Chapter 132

When I said that, Brandon, though reluctant, could only nod.

Around noon, Kathy suddenly called me and asked, "Hey, are you heading back to Suncrest City tomorrow?"

I thought to myself, Kathy's got some serious connections. Must've been Royce who spilled the beans.

"Yeah, I was gonna tell you before I got on the plane. What's up?"

Kathy replied, "Not much. I haven't seen Mrs. Sharp in a while, so I'll tag along this time."

I was surprised. Kathy had been swamped with a big project lately and hadn't been out with me for a while.

Every time she wanted to visit, I'd tell her to focus on her work. After all, this project could make or break her career as a top designer.

"Aren't you busy with work?"

"Don't worry, I'll be fine going back on my own. Savannah's with me, and my mom's at home. They won't dare cause any trouble."

"I've wrapped up my work. This project really fried my brain. I need a break, and it's a good chance to visit Suncrest City."

Seeing her insist, I nodded. "Alright, I'll see you in Suncrest City tomorrow."

"Cool, our flights will probably land around the same time. Oh, and Simon insists on coming too. It's so annoying."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Maybe he's coming for you."

Kathy scoffed, "Yeah, right. He's just looking for some fun."

After hanging up, I thought about this trip to Suncrest City. It was going to be quite the event, considering how many people were going. It was bound to be lively.

Savannah and I packed our things for the trip to Suncrest City. Without the kids' stuff, our luggage was much lighter.

Brandon, on the other hand, seemed terrified. He was still sitting on the couch, staring blankly ahead.

I walked over and urged him to pack his bags. "Aren't you going back to Suncrest City tomorrow?"

Brandon snapped out of his daze. "Yeah, yeah, I'm packing now."

But he kept getting distracted while packing, forgetting this and that, taking forever to finish.

I finally couldn't help but look over. He was holding a water cup, staring blankly at something. I called out, "Brandon!"

He jolted, dropping the cup, which shattered on the floor.

"What are you doing?"

Brandon forced a smile, looking quite pale. "I'm packing, honey. What's wrong?"

I sneered, knowing exactly why he was acting this way, but I didn't show it. "Where were you the past few days? Why have you been so out of it since you got back? Did some woman catch your eye again?"

Brandon finally realized what I was getting at. "Honey, you're overthinking. There's no other woman. I've just been preoccupied with work."

I kept staring at him. "What work?"

"Since I'm going to Suncrest City with you, there are some loose ends at the office. Honey, I know you're worried, but I'll handle it."

Worried about him? I scoffed internally. Who would worry about him?

"Fine, just hurry up and finish. If you can't, go a few days later."

Brandon shook his head. "It's fine. The tickets are already booked. I'll go with you. There's just a bit left to handle. I'll head to the office now, honey."

I nodded and didn't say more. After packing, Brandon went to the office and didn't come back until late.

The next morning, Brandon walked out of the room looking much better, as if he had shaken off the fear.

Soon, Leo rang the doorbell and brought Briar over.

Leo and Brandon exchanged polite greetings.

Briar was delighted to see Savannah and grabbed her hand.

Leo said to me, "Thanks, Caroline. If she misbehaves, just call me, and I'll scold her."

I nodded. "Don't worry. Briar doesn't seem like a troublemaker."

After Leo left, we had breakfast and headed to the airport.

When the plane landed, I saw Holly and Kelly in the distance, with a small figure beside them.

I couldn't help but quicken my pace. Brett saw me and ran over, jumping into my arms.

I almost didn't catch him. I patted his head. "Did you miss me, Brett?"

Brett nodded eagerly. "I missed you so much, Mom."

Brandon forced a smile and asked, "Did you miss Dad, Brett?"

Brett glanced at him, nodded, then buried his head deeper into my arms, clearly not very close to Brandon.

I comforted him for a while. He looked curiously at Savannah and Briar.

He hadn't seen much of Briar growing up and didn't know Savannah at all.

"This is Savannah, my friend. And this is Briar, your cousin. She'll be playing with you for a while, okay?"

Brett looked at Briar curiously, then reached out to hold her hand.

Kids make friends quickly, and soon they were playing together, running around the adults.

We walked over to Kelly. My mom was holding Aria, and Holly was holding Yves.

I felt a sense of peace. No matter what, I always wanted to be with my mom.

"Mom," Brandon called softly.

My mom responded well, nodding. "You're back. Let's go. I've prepared food at home."

I took Aria from my mom, and we all got in the car.

Just as we got home, Kathy called. Her voice was loud. "Caroline, I'm here. Where are you?"

I pointed the camera at the table full of food and laughed. "We're about to eat. Why are you so late?"

"Wait for me. I'm almost there. I just got off the plane. Save me some food."

I laughed. "Alright, alright. We'll save some for you."

Brandon frowned when he saw Kathy's video call. "Why is she coming too?"

I tilted my head slightly. "Why not? Kathy knew my mom before you did."

Brandon had nothing to say. "I'm just curious."

At the table, Eugene stood next to my mom, exchanging a glance with Brandon.

I didn't miss their exchange and sneered inwardly. I'll replace Eugene sooner or later.