?Chapter 1903:


    Eric nced at Colleen and stepped back, giving them space. “Colleen!”


    Brady moved forward, catching her in a tight embrace, their arms wrapping around each other as if the world had faded away.


    “Brady,” Colleen murmured, cradling his face. Her heart sank at the sight of blood on his lips and the swelling across his cheeks.


    “It’s nothing… really, I’m fine.” Before she could press further, Brady sped her hand, a pained but warm smile tugging at his bruised face.


    “Ow!” He flinched, sucking in a sharp breath as the smile pulled at his wounds.


    “That is ‘fine’ to you?” Colleen’s voice trembled with worry and guilt. “I’m so sorry, I—”


    “Don’t,” Brady interrupted, gently pressing two fingers to her lips. His eyes searched hers intently. “I was the fool. I should’ve realized sooner why I couldn’t reach you.”


    “Colleen!” Nelson’s voice cut through, sharp with frustration as he watched the pair cling to one another. “Get over here! Have you no decency, making a scene right in public?”


    “Nelson!” Colleen spun around, her eyes zing as she faced her brother. “What are you, some kind of ruffian? Who gave you the right to attack him?”


    “A ruffian? Me?” Nelson froze in silence before bursting into an angryugh. “Fine, I hit him! But he is the one messing with your head, he is the real threat!”


    Nelson gestured to Colleen, his tone a blend of persuasionced with a subtle edge of menace. “Come here, Colleen! You’ve always had your nose in books, barely stepping out into the world. That is why you’ve fallen under his spell!”


    “No!” Colleen stood her ground, lifting her chin with quiet defiance. “Nelson, I’m not some naive child, nor am I as sheltered as you im. Do you really think I can’t see someone’s true heart?”


    “You…” Nelson faltered, grasping for a retort but finding none. “I can’t outtalk you, fine! But you and this boy? It’s out of the question. Come here now, or do I have to drag you myself?”


    “I’m not going anywhere, no matter what you say or do!”


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    “Oh, is that so? And what about me?”


    A sharp voice cut through the tension, drawing every eye.


    It was Louise.


    No one had noticed her approach, but there she stood just inside the gates, her expression icy, herplexion pale as moonlight.


    “Mom,” Colleen whispered.


    “Mom…” Nelson echoed softly.


    Louise held her ground, extending a hand toward her daughter. “Colleen,e to me.”


    “Mom.”


    Colleen’s heart sank as she nced at Brady, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.


    “Colleen!” Louise’s patience snapped, her voice sharp with authority. “Come here this instant!”


    “Mrs. Hayes,” Brady interjected, stepping forward despite his bruised and swollen face. He stood beside Colleen, his tone respectful yet firm. “I’m Brady Jenkins, and I—”


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