?Chapter 1545:


    Back in the car, Brenna leaned in and said quietly, “Something tells me your mom isn’t letting this go.”


    “No matter what she does, I’m not changing my mind,” Ethan said. He had never listened to her since he was a child.


    Brenna managed a small, knowing smile. “Maybe your mom just needs something to do. Or maybe we can help her find something worthwhile to do.”


    Ethan’s eyes softened as a thought urred. “I’ve seen some news about kids in remote areas needing winter coats and school supplies. Their schools are falling apart. When my mom was younger, she used to love helping out at ces like that. What if we organize a charity event about that…”


    “That’s perfect. It’ll give her something meaningful to do—and maybe distract her from us for a while,” Brenna said, hoping Elsa would not get angry so often. After all, getting angry all the time was bad for her health


    Ethan’s eyes softened as he looked at Brenna. “We’ve been running around all day without eating. Let’s go have a meal. What would you like to eat?”


    Brenna tapped her chin in thought. “It’s been forever since I’ve had a proper stew. Let’s go find some.”


    Ethan considered for a moment before replying, “When I was out with Mr. Bates the other day, we stopped at a ce called Hearth & Ladle. Their stew was incredible. How about we head there?”


    Brenna agreed with a bright nod, and soon, the two of them were making their way to the restaurant.


    The weekend crowd filled the restaurant with noise and warmth, every table brimming with customers.


    Fortunately, Ethan’s connection with the owner paid off, and they were led straight to an open table. Before Brenna could even settle into her seat, her eyes caught on a pair of familiar faces at the next table—Sylvie and Vivian.


    Sylvie was quick to greet Brenna and Ethan. “Ms. Harper, Mr. Mitchell! What a pleasant surprise. You’re dining here too? Why don’t you join us?”


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    Ethan gave aposed nod, choosing not to speak. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and ordered beef stew from the waiter without dy.


    Brenna, meanwhile, turned toward the two women and began chatting with them.


    Sylvie said to Vivian, “From now on, you should work for Ms. Harper as well. She’s already opened a gship store in Plomond, and I handle sales there. I’ve climbed to the top in just a short time, earning more than fifty thousand a month.”


    Vivian’s heart still held a trace of bitterness toward Brenna. But hearing her friend speak so highly of Brenna, she reminded herself that Brenna was, in truth, far more trustworthy than Rosie had ever been.


    Vivian reached across the table and shook Brenna’s hand with practiced politeness. “Ms. Harper, if you ever have a free moment, I’d love the chance to treat you to a meal.”


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