over to her parents.
Johanna and Beal exchanged nervous glances. This was the first time they had seen their daughter so furious.
Natalie took a deep breath and urged,Dad,Mom you should go back before more reporters arrive at the community. You might not be able to get out then.
Johanna couldnt help but feel concerned about leaving Natalie at Brandons house.Atthe thought of this, she held her daughters hand and worriedly said, Natalie, its not that I dont want you with Brandon. Im just worried about your safety. Youve just come back. What if you get into danger again? Natalie sighed and patted the back of her mothers hand reassuringly. Mom, Im an adult now. I cant always hide under your protection. I have to eventually face things on my own. As she spoke, she stole a glance at Brandon. Seeing that he was far from her, she moved closer to Johanna and whispered, Dont worry, Mom.I believe Brandon will take good care of me. Besides, Im the closest person to him. I dont want to be separated from him,especially at this crucial moment.
Johanna was both distressed and relieved when she saw Natalie trusted Brandon with her life in just a few days.
On the one hand, she was distressed because they were unable to give Natalie enough parental love when she needed them the most.On the other hand, she was glad that Natalie had found herself a good husband who prioritized her and showered her with love.
Beal patted Johanna on the shoulder and smiled.Our daughter has made her feelings clear. Lets just let her deal with this matter herself.
Natalie shook her mothers hand and pleaded,Mom, please promise me. I dont want to go back.
However, Johanna remained uneasy. What if Jeremy tries to hurt you again?
Brandon walked up to her and assured her,Dont worry, Johanna. That wont happen. Ill take good care of Natalie.