When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 423

Brody could say all the right things, but his eyes gave him away. Not that it mattered to Nelly. She wasn’t looking for real love anymore. All she wanted was for her problems to disappear for good.

The next morning, after Nelly dropped Carrie off at preschool, Carrie walked into her classroom and noticed someone familiar sitting by her desk. It wasn’t her usual seatmate.

She moved closer, curious, then broke into a smile. “April?”

“Carrie!” April jumped up and hugged her tight.

April had been stuck at home for ages. Nicholas wouldn’t let her go out until her health was back on track, and she’d felt so cooped up she thought she might burst. The second she got the all-clear, the only thing she wanted was to come back to school and see her best friend.

Carrie was thrilled to see April. She dragged her into a quiet corner and immediately started peppering her with questions. She’d heard from her mom about everything April had gone through, and she’d been worried. But once she knew April’s dad had picked her up, she felt better.

“I thought I’d never see you again. You… you look different now!” Carrie held April’s hands and gave her a good once-over.

April really had changed. Her face wasn’t so thin and sallow anymore. She looked healthier, with a rosy glow in her cheeks, and she was dressed in a cute, stylish outfit. Honestly, she looked even more like a little princess than Carrie did.

“Do I really look different?” April touched her face, blushing.

Carrie grinned. “Definitely. But in a good way. You’re so much prettier now! Your dad must be really good to you, huh?”

April’s face lit up. “He’s super good to me. The best!” She looked so happy just talking about it.

Nicholas had been spoiling her ever since she moved in. He let her do whatever she wanted. When she came back to preschool, April had made sure to ask to be in Carrie’s class.

Nelly glanced at the time, then turned to her assistant to check her evening schedule. She had a dinner meeting, but it wasn’t important and could be moved.

Nelly quickly texted Carrie back to say yes. Work could wait. Nothing mattered more than her daughter’s happiness. Besides, the more time she spent with Carrie, the better her chances in the custody battle she knew was coming.

Meanwhile, at Garland Inc., Brody hurried out of the elevator. His thoughts hadn’t been on work lately. He’d tried calling Nelly to ask her to dinner, but she was busy and hadn’t picked up or replied. That’s why he wrapped up his meeting early, hoping to go pick her up in person.

But as soon as Brody stepped outside the building, he spotted Sheila waiting. She looked worn out, her eyes red and her whole posture drooping with exhaustion.

Brody stopped, then shot Alan a look. Alan got the message, taking two bodyguards with him as he walked out to meet Sheila, while Brody doubled back and headed for the parking garage instead.

Sheila hurried over to Alan, but before she could say anything, he stopped her. “Ms. Olson, Mr. Garland has already explained everything. For both your sakes, please don’t come here again.”