When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 379

Brody wasn’t thinking straight anymore. All that built-up emotion in his chest felt like it was about to break him. That sharp, twisting ache in his heart wouldn’t let go either. All he could think about was finding Nelly and finally putting everything on the table.

He pressed down on the gas, speeding through the empty roads, barely noticing the world outside his window. Just as he swung around a corner, a red light snapped him out of his trance and forced him to a stop. Frustrated, he hit the steering wheel, his knuckles stinging. Then, in his rearview mirror, he caught a glimpse of a Rolls Royce he knew all too well.

As soon as the light turned, Brody tried to pull away, but the Rolls shot past him and cut him off, blocking his path. The door opened and a man in black stepped out, leaning against the side of the car, like he’d been waiting for this exact moment.

Brody hesitated, took a breath, then climbed out of his own car. He recognized the man immediately—Jonah, the guy who always seemed to be hanging around Nelly.

Jonah pulled a sleek box of cigars from his pocket, lit one, and held it out to Brody with a polite nod. Brody didn’t bother with pleasantries. He glanced at the label, recognizing the expensive brand; a single box cost more than some people’s yearly rent.

Jonah waited, letting the silence stretch. The tiny glow of the cigar flickered in the dark, smoke curling between them, almost like the night itself was holding its breath.

Finally, Brody let out a bitter laugh. “This is some top-shelf stuff, Mr. Watson. You come all this way just to give me a cigar? Or do you have some business to discuss?”

“Business with you deserves a better setting than the side of the road.” Jonah tucked the rest of the cigars into Brody’s pocket, then leaned in, his eyes catching the light with a hint of something cold. “I simply can’t stand to watch anymore. I’m here to tell you—let it go. Stop chasing her.”

Brody’s grip tightened until his knuckles went pale. A chill breeze swept past, carrying the distant wail of a car horn. Jonah leaned closer, dropping his voice so only Brody could hear. “She’s out of reach for you now. Watson Corporation could crush Garland Inc. with barely a flick of the wrist.”

…

He nodded to his assistant, who immediately handed her a silk handkerchief. Sheila took it gratefully, dabbing at her face as she tried to pull herself together.

Only when she seemed steadier did Nicholas give the word for the driver to go. Sheila hesitated, then spoke quietly. “I also have a friend who was with me…”

She meant Selina. Last night, they’d been taken in separately for questioning. Sheila could handle herself, but she worried about Selina, who’d always been fragile under pressure. Before they were split up, Sheila had managed to warn her not to say a word. Selina’s father hadn’t mentioned them to the police, so there shouldn’t be any evidence tying them to anything.

Nicholas seemed to read her mind. “Don’t worry. Your friend was bailed out a little while before you. I made sure she had a good lawyer. No matter what happens next, as long as she keeps quiet, there won’t be any trouble.”

He’d gotten the call from Sheila last night and moved fast, sending people to the station to find out exactly what was going on. He knew by now that Sheila had only been caught up in this mess because she was trying to help her friend.