When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 422

Nelly stared at Brody like he’d lost his mind. He’d never been this blunt before, never so direct. Was it really possible for someone to change so completely just for the sake of getting what they wanted?

She paused for a few moments, then said coolly, “You really do love putting on a show.”

Brody felt her words hit him hard, reality snapping back into place. He gave a short, bitter laugh, took a deep breath, and poured himself another drink.

“Anyway, what are you going to do about Sheila?”

Nelly had meant to walk away, but she remembered Sheila had come looking for Brody earlier that day. The thought made her uneasy. Sheila must have seen the news. Knowing her, she’d never let Brody go without a fight.

Earlier, Nelly had tried to talk to her daughter about Sheila. Carrie had always looked up to Sheila, almost like an older sister, someone she could rely on. But Carrie was too trusting, and Sheila knew exactly how to play on a kid’s emotions.

Nelly hadn’t wanted to upset Carrie, so she’d framed the conversation as an honest, mother-daughter talk. She explained how, from her perspective, Sheila had influenced Carrie, tried to turn her against her own mother, and caused her a lot of pain. But Carrie was more mature and perceptive than Nelly had realized.

Since cutting off contact with Sheila, Carrie had started to see things more clearly. Thinking back, she realized Sheila had just been using her to get closer to her dad. It finally hit her that, compared to Sheila, her mom was the one who truly cared. Sheila’s motives were obvious now.

Before Nelly could say much else, Carrie had made her position clear. She would always stand by her mom, always trust her. As for Sheila, Carrie said she’d never speak to her again. Remembering all the times she’d hurt her mom for Sheila’s sake, Carrie was left with nothing but guilt and regret.

Now that she knew Carrie was on her side, Nelly could finally turn up the pressure on Brody. If she handled Sheila herself, it would be letting both of them off too easily. Since Brody wanted to prove himself, she was happy to let him take the lead.

“I’m done with Sheila. I’ve already told Tina and everyone else in the Garland family, no one is allowed to have anything to do with her. You don’t have to worry.”

“That’s it? Just cutting her off?” Nelly gave Brody a small, almost teasing smile.

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