Chapter 16

It quickly reached the time Simon and I had agreed upon, and I called him right on time. He answered promptly.

"I got a friend to make you a universal program. Just plug it into Brandon's computer, and you can see anything you want."

I was stunned. I hadn't held out much hope; even if Simon couldn't help me today, I could accept it.

But who knew he would be so efficient, not only getting it done but doing it perfectly.

I hurriedly thanked him, "If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do. When I get out of here..."

He interrupted me before I could finish.

"We'll talk about the future later. I believe you can definitely escape Brandon's clutches."

I nodded heavily. I believed that too, and I would take the kids with me.

After Simon and I agreed on a time for him to deliver the item, I hung up the phone.

But I couldn't calm down for a long time. After hiding my phone, I went back to bed to rest up for tomorrow's handover.

Early the next morning, I got up and put on a weak-looking makeup. After drinking the medicine Shirley brought me, I lay down on the lounge chair in the yard.

I looked at the fence not far away, and my thoughts drifted away.

Simon said he would deliver the item through the fence. Fortunately, only Shirley was home today; Brandon had to go to work, so we shouldn't be discovered.

But I waited in the yard for a long time, and Brandon didn't leave the house in his suit.

I couldn't help but get anxious. When I went inside, I saw him in casual clothes, playing with the kids, with no intention of going to work.

I was anxious but couldn't show it. I gently asked, "Brandon, aren't you going to work today?"

Brandon looked at me and said meaningfully, "No, I'm staying home with you today."

A chill ran down my spine. If I weren't sure Brandon didn't know about Simon and me, I would have thought he was doing it on purpose.

I nodded and went back to the yard.

But I couldn't help but start to worry. Simon had already come once dressed as a plumber. If he came again, it would look suspicious, and Brandon would definitely be suspicious.

But I couldn't go back to warn him. Brandon could enter my room at any time, and my hidden phone might be taken away. Then I would be truly desperate.

I could only lie there and pray that Brandon wouldn't see Simon when he came.

But as the agreed time approached, Brandon suddenly moved a lounge chair next to mine and lay down, sighing.

"I didn't expect sunbathing here to feel so good. When we get old, I'll always sunbathe with you."

I knew Brandon loved to act, always maintaining his affectionate persona, but I was still amazed by his superb acting skills.

If I weren't already close to the truth, I might have been fooled by Brandon.

But what worried me more was that the time I had agreed with Simon was approaching, and Brandon chose this moment to come over. Did he know something?

But only Simon and I knew about our plan; no one would have told him.

No one heard me when I called that day, so how did he find out?

I glanced at Brandon. He had closed his eyes, seemingly ready to enjoy the sunshine.

Or was it just a coincidence?

As the antique clock in the house chimed, I realized the time had come. Brandon had cut off all my internet access, so this was the only way I could accurately know the time.

I quietly looked outside the fence, but there was no one there.

Did Simon forget?

Just as I was wondering, I heard a dog barking in the distance.

I looked in the direction of the sound and saw Simon walking over with a dog.

He wasn't wearing a fake mustache today; he was using his real appearance.

I was extremely nervous, afraid that Brandon would recognize him.

Simon walked past our yard without looking around, but the dog stopped and barked incessantly.

Simon frowned, "You bad dog, didn't I tell you not to bark at other people's houses?"

Brandon's attention was drawn, and I took the opportunity to walk over and wave, "Is this your dog? What's its name?"

Simon replied, "His name is Buddy. He's a stray dog I picked up."

"He's so cute. Can I pet him?"

Simon and I tried to act like strangers, talking naturally.

Just as I was about to reach out, Brandon called me from behind.

"Caroline, don't touch it. You're not well. Be careful not to get sick."

I turned back, unhappy, "It's someone else's pet. What's the problem? You know I love cats and dogs. Can't I even pet one?"

I rarely got angry, and Brandon was taken aback, "I'm just thinking of you. Fine, pet it if you want, but remember to wash your hands afterward."

I nodded and reached out to touch the dog, but Simon grabbed my hand and slipped something into it.

I felt it was a cold, USB-like object.

"Ma'am, wait. My dog bites. You better not touch it."

Simon quickly let go of my hand, so fast I didn't have time to react.

When I came to my senses, I clutched the item in my hand and casually put my hand in my pocket.

"If I can't pet it, then forget it."

I lay back down in my original spot.

My heart was racing. I couldn't believe I had successfully gotten the item right next to Brandon.

Of course, I knew it was all thanks to Simon. His reaction was so quick that most people wouldn't have noticed our hands touching.

I let out a long breath, a smile creeping onto my face.

But then Brandon suddenly asked, "You seem very happy?"

I quickly wiped the smile off my face and coughed lightly, "It's because you're with me. If you could spend more time with me, I'd be very happy."

Who can't lie? Let's see who can act better.

Brandon seemed surprised by my response, "Alright, I'll spend more time with you, as long as you don't find me annoying."

I nodded, pretending to listen to him, but my mind was on the USB in my hand.

I clutched it tightly in my pocket, afraid it would suddenly disappear.

Now that I had it, the next step was to find an opportunity to go to Brandon's study again.