When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 44

By the time Brody got there, she had already locked the door. He knocked a few times, waiting in the hallway, but Carrie didn’t say a word. It was late, and she’d just gotten out of the hospital. After a minute, Brody gave up and walked away. He never would have guessed that his sweet, sensible daughter was hiding so much sadness. Was he… really messing it up?

*

Nelly woke up the next morning to her phone ringing. It was Gina calling. Nelly was a little surprised. Gina spent a while making small talk, stumbling around the real reason she’d called, before she finally got to the point. Brody had come looking for her last night.

Nelly and Gina had made a deal. Nelly didn’t want Brody to know about her donations. But last night, under a lot of pressure, Gina had broken that promise. She decided it was better to tell Nelly herself than have her find out from someone else.

Back then, Nelly had only been thinking about Brody. She didn't want him to worry about her, and she wasn’t sure Garland Inc. would be willing to take a risk for her sake if they knew the whole truth. But now, it all just seemed pointless. Brody didn’t love her. He didn’t even seem to have a basic sense of decency. If he did, Sheila wouldn’t still be around, and he wouldn’t keep refusing to divorce her.

“Gina, you’ve already done so much for me. Don’t worry. Our agreement still stands.” It didn’t matter anymore if Gina was loyal or not. Nelly always owned up to her choices.

“You’re so straightforward, Ms. Stewart. If you ever need anything, just ask. We’re friends now.” Gina sounded relieved.

“Actually, there’s something you can help me with,” Nelly said.

“Wait, really?” Gina hadn’t expected that. She’d only been trying to be polite.

……

At Garland Inc., Brody spent the whole day stuck in meetings, but he wasn’t really paying attention. After half an hour of awkward silence, Alan finally nudged him. Brody blinked, like he’d just woken up, then stood up and walked out of the conference room without a word. It was the first time anyone had seen him like this since he started running the company. Totally out of character.

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