After the examination was over, Deirdre and Madame Brighthall exited the consultation room, only for the latter to see Brendan leaning against the wall nearby with Charlene snaking her arm around his.

In the past, Brendan would have immediately taken his arm right out of hers. The fact that she could hold onto him for so long was a statement Madame Brighthall could not ignore—and the cue for her expression to immediately darken as she led Deirdre out of the way.

Brendan and Charlene followed them closely. When Madame Brighthall and Deirdre were about to get into the man’s car, Brendan suddenly said, “You and Deirdre will be going home in Sam’s car. Where I’m heading isn’t in the mansion’s direction.”

Sam appeared and opened the backseat door.

Madame Brighthall’s hand froze in mid-action. Her ire finally flared. “Dee has just finished her examination, Brendan! Where are you going if you’re not going to stay at home with her?”

“I have work to do,” he replied flatly. “It was just