?Chapter 1563:


    Giselle’s frustration lingered, her voice tight. “This is outrageous. You need to talk to Ethan’s father soon. If they’re notmitted, we’re done. Brenna has plenty of prospects—she’s not desperate to marry.”


    Shepard kept his tone steady, though his irritation was clear. “Let’s wait and see how this unfolds first.”


    They vented about Elsa a bit longer, then finished their meal in tense silence.


    Giselle waited for Brenna to return. It wasn’t until eleven that Brenna shuffled through the door, a faint hint of wine on her breath, her face etched with exhaustion.


    “Mom, you’re still awake?” Brenna asked.


    Giselle trailed Brenna into her bedroom, holding off on mentioning Elsa’s visit. Instead, she eased into the conversation. “Are you and Ethan truly set on tying the knot?”


    Brenna caught the odd look in her mother’s eyes. “Yeah, we are. Why? What’s going on?”


    Giselle sat down. “Ethan’s a solid guy, but his mother? Not so much. I’ve noticed she doesn’t seem to take to you. I’m concerned that once you’re married to Ethan, she’ll make things difficult for you. Maybe you and Ethan should slow things down, keep dating a while longer?”


    Brenna’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Feeling a bit protective, Mom? I get it. I’m only twenty-three—pretty young for marriage. Honestly, I’ve been thinking I might wait until I’m closer to thirty to get married.”


    She didn’t press for details, but she sensed something must have happened for her mother to say that.


    “No need to worry,” she added. “Ethan has already promised that once we’re married, we’ll steer clear of living with his mom.”


    Giselle rolled her eyes with a sigh. “Sweetheart, you’re too trusting. Word is, Ethan’s mother has been butting heads with her older son’s wife, and now she has moved into Ethan’s ce. I’d wager she’s trying to split you two up. It’s not her first time meddling—remember when she knew Ethan was dating you but still pushed blind dates on him?”


    Brenna nodded. “Yeah, she’s a handful. But don’t worry, Mom; I’m not rushing to the altar. Ethan and I have talked, and if pushes to shove, we’ll dy things.”


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    At that, Giselle’s shoulders loosened, a wave of relief washing over her. As long as Brenna wasn’t hell-bent on marrying Ethan right away, she wasn’t worried about Elsa’s antics.


    If it came to it, they could just call off the wedding.


    Giselle’s gaze softened, a warm smile breaking through. “You look exhausted. Get some rest.”


    Brenna brushed the conversation off, thinking it was nothing to worry about. The next morning, she headed to work as usual. Around midday, her phone buzzed; the screen showed a number she didn’t recognize.


    Her private number was shared with only a select few. When she picked up, she heard Elsa’s voice.


    Brenna kept her tone courteous. “Hello, Elsa. Is there something you need?”


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