Suddenly,Brandon remembered that there was an onlooker downstairs.He enveloped Natalies slender waist and impatiently whispered, Lets go back to our room and continue where we left off.
The floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor was closed,and the curtains were drawn Audrey could notsee whatwashappening inside.The humiliation of being ignored ignited her anger once again A few moments laterjust as she was about to lose her temper and question the bodyguards, she glimpsed Brandonand Natalie through the clear French window on the first floor as they made their way downstairs!
Audreys face lit up with a smile. Using the window on the first floor as a mirror, she smoothed herhairand madesure her appearance was perfect. Without further ado, she strode to the entrance of the house with purpose.
However, just like yesterday, two bodyguards blocked her path when she was about to step in. Audreys smile vanished,replaced by a look of shock and indignation. You stopped me last night. Why are you stopping me again? I saw 16:18
Brandon go downstairs. Let me in. I have something important to discuss with him! Unswayed by her anger, one of the bodyguards replied with a straight face, Please wait a moment, Miss Larson.Ill inform Mr. Larson of your arrival. Only with his permission can you go inside.
Audrey took a deep breath to hold back her anger and impatiently urged,Hurry up! Dont delay my matters any longer!
One of the bodyguards went in to report to Brandon while the other stood guard for fear Audrey would attempt to break in again. Livid, Audrey clenched her hands into fists.
Meanwhile, insidethehouse, Brandon and Natalie were enjoyingtheir breakfast in the dining room.
Natalie filled a bowl of soup for Brandon and pushed it in front of him with a warm smile.Youve been working hard recently.Here.Have some soup. Its good for your health.
With a playful smile on his face,Brandon teased,Im not tired. But you were really exhausted last night.
His teasing words made Natalies face turn red. She cast a sharp look at him and said,Just eat.
Brandons smile deepened when he saw her adorable,shy expression. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, the bodyguard came in and reported, Mr. Larson, Miss Larson is outside. She says she wants to see you to discuss something important.
A look of displeasure flashed across Brandons face,and his once affectionate tone now turned cold.Natalie doesnt like to be disturbed during breakfast. If she has something to say, tell her to say it to the butler, he instructed the bodyguard.
The bodyguard nodded with respect. But after taking a few steps, Brandon added,Also, ask the butler to find a safe hotel for Audrey.I want her gone.
Natalie glanced at the bodyguard, who had just left, and then at Brandon.Is this Miss Larson your cousin who suddenly appeared?
Brandon took a sip of the soup and nodded expressionlessly. It was evident that he was not fond of this particular cousin and felt nothing but annoyance toward her.
Natalie smiled and patted the back of his hand.Does she have some urgent business to discuss with you? You can go ahead with your work. I can eat alone.
As Brandon gazed at her bulging cheeks, his eyes twinkled with adoration. He served some food onto her plate and reassured her,Its not that important.Dont worry.Youve lost a lot of weight these days. I want to watch you finish your meal.
As he spoke,he touched his chin thoughtfully and remarked,I couldnt help but notice last night how skinny youve become.
His words were accompanied by a blazing look in his eyes,causing Natalies ears to turn red. The heat of his gaze seemed to envelop her,making her whole body feelasif it were aflame. To conceal her shyness,she quickly stuffed a few more mouthfuls of food into her mouth, avoiding his eyes.
In contrast to the sweet and warm atmosphere in the dining room, Audrey continued to wait at the gate, enduring the heat of the scorching sun. As she was denied access to Brandon for the second time, she gritted her teeth in anger and resentment.
However,Audreysdeterminationtosee Brandon was unwavering, regardless of what the bodyguard said.
Finding no otherchoice,thebodyguard returned to the living room, relaying Audreys insistence, Mr. Larson, Miss Larson is at the gate and refuses to leave. She insists on seeing you.
Brandon and Natalie had just concluded their dinner and were now relaxing on the living room sofa, engrossed in newspapersand fashion magazines.
Upon hearing the bodyguards words, Natalies brows furrowed,and she regarded Brandon with a hint of suspicion. Whats happening? Why does your cousin seem a bit odd?
Since losing her memory, Natalie had often felt insecure. Wishingto ease her concerns, Brandon waved dismissively at the bodyguard.Let her in, he said,a trace of impatience in his voice.
Outside, Audrey had grown exhausted under the hot sun.
Informed by the bodyguard that she could enter, she quickly wiped the sweat from her forehead and put on a gentle, appealing smile. She wanted to make a good impression on Brandon. With a lift of her head, she strode into the house.
In the living room, the sound of footsteps drew Brandons and Natalies attention to Audrey. Brandon turned a page of his newspaper unhurriedly and said, his tone indifferent, I heard you have somethingimportant to tell me? Reclining on the sofa, legs elegantly crossed, Brandons posture was both relaxed and regal. Audreys frustration vanished at the sightof him, and the question shed meant to ask morphed into a shy smile.
I do have something important to discuss with you. Audreys head dipped, and her voice softened as she smiled coyly.I know youve been troubled by recent online rumors, so Ive come up with a great solution to help you.
This caught Brandons interest, and he finally set down the newspaper, raising an eyebrow.Oh? You have an idea?
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Her confidence buoyed by his response,Audrey nodded vigorously, her voice brimming with pride.Brandon,you may not realize,but Ive been working in the PR industry for several years. Im well-versed in handling these types of cases.Since learning about the Internet rumors, Ive drafted a statement overnight. Once I post it,online users will undoubtedly view the rumors of your involvement in the murder with a more rational perspective!
Brandons eyes narrowed silently lashe examined Audrey from head to toe.
H could Irespond, Beforehe Wanets eyes brightened at the mention of a way to clear Brandons name, and she eagerly interjected,Miss Larson, do you really have a solution? Audrey glancedatNatalie, her chin lifted in arrogance.Of course. Why else would I hurry to see my cousin?
Natalie, however,was unfazed by Audreys haughtiness,and she beamed, saying, Thank you, Miss Larson.
Spotting the joy on Natalies face,Audrey rolled her eyes, then seated herself beside Brandon, her smile broadening.
She opened her laptop and presented it to Brandon, a self-satisfied smile playing on her lips. It was as if she was certain he would embrace her strategy. Brandon, this is the statement I wrote.If everything looks good,you can contact the public relations department to post it online. If we issue it before the stock market opens today, Larson Groups stock wont take a severe hit.
But no matter how radiant her smile or how effusive her praise for her own plan, Brandon paid her no mind.
Suppressing her mounting frustration, Audrey said, Brandon, perhaps I should break down this plan for you, to give you a more concrete concept of-
She was cut off as Brandon casually reached for the fruit plate on the coffee table,spearing an apple slice with a fork and offering it to Natalie. A faint smile touched his lips as he asked,Have you grown tired sitting here so long? Here,have a piece of apple.
Casting a wary eye at the incensed Audrey, Natalie deflected his hand, murmuring, Your cousin is watching us. This isnt appropriate.Pay her no mind. Without sparing Audrey a glance,Brandon proffered the apple again his voice gentle.I had it flown in this morning. Its sweet. Try it.
With Brandons persistence and not wishing to let him down, Natalie reluctantly accepted the apple, her cheeks flushing.
Brandons smile widened.Is it good?
Embarrassed, Natalie nodded and playfully nudged him.You should discuss the plan with Miss Larson first. Dont worry about me.
Brandon agreed his eyes flicking to Audreys rigid expression.Very well, you may continue.