Chapter 143
h my god. The deputy manager’s mand raceday he listened to trandon’s question
na Noelle. Ts dais for real! The Commander? Why is he asking diy classic mother–in–law ys wife drowning question? And which role is he even trying to play here–the wife or the mother–in–law?
“Huh?” Noelle was clearly caught off guard by Brandon’s question. She hesitated for a moment before answering honestly. “Td save Nick”
The moment the words left her mouth, the room seemed to chill, the temperature dropping several degrees.
The deputy manager shivered, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow, “Terrifying” he thought. How can someone in their mid–twenties radiate such overwhelming authority, as if they’ve held power for decades? Is this what it means to be at the pinnacle of human evolution–a ‘transformer““”
Brandon’s fingers pressed against the table, his knuckles turning white. Whether it was the poor quality of the table or the sheer fo
force of his emotions, his fingertips dug into the surface, leaving deep indentations when he finally let go.
Iser. So, you would save Nicolas!” Brandon’s tone was calm, almost regretful, but his eyes flashed with a cold, dangerous light. “I’m a bit shuappointed. I thought Id be the most important person in your heart.”
“Huh? What does this have to do with who’s more important” Noelle tihed her head, confused. “Brand, you’re a perfect test subject. Even if you fell into the water, you’ll swim back to shore. But I’m not sure about Nick. What if he can’t swim! Of course, I’d save him first.”
thBrandon’s icy demeanor shattered instantly, and he burst into laughter. “Noelle, you’re just too adorable.”
Brandon remembered the moments they’d shared in the past. Noelle had always been small, with round, innocent eyes that made her look like a linle bunny!
Back then, he hadn’t been easy to get along with. Due to the constant scheming and betrayal within his family, he’d been thrown into the lab, forced to undergo tests alongside what be considered “livestock“-the other test subjects.
At the time, Brandon had been filled with negativity, anger, and a cold, unapproachable demeanor. The other children in the lab knew better than to get close to fum–all except one. Noelle.
Even among the test subjects, Noelle was special. She had been in the lab since she could remember, with no exposure to the outside world or normal human emotions. While others avoided danger, she would curiously approach it, unafraid.
Back then, Brandon had been alone. Noelle, perhaps thinking he was being isolated, had approached him and struck up a conversation. At first, Brandon had ignored her, even snapping at her to leave him alone. But Noelle hadn’t backed off. Instead, she’d stuck around, lecturing him about getting along with others.
Brandon had initially thought her logic was bizarre, but over time, he realized that Noelle wasn’t just quirky–she was the only test subject who could withstand every experiment. She was the lab’s most valuable asset.
Our of curiosity—and perhaps some unspoken ulterior motives–Brandon liggin observing and getting closer to her. Gradually, without even realizing it, the two of them grew inseparable.
Brandon loved Noelle’s smile. Her cheerful personality, even in the darkest of times, had been a beacon of light for him, a source of strength that helped him push through countless hardships.
As thear bond deepened, Brandon no longer saw Noelle as just a valuable test subject or a means to gain power. He simply wanted her by his side, t keep her innocent atad smiling forever.
To achieve that, he had eliminated every obstacle in his family and risen to the top, all so he could see her again and hold her in his arms.
Tu
Seeing Noelle remained as pure and naive as ever, a wave of joy washed over Brandon. “This is good; he thought, has heart lightening. After all these years, she hasn’t changed, She’s still the same girl I remember
pt your reasoning”
Perhaps because he was in a better mood, Brandon didn’t press Noelle further. He chuckled and said, “Alright, I’ll accept
Noelle nodded, though she didn’t fully understand
Brandon smiled again, his tone light but fram. “But no matter who you like, Noelle, I have to be your favorite, okay!”
His words sounded like a suggestion, but his tone left no room fur argument. It was a clear display of his possessiveness and control.
Okay. I understand, Noelle replied obediently “You’re my favorne, Brand
rp your distance
“Good girl” Brandon was pleased with her answer. He continued, “Even though we don’t need to kill Nicolas, you should still keep frons laim from now on”
1/2
2/2
2:50 PM d
Chapter 143
“Huh” Noelle blinked, confused “Why?”
Π
Brandon’s eyes narrowed slightly. Instead of answering, he countered. “Shouldn’t you follow the necklace’s commands without question? So why are you asking me why, Noelle?”
1- Noelle’s heart skipped a beat. She had indeed broken protocol. Feeling guilty, she stammered, “Well, um… it’s just that Nick is really capable. My current mission is to build good relationships with my family, and he can help me with that… so, so.”
“I can help you with that too. Brandon interrupted, his smile unwavering “From now on, I’ll support you in building those relationships. Whatever Nicolas can do for you, I can do too. And whatever he can’t do, I can”
Noelle bit her lip, silent. While Brand’s words made sense, and she believed he could help her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this meant she wouldn’t be able to see Nicolas as often.
For some reason, her chest felt heavy, and a sense of sadness washed over her.
“Noelle, you will listen to me, right!” Brandon pressed when she didn’t respond.
Noelle’s eyes flickered. She lowered her head, biting her lip, and whispered, “Yes, I’ll listen to you. Brand.”
It was instinctual. The commands from the necklace were something she couldn’t defy.
alisfied.
Brandon’s smile widened, satisfied. “Noelle, once I’ve settled things here, I’ll come see you, okay!”
Noelle’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re coming to see me, Brand?”
“Yeah, we haven’t seen each other in a long time, right?”
Yeah
Do you want to see mer
“Of course!” Noelle nodded eagerly. “It’s been so long. I’ve missed you so much.
“Really“” Brandon’s smile deepened. I’ve missed you too. Noelle.”
Then let’s end the conversation here. We’ll talk in detail when we meet again.”
“Okay, bye, Brand!”
“Goodbye, Noclic.”
The blue light from the necklace faded, and Brandon’s voice disappeared. Noelle stared at the necklace, feeling a strange emptiness in her chest. She should have been thrilled to see Brandon again, but the thought of seeing Nicolas less often left her feeling hollow.
This is so sad… Noelle thought, a heavy sigh escaping her. From now on, I have to limiany time with Nick!
