When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 93

Brody didn’t say a word. He just stared at Carrie with that steady intensity of his until she started feeling guilty and finally quieted down.

“If you want to starve, I won’t stop you,” he said at last, his voice cool and distant.

His expression was unreadable, and the room suddenly felt heavy, the air almost too thick to breathe. Brody usually spoiled Carrie whenever he could, but that didn’t mean he had no boundaries. Truth was, when Nelly was around, Carrie was usually an angel. He rarely had to lay down the law.

Now, Carrie just stood there, completely thrown off, staring at her shoes and fidgeting with her fingers. After a long pause, Brody asked, “Tell me, did Ms. Olson teach you to say those things?”

His eyes narrowed, like he was piecing something together. Ever since Sheila had started spending time with them, Carrie had definitely gotten a little more stubborn.

Carrie hesitated, then shook her head. Ms. Olson did tell her that Daddy cared about her most, and that nothing else was as important as her happiness. But coming to talk to her dad was her own idea, not something Ms. Olson put her up to.

Seeing her shake her head, Brody let out a breath, his face softening. Maybe he was just being paranoid. Sheila was his mentor’s daughter, gentle and honest. She’d never teach a kid to manipulate him.

“I’m sorry, Daddy. I won’t do it again…” Carrie mumbled, her voice so small it was almost a whisper. She was terrified Brody might really ignore her.

Brody reached out, taking her little hand in his. “I care about your opinion. But you also need to respect my choices. I’ll handle my own problems, okay? And I heard you, sweetheart. I know how you feel.”

His tone was so much warmer now, and Carrie felt the tension melt away. She nodded quickly, her usual sweetness returning right away.

It all felt familiar somehow. Like maybe her mom used to say the same kinds of things when she acted out. She couldn’t remember most of what her mom said anymore, but thinking back, everything had just seemed to work out when Mom was there. She’d always managed to show her best side for her dad, too.

The light in Carrie’s eyes faded a little. She wasn’t sure why, but she just kind of felt bad.

*

The next night, Nelly showed up at Westhaven’s annual All-Star Private Fashion Gala in a shimmering, ice-blue gown covered in crystals. The event was always held at Gina’s hotel, drawing together the most exclusive names in fashion from all over. With her own brand launch coming up, Nelly needed to make connections.

Gina and Nelly went way back, and now that Nelly was officially Ms. Watson, Gina was more than happy to help her get a foot in every important door. Having Ms. Watson herself at the gala only made the event more high-profile.

As soon as Nelly entered, all eyes were on her. People rushed over to say hello, eager to introduce themselves and shower her with compliments. The Watson name had a gravity of its own. Just by standing there, Nelly found herself meeting major brands and making valuable connections without even trying.

After more than two hours of nonstop socializing, Nelly finally managed to sneak a break. Gina appeared at her side almost instantly, carrying a plate of little snacks.

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