?Chapter 949:


    With a sharp tap to Brenna’s forehead, Giselle drove her point home. “Snap out of it! Many women want to be Ethan’s girlfriend since he is exceptional. I think you should consider dating someone more low-key.”


    Self-doubt crept in as Brenna muttered to herself, “Am I really not thinking straight?”


    “Absolutely. Take your mother’s advice—never trust a man too easily, and don’t believe everything they say.” Giselle’s tone softened. “I’ve set up a lunch for you to meet that man I mentioned tomorrow at that private restaurant near yourpany.”


    A stubborn look crossed Brenna’s face; betraying Ethan wasn’t an option. “Please, Mom, give it a rest. You sound just like Ethan’s own mother, trying to dictate whom I am dating…”


    Frustration flickered in Giselle’s eyes, but she conceded the point. “Alright, no lunch meeting. You’re still young; there’s no rush to settle down. Just promise me you’ll be careful and keep your guard up.”


    Despite what she said, Giselle couldn’t help herself. She sent Brenna a photo of the striking young man she had mentioned. Brenna looked at it; she thought he looked like a college heartthrob.


    The next morning, Brenna headed to work and spotted Alec waiting by the parking lot next to the office building. As soon as her car rolled to a stop, Alec hurried over, pulled the door open for her, and ced his hand above the frame to shield her from hitting her head.


    The gesture unsettled her. The same man who used to scold and beat her was now going out of his way to be considerate to her. It didn’t sit right with her. Deep down, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that he had some hidden agenda. But Alec behaved with sincerity, never saying anything out of line.


    “There’s no need for this,” Brenna said, her tone t.


    “What are you saying? I’m a security guard. This is part of my job. Don’t let it bother you, Brenna. I’m being paid for this. I’m just doing my duty; that’s all there is to it.” There was no trace of arrogance in Alec’s voice, none of the superiority he used to carry as the CEO of a listedpany.


    Brenna struggled to understand how someone could go through such a tant fall in status and still act soposed.


    Alec remainedposed, a calm smile resting on his face. She looked at him and said, “You used to run the Barrett Group. Now, you’re standing here in a security uniform—are you really not upset about it?”


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    Still smiling, Alec replied, “It’s true my life is not asfortable as it once was. But I’m getting by. When I’ve saved enough, I’ll pay you back for those clothes you bought for my familyst time. What really brightens my day is seeing you. You’re nothing like Isabe and Mack. You actually have a heart. When I asked them for a bit of help when I was broke, you know what they did? They kicked me out and had me beaten up. Those heartless people… I hate them!” Then, heughed. “But guess what? The money Denis gave Isabe? Gone. The job he arranged for Mack? Canceled. And every cent he handed to Ruby? Taken back. They’re broke now. Tell me that’s not karma. They had iting, for treating me like I was nothing.”


    His grin widened. “I even heard their house caught fire. They’ve got nowhere to live now. Serves them right. And the cherry on top? Mack lost his job. Now they’re out there, begging to survive. I am so happy.”


    Brenna realized now that her social circle was too small, as she was only learning about such news now.


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