Chapter 27: A Blind Date
Neil’s face registered shock while a surge of anxiety gripped Naomi. Their shared glance conveyed a silent question: had their secret been uncovered?
Their apprehension grew when Jared entered the room, each step exuding a chilling authority that seemed to freeze the very air around him.
“Mr. Brooks,” Neil began, attempting to feign ignorance, “what brings you to our home at this late hour?”
Without uttering a word, Jared glanced at Joseph, who motioned for the bodyguards. Moments later, a group of battered homeless individuals was ushered in. Neil and Naomi’s faces drained of color upon seeing them.
One of the homeless men cried out, desperation evident in his voice, “Mr. Brooks, please spare us! They hired us. We had no idea she was your wife!”
Naomi, her voice shaking, retorted, “You’re lying! When did I ever commission such a thing? Your actions are your own. My father and I are not involved!”
Neil, his anxiety peaking, stumbled backward, clutching the sofa for support. “Dad, are you alright?” Naomi’s genuine concern contrasted with her previous accusation.
Jared’s icy gaze settled on Naomi, “You seem to know a lot about the situation before it’s even been explained.”
Caught off guard, Naomi faltered, her eyes widening in realization. After a moment’s hesitation, she adopted a flirtatious demeanor.
“Jared,” she purred, attempting to deflect blame, “you can’t hold me responsible. We were originally engaged, weren’t we? But Julia came between us. If anyone’s at fault, it’s her.”
Drawing closer to Jared, Naomi’s silk pajamas clung to her, accentuating her curves as she tried to use her allure to distract him.
Joseph cast a sidelong glance at Naomi, who was making a transparent attempt at flirtation. Many had tried to entice Jared in the past, but all had faced–
Jared’s voice sliced through the tension, “Leave!” His tone was cold, his eyes piercing, rendering Naomi utterly still.
Joseph suppressed a smirk, thinking to himself: Julia might be the only one who could captivate Jared and emerge unscathed.
Gathering himself, Neil approached Jared, desperation evident. “Mr. Brooks, our families have shared a long–standing relationship. It’s because of this bond that your grandmother orchestrated the marriage between you and Naomi.”
Meeting Neil’s plea with a chilling stare, Jared responded, “You should count your blessings. If not for that bond, the Scott family would cease to exist in Monroe City by
tomorrow.”
Neil could only gulp nervously, choosing silence over further aggravating the
10.50
situation.
Jared scanned the room, his gaze landing on the homeless individuals before nodding at Joseph, “Take them to the police.”
“Understood, boss.”
As Jared made his exit, Naomi’s blend of fear and determination propelled her forward. “Jared!”
He halted, though he didn’t face her. “From now on, the ties between the Scott and Brooks families are severed. If any harm befalls her again, I promise you’ll experience consequences you can’t fathom.”
Stifled by the weight of Jared’s warning, Naomi could only watch as he left, a storm of frustration building within her.
The fabric of her pajama crumpled in her grasp, her fingers digging in until the material threatened to tear.
“Naomi, let it go,” Neil whispered, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. “He’s beyond our reach now.”
“Lrefuse to accept it!” Naomi’s voice trembled with rage. “The leader of the Brooks family should have been mine! That woman not only humiliated me but has now also stolen everything meant for me! I will reclaim what’s rightfully mine!” Her anger twisted her face into a monstrous expression.
Neil sighed deeply, his frown etching lines of concern on his forehead. “Didn’t you hear Jared’s warning? Any move against him could doom the entire Scott family.” Naomi’s voice took on a pleading tone, “This time was an oversight, but next time, I’ll be cautious. Father, won’t you help me? Imagine, if I succeed, you’d be Jared’s father–in–law. Our Scott family would rise alongside him.” She gripped Neil’s arm, eyes filled with desperate hope.
Neil hesitated, but before he could voice his reservations, Naomi interjected, “I have a plan!”
“And that would be?”
Naomi leaned in, her voice dripping with anticipation, “We could have Grandfather mediate and invite Jared to make amends. And during that time, I could get closer to Jared.”
Neil’s eyes widened, clearly shocked by Naomi’s audacity. “Naomi!”
“Dad, think about it! If we don’t seize this chance, we might truly lose any connection
with the Brooks family forever!” Naomi pressed on, trying to convince him.
