Chapter 83

Naomi answered the call. "What's up?"

Brendan's voice came from the other end. "Where are you?"

Naomi replied, "I'm home and already asleep," then hung up abruptly. Over the past few months, Brendan had called her several times, although he used to never answer her calls.

Naomi hung up the phone. Christine looked at her and asked, "Naomi, who was that?"

"It was Brendan," Naomi replied.

"Then what was with that attitude and tone?" Christine said. "Can't you be a little more polite to him? You're pushing him away."

Brendan hadn't attended the banquet with Naomi that night, which upset Christine. Now that he had called, she thought Naomi should be affectionate and try to coax him.

Naomi sighed. "You're lucky you met Dad. You'd be crying every day if you'd met someone like Brendan."

"Watch your mouth," Christine scolded.

Bailey, hands in her pockets, smiled. "Mrs. Goodwin, Naomi didn't do anything wrong. You shouldn't coddle a man. The more you pamper him, the less he'll value you." She turned to the silent Dennis. "Isn't that right, Mr. Goodwin?"

"Yes," Dennis responded. He turned to Naomi. "I don't mind how you and Brendan compete, but please don't let it lead to divorce. And make sure to have a child as soon as possible."

"I know," Naomi replied perfunctorily.

She got into her car, said goodbye to Bailey and her parents, and sped away.

As her car left the hotel, her phone rang. It was Ronald. "Naomi, when are you coming back?"

Naomi looked displeased. "Damn it! I've had enough of Brendan checking up on me, and now you're monitoring me too? The event just ended."

"Come over tonight."

Naomi was speechless. Why did that statement seem flirtatious?

She didn't respond immediately. Ronald continued, "I haven't seen a living soul in five days. I haven't spoken to anyone in five days. Don't you feel sorry for me?"

Naomi retorted, "Ronald, why don't you go back to Hope Elementary School?"

Refusing to leave the house all day—was that a sensible way to spend his time?

"No way! Even if I die here, I won't go back to that shitty place," he replied. "Hurry up and come over to keep me company. You'll be all by yourself if you go home, so why don't we keep each other company? I'll order some takeout for you."

Naomi felt like Ronald was coaxing her like a three-year-old. But considering Brendan hadn't returned home in over ten days and had even attended the Sabella family's event with Chloe, Naomi decided not to go home either. She hung up, leaving Ronald waiting.