NovelOnline"Looks like we've never swapped digits before." When Brandon looked at her again, he had softly broken the ice.
Sophia didn't expect him to bring that up. She was caught off guard for a moment, then nodded gently, "Yeah, seems like it."
"You never asked to check my phone before. Were you just super chill about me, or just not into it?" Brandon asked, looking at her.
Sophia met his gaze slowly, "Neither. | just didn't have the guts."
Brandon seemed taken aback for a moment, his eyes locked with hers.
"I had a bigger crush on you back then, so naturally, | was all kinds of anxious. | knew you hated people messing with your stuff, so
| was scared you'd get upset, think | was being immature. | guess | just wanted to keep up a good image in your eyes."
After saying this, Sophia couldn't help but chuckle at her past self for being so worked up.
A small smile briefly played on Brandon's lips, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
He wasn't smiling. He just looked at her with a touch of heartache.
Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Sophia pursed her lips and tried to keep it light, "What about you? Too trusting, or just not
interested?"
"l just never thought about it," Brandon said softly.
Back then, he could just chand see her. No matter what time, she was always there.
She never made him feel she was out of reach, so he never wondered about what was in her phone.
Sophia chuckled, not surprised. It was just like him.
Before he knew Theresa, his life was all about work. He never bothered with anything beyond that.
When Brandon noticed the relief in her smile, his earlier heartache deepened, now mixed with a hint of melancholy and sadness.
He suppressed the melancholy and gave her a soft smile, "What did you delete just now?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Just sjewelry pic."
Since he asked so casually, she replied in kind.
His eyes remained on her face, "Can't | see it?"
Sophia just smiled, "You'll get a chance."
"Alright," Brandon smiled back.
His gaze didn't leave her face.
His deep, tranquil eyes had a way of looking at someone with an intense, focused affection.
Sophia found it hard to withstand such a gaze. She lowered her eyelids slightly and said softly, "I'm going to sleep."
"Okay," Brandon nodded gently.
But he didn't move.
As Sophia turned to leave, Brandon did too.
He stepped forward and gently embraced her.
A hug that was soft, gentle, and full of compassion.
Sophia's eyes instantly welled up, tears threatening to spill.
She bit her lip, holding back the tears, her hands twitched to cling to his shirt but hesitated.
Brandon just held her, saying nothing.
Sophia, too, remained silent.
But the room was filled with a rare warmth.
A warmth she desperately craved but seldom had.
The next day, they went to work as usual.
Thanks to last night's seemingly pointless chat, things were noticeably more relaxed between Sophia and Brandon.
But as soon as it was daylight, Brandon's authoritative vibe lingered, and Sophia was still a bit stiff around him.
But this ease was already precious, so Sophia was cautious not to ruin it with an ill-timed topic, avoiding any further discussions
with Brandon.
As soon as Brandon arrived at the office, Kent cin to report on Jerry, the local reputation investigation Brandon had requested
the day before, whether he had any vices, and how he met Nell.
"Jerry's got a pretty solid reputation locally and in the industry."
Looking at Brandon across the desk, Kent continued, "Though he may seem a bit offbeat and a bragger, everyone acknowledges
his work and leadership skills. He's generous and fair, his crew respects him, and they're willing to work with him long-term. The
quality of his construction team is also quite good, and everyone he's worked with has nothing but praise for him."
"How did he meet Nell?" Brandon inquired.
Kent replied, "Apparently, he saw Nell picking through trash for food under a bridge, looking pitiful but physically strong, so he got
him a job on the construction site and arranged a place for him to stay. Nell was grateful and has been following Jerry ever since."
"How long have they known each other?" Brandon asked.
"About two months."
Brandon noted, "The Zenithan-style resort project has been underway for about two months, so Jerry just happened to meet Nell
around the tthe project started? How long has Nell been wandering around Zion City?"
"A few years now."
"Does he roam around or stick to one area?" Brandon questioned.
"He's always been around the northern suburbs of the city, never changed places."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"So, you're telling me, Jerry, as a local of Zion City, didn't notice Nell for years, but suddenly took pity on him when the Zenithan-
style resort project kicked off, and brought him under his wing?"
Brandon asked Kent slowly, looking for clarification.
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMyWL11I01F1081
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMyWL11I01F1081
mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
