Chapter 173

Chapter 173

As Naomi was tying her hair, she heard the door open. “Has your mom left?”

Brendan unbuttoned his shirt and looked at her, saying, “Isn’t she your mom too?”

Naomi chuckled and replied, “So we’re engaging in wordplay now.

She stretched her neck and continued, “After spending all afternoon in the car, I need to freshen up.” With

her clothes in hand, Naomi made her way to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Brendan’s gaze lingered on the jewelry set on Naomi’s dressing table.

He rubbed his temples as he thought of the necklace he had given to Chloe in a fit of anger. However, Naomi didn’t mention the necklace or argue with him, which left Brendan feeling uneasy.

Shortly after, Naomi stepped out of the bathroom, freshly showered. Brendan emerged from another bathroom, having just finished his shower as well.

As he dried his hair with the towel, his gaze lingered on Naomi. She wore a black silk robe that complemented her fair skin. The loosely fastened sash around her waist further accentuated her figure.

Suddenly, Brendan stopped drying his hair. All this while, Naomi didn’t even glance at him. She walked to the desk and picked up a pen and paper to jot down her thoughts on the case she had been working on.

Brendan tossed the towel on the nearby table and walked over to Naomi. He leaned over the desk and

trapped her in his embrace.

“Naomi, remember the promise you made me at the resort two days ago? Isn’t it time to fulfill it tonight?

Naomi had vowed to return the favor to Brendan for dealing with Gwendolyn.But they both got so busy

over the days after that they never found the time.

As Brendan exhaled deeply, Naomi waved him off and said seriously, “I’m busy. Charles‘ trial is tomorrow, but I’m unsure what the judge’s verdict will be. Why don’t you find Mason and Reuben for a drink?”

Brendan’s expression darkened. “How generous of you.”

Naomi was displeased when Brendan was absent, yet upon his return, she avoided him.

Turning her gaze away, Naomi sifted through the documents in her hands, saying, “Charles‘ case is my first dive into criminal law, and the first case dealing with life–and–death matter. I’ve spent a lot of time and effort preparing for the case.

When Naomi was away on business trips, she had to spend several days in the hospital getting IV drips. Each time Charles crossed her mind, she felt an urge to fight for him.

She longed for Charles to experience the beauty and wonders of life, rather than to pass away filled with despair and hatred. After all, Charles was still a young boy when his mother was beaten to death.

Chapter 173

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Seeing how determined Naomi looked, Brendan offered words of encouragement. “Just give it your best, but don’t burden yourself with unnecessary pressure.”

Naomi smiled and replied, “I will. You should get some rest first.”

After gently patting Naomi’s head, Brendan grabbed a book and settled onto the bed. His gaze alternated between the pages and Naomi.

The sight of Naomi in her black pajamas, with silver–framed glasses perched on her nose, left Brendan feeling utterly captivated.

Brendan pondered whether it was time to let go of the past. Since he had made the choice to forgive, it was pointless to dwell on old grievances.

As time slipped away unnoticed, Naomi had finally completed her task. She stretched and yawned before

standing up.

When she noticed Brendan was still awake on the bed, she couldn’t help but smile. “Were you waiting for

me?” she asked.