The hospital was just a stone's throw away from the office, not even a 5-minute walk.
Daniel had a brain hemorrhage right there at work and was rushed to the closest hospital by ambulance for emergency care.
Brandon didn't even have tto get his car. As soon as he stepped out of the hospital, he flagged down a cab right off the curb.
"The Starlight Group, please."
The cabby shot him a puzzled look and said, "Just hoof it around the corner, and you're there."
"Just drive," Brandon said, fishing out a hundred from his wallet. "Step on it, please."
The man had the car parked under the Starlight Group building in less than two minutes.
Brandon handed over the cash without waiting for change and bolted out of the cab.
He strode into the lobby with purpose, catching the busy receptionist and security off guard. They barely managed a greeting
before he breezed past them.
Brandon swiped his access card and zipped up to the 17th floor.
As soon as the elevator doors slid open, he spotted the noisy crowd.
Aaron was being held back by Don, struggling and shouting at him, "I'm her biological brother, and I'm gonna give that girl a piece
of my mind today. She's been too spoiled."
After his rant, he turned to Sophia, who hadn't recovered from the shock, and bellowed, "You, chere, | have squestions for
you."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJust as he tried to break free and grab her, his collar suddenly tightened, choking him in an instant.
He turned instinctively to see Brandon, holding his collar expressionless, and his face went pale.
"Brandon?"
He called out, unsure.
Brandon's gaze was icy, "Who do you think you are? Even her own father has no right to hit her!"
With that, he flung Aaron aside and moved toward Sophia.
Sophia's head was still buzzing, and she was dizzy from Aaron's slap, not quite with it yet.
But when she heard Brandon's familiar voice, she instinctively looked up and saw him approaching, momentarily stunned.
Before Brandon reached her, he had already pulled her to him, his eyes lingering on her slightly swollen cheek before looking into
her eyes, his voice rough with concern, "You hurt anywhere else?"
Sophia shook her head reflexively.
Brandon let out a sigh of relief, shielded Sophia to his side, then turned to Aaron, who he had just thrown against a wall, and dialed
911 on his phone. "Hello, this is the 17th floor of the Starlight Group. | need to report a disturbance and an intentional assault."
Aaron, still disoriented from the impact, panicked at the sight of Brandon calling the cops and stepped forward to plead, "Hey, why
call the cops? It was just my sister not listening, and | lost my cool, | didn't mean to hurt her."
Brandon ignored him, gave the detailed address to the dispatcher, and hung up.
Aaron was freaking out, trying to sweet-talk Brandon.
"Brandon, let's sit down and talk this out. No need to make a scene at the station."
Brandon kept his expression blank, "When you barged in here and slapped someone without any questions, did you think about
talking it out then?"
"I was just blinded by anger, okay?"
Aaron, whether out of fear or genuine remorse, slapped himself hard then turned to Sophia, "Sophia, | was wrong today. |
apologize. | was just frustrated that you weren't living up to expectations."
Sophia glanced at him, silent for a moment, and then finally spoke up, "Who did you see today?"
Her head was still a bit dizzy, but even in her confusion, she sensed something was off.
Aaron was acting out of character today.
He had never been fond of her, but he had never laid a hand on her before.
Sure, he was lazy and had no shame, but his temper was usually in check. His biggest problem was being gullible.
He had been anxious about the Frost family resort bid for a few days, but not having her help wasn't anything new. She had never
helped him before, and Aaron knew this, so it was unlikely he would lash out over this now.
Aaron hesitated, not wanting to discuss their parents in front of Brandon.
"Let's talk outside."
Sophia said and started walking out.
Brandon caught her arm.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Let's get that wound treated first."
Sophia touched her cheek.
"I'm fine, don't worry," she said softly.
Still worried, Brandon had Cindy bring sice for a cold compress, and only then did he accompany her outside.
Aaron hurried after them, following Sophia and Brandon up to the rooftop.
"What got into you today?"
As soon as the rooftop door closed, Sophia turned to Aaron and demanded.
Aaron hesitated under Brandon's gaze, unsure of what to say.
Sophia looked at Brandon, "Maybe you should go down first. Lettalk to him."
"No way," Brandon flatly refused, "I can't leave you alone with him."
Then he turned to Aaron, "Speak up if you've got something to say."
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1
MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L
mmMyWL11I01F1081
mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1