Chapter 10

I took out my phone and carefully checked if there was anything else in it, but Brandon seemed to know that this drawer was easy to open, so he didn't put anything important in it, just some miscellaneous items.

I opened another cabinet, and it was the same.

The only important thing was some scattered cash inside.

I suddenly realized that since I had been sick for so long, I had no money left on me, and even if I wanted to escape, I couldn't.

So I reached out and took some of the thick stack of cash, stuffing it into my pocket. This way, even if something unexpected happened in the future, I would have some security.

I was so focused on searching that I didn't notice the footsteps outside the study.

By the time I realized it, the study door was suddenly pushed open.

I was startled and quickly hid under the desk.

I heard Brandon ask in a deep voice, "Who?"

I held my breath, not daring to make a sound.

My heart was pounding like a drum, and I looked at the drawer. From Brandon's angle, he couldn't see that it was open, but if he walked over, he would definitely see it.

I closed my eyes, praying that Brandon wouldn't come over.

At that moment, I heard him say, "Caroline, is that you?"

My hair stood on end, and cold sweat broke out all over my body. My heart felt like it was about to jump out of my mouth.

Even more terrifying, I could hear Brandon's footsteps moving.

My mind raced, thinking about what excuse I could use if he found me.

But just then, I heard something fall to the ground at the door, followed by a meow.

Brandon seemed to relax, "It's you!"

"When did I lock you in here?"

He spoke as he walked out, closing the study door behind him.

I let out a heavy sigh of relief, collapsing weakly to the ground. I realized that my little cat had saved me!

But tonight, I couldn't continue. Although I didn't find anything important, I did get something.

I closed and locked the drawer, then quietly went downstairs and put the key back in Brandon's bag.

On the way back, I felt a burning sensation in my chest, as if there was a fire inside me.

No matter how much water I drank, it didn't help, so I went to the fridge and grabbed an ice cream to cool down.

When I got back to my room, just as I pushed the door open, I heard a faint voice from inside.

"Caroline, where did you go?"

My scalp tightened, and in the darkness, a pair of malicious eyes stared straight at me.

I was so scared that I couldn't speak.

Brandon stepped forward and turned on the room light with a swipe. Reflexively, I hid what I was holding behind my back.

His sinister eyes stared straight at me, "Where did you go? What's behind your back?"

I was so scared that I couldn't speak, so I just shook my head.

He stepped forward and forcefully pulled my hand over, only to be stunned when he saw the ice cream in my hand.

"You went downstairs just to get this?"

I nodded, thinking that luckily I had hidden the money in my pant leg earlier, or he would have definitely found it.

"Shirley's dinner was really spicy tonight. After eating, my stomach hurt so much that I had to go get an ice cream."

My explanation was reasonable, making it hard for Brandon not to believe me.

He gave me a helpless look, "Caroline, you can't eat ice cream. It's too cold. I'll ask Shirley to make milder food in the future."

He said this as he carried me to bed and took the ice cream from my hand.

I obediently nodded and lay under the covers.

He watched me for a long time without leaving, then reached out and stroked my face with the back of his hand.

"Caroline, you mustn't lie to me in the future."

My heart pounded, thinking he had discovered something, so I quickly nodded.

But he didn't say anything, just turned and left.

I hid under the covers, took the money from my pant leg, and put it with my phone.

After confirming everything, I let out a long sigh of relief. It seemed I had passed this hurdle for now.

But I couldn't go to Brandon's study again for the time being. I would have to find a way to get to the office to find the key and discover new things.

That night, after relaxing, I fell asleep.

The next morning, when I woke up, Brandon was sitting by my window, fully dressed, looking at me gently.

"Caroline, you're awake?"

I nodded, looking at him. I knew today was Saturday, and Brandon usually chose to rest at this time and wouldn't go to the office.

He seemed to know what I was thinking and said, "I'm planning to visit Mom today. She's been traveling all year and just got back recently."

My heart tightened, and I looked at him warily.

During the year I was sick, my mom, Kelly Kim, had been traveling and didn't know about my condition.

I didn't want her to worry, so I hadn't told her.

But now that I thought about it, it was strange that Kelly had gone traveling just as I got sick. It seemed like Brandon had arranged it to get her out of the way.

But what did he mean by telling me this now?

"Do you have anything you want to say to Mom?"

I shook my head. No matter the reason, I didn't want Kelly to know about my current situation and worry.

Brandon didn't say anything else and left after saying goodbye.

Shirley watched me take my medicine, and after she left, I went to the bathroom to induce vomiting.

This time, I was very careful, leaving no trace.

I stood by the window, watching Brandon drive away.

Kelly lived in a suburban villa, and if he drove himself, he wouldn't be back until midnight.

So it was very likely he would stay there overnight and return tomorrow.

And it seemed that with Brandon gone, Shirley wasn't too concerned about watching me take my medicine. After I took it, she just took the bowl away without checking if I had vomited.

I took the opportunity while she was in her room to lock my door and hide in the bathroom to call Kathy.

I had too many questions and didn't know what to do.

I had to take this chance to ask Kathy for advice.

The call went through quickly, and Kathy answered.

"What's up, Caroline? Are those bastards not home? How can you call me during the day?"

I told her about Brandon going to Kelly's house and that only Shirley was left in the house.

"I can't understand Brandon anymore. Why is he trying to harm me?"

"Is it because of the company? But I had already handed over most of the company's business to him before I got sick. I don't pose any threat to him. Why is he doing this?"