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.

only known him for a few days,

considering I regarded Conrad as an older brother and didn't want to say anything

at me with shock. His grip on

didn't say anything; he just stared at me with a

his gaze, then moved slightly. "Conrad, some connections are meant

I felt Conrad's

loosen completely, I could tell it wasn't as

in this tense standoff, Xander appeared out of nowhere and smiled brightly. "Ms. Crown, you have a guest. Why not go

to the office. I'll have someone make a

me as he politely declined, "No need, thank you." Conrad left without looking back at me,

decided to ask Xander for some

I was about to knock on Xander's office door, I heard his voice. "It's done... Yeah, he's gone... Haha, that guy is nowhere near your

was on the phone, and as he stepped out, he saw me standing at the door. He seemed startled and