Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

My body tensed. I instinctively wanted to avoid his touch, but Conrad held on tightly and gave me no chance to escape.

This feeling of being controlled by someone else was unpleasant, and I didn't like it. I frowned, "Conrad..."

Before I could finish, Conrad interrupted me. "Maddie, Chris is my brother, so I can't speak ill of him, but he's an exception. You can't give up your principles because of him."

His grip was tight. I could feel his tension. He was trembling. His gaze was intense, and his tone was heavy. There was even a pleading edge to it. "Maddie, finding a boyfriend is not a game. You have to be careful. One wrong move can ruin your life."

Seeing his earnestness, I felt a bit guilty. I almost wanted to tell him that Brandon was just a temporary boyfriend.

But that thought quickly vanished. Bringing Brandon was meant to end any lingering hopes the Gildon family might have. If I told him the truth, what was the point of this charade?

"Conrad, I'm not a child. I know what I'm doing," I retorted.

"But you've only known Brandon for a few days!" Conrad's voice grew louder. He was clearly upset.

him for a few days, but our relationship was established

as an older brother and didn't want to

grip on my shoulder tightened as if he were squeezing

stared at me with a mixture of

depth of his gaze, then moved slightly. "Conrad, some connections are meant to be formed. Maybe Brandon and

spoke, I

his grip on my shoulders didn't loosen completely, I could tell it

out of nowhere and smiled brightly. "Ms. Crown, you have a guest. Why not go to your

to the office. I'll

composed himself. He released me as he politely declined, "No need, thank you." Conrad left

time to recover and return to my office. On my way, I decided to ask Xander for some time

Xander's office door, I heard his voice. "It's done... Yeah, he's gone... Haha, that guy is nowhere

stepped out, he saw me standing at the door. He