Molly giggled behind his ear, "Of course, who else are you going to like if not me?"
Chad wrapped his arms around his sister's waist, and as he turned his head, he tentatively placed his lips on Molly's ear.
Molly felt it distinctly. She thought her brother was unintentional, but she herself was startled with a jolt of goosebumps of uneasiness.
Chad noted that she didn't resist.
Coleen was ready to put on makeup after dinner. Knowing her daughter's dawdling nature, she decided to hurry her up. Upon opening the door, she saw the siblings sitting at the foot of the bed, embracing each other. From Coleen's perspective, it was her daughter who had initiated the contact. "What are you doing?" Coleen asked sternly.
Molly lifted her head and looked towards the door. Still holding onto Chad, she told her mother, "We're just hugging."
Molly's innocent gaze and guileless tone made Coleen feel as if she were the one overthinking.
Chad let go of the grip he had around Molly's waist. He slowly released Molly and stood up to explain to his mother, "Molly said something that touched me, and she gave me her paycheck card, offering to support me."
That was why the siblings' embrace was purely platonic.
Coleen looked at her son, then at her daughter. She was worried about her daughter, but she knew that her son had always been mature and sensible, and he should be able to handle this situation appropriately. "Molly's grown up, and you as her brother should keep a bit of distance."
Chad hummed in agreement, turning his head to look at his sister, "Hurry up and do your makeup, I'll take you to work later."
"Sure."
Molly returned to her vanity, and Chad went downstairs for breakfast.
Soon, Andre called. Chad stepped outside to answer. Andre asked him, "Do you have any idea who's been working behind the scenes?"
Chad sat down on the porch swing in the backyard. The morning sun was mild, casting a warm glow on the seat. He sat down, taking a rare moment to appreciate the view of his home.
Beyond the swing was a small lawn. It wasn't as grand as the Cedillo family's, but it was just the right size for their family of six. The pale yellow sunlight shone on Chad, bringing him warmth.
"I didn't sleep last night, I've narrowed it down to a few suspects, but Brian and Mr. Marlow are the most likely."
Outside people wouldn't know Molly's true identity.
Andre was talking to Chad in the silent corridor overseas, his one hand in his pocket, and his gaze looking off into the distance, "Chad, have you thought about the person who's competing with you for the position of squad leader?"
Chad frowned, "I have, but he has never met Molly."
"What if he's picking sides? The person backing him will definitely try to pull you down and put their own person in place. Chad, the position of squad leader is too important, and no one would give it up easily. You can't take action at the moment. I'll handle your work matters when I return to the country. In the meantime, you can investigate who's behind all this."
Although Chad was suspended, he followed the rules and didn't interfere with his own work. But that didn't mean he would just sit idle. "Andre, you said that when Molly was kidnapped, the Marshal family was also a suspect, right?"
Andre paused, waiting for Chad's next words. Chad said, "Give me the files from sixteen years ago. When it comes to investigating, I'm the best. My issues can be put on hold for now."
...
After Molly finished her makeup, she and her mother left the house. "Mrs. Byrne, drive safe. My brother is taking me, so I won't need a ride from you."
Coleen wanted to give her daughter a piece of her mind.
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