When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 411

Jonah paused, caught off guard. Brody glanced back at him.

“Thanks for what you did,” Brody said, his tone cool. He took a step, ready to leave.

Jonah’s voice came out low and serious. “If you ever make her cry again, I’ll make sure the entire Garland family pays for it.”

Brody didn’t bother turning around. His voice was laced with sarcasm. “Maybe you should get your own life together first. Some feelings are better left in the past, don’t you think?”

When Brody stepped out of the reception room, he found Nelly waiting by the door, tucked away in a corner. She stood with her hands pressed to her sides, her whole body tense.

He stopped for a moment, taking her in. Nelly looked so different these days. She had this confident, sharp edge to her now, all traces of her old softness replaced by a cool, almost distant strength. But even from behind, there was something fragile about her that made his chest ache.

Some things about her never changed. She was still stubborn, still refused to back down, no matter what. And only now did Brody realize he was truly seeing her, really seeing her for the first time.

“…Brody!”

Nelly gasped when his arms wrapped around her from behind. She almost cried out but managed to hold it in.

She struggled for a second, but Brody just held on tighter, then let go. He caught her hand and spun her around to face him, locking eyes with her.

“From now on, I’ll be by your side. Whatever you want to do, I’ll be there with you.”

Nelly frowned, ready to argue, but the words got stuck in her throat. What he said hit her right in the heart, leaving her speechless for a moment.

Right then, the butler pulled open the big double doors.

Brody’s arm stayed firm around her shoulders. Before she could say a word, he leaned toward his mic and spoke up. “The rumors online about me and my wife aren’t true. We’re not getting a divorce.”

“My wife and I grew up together. There’s no mysterious old flame, like the rumors say. If I’ve ever loved anyone, it’s always been my wife.”

Nelly looked up at Brody. Under the sparkling chandelier, his features looked almost unreal, like a sculpture—so perfect, it was hard to tell if he was being sincere.

He smiled softly and spoke with such calm that nobody could tell what he was really thinking.

The reporters only got more excited, sending a fresh wave of pointed questions their way.

“If that’s the case, Mr. Garland, can you explain your relationship with the other woman mentioned in the reports?”