Chapter 904 This Is Unfair to Miss McKinnon!
âWhereâs Deirdre?â
Mrs. Engelâs impression of Brendan had sunk to its nadir. Had he not been her employer, she would have ignored him as though he did not exist.â Sheâs in her room.â âHmm.â
He sounded so non-committal and nonchalant it irritated Mrs. Engel enough to speak out. âMr. Brigthall, Charlene McKinney arrived and told me to prepare a guest room for her. She said sheâs going to stay here for a few days!â âSheâs here already?â Brendan remarked flatly. There was no sign to paint his reaction to lean either joy or disgust. In fact, it sounded as if he had been expecting it to happen. âHer injury hasnât healed yet, and Iâm not usually at home. You should pay some attention to it while you can.â
Mrs. Engel was appalled. âAnd you donât think this is unfair to Miss McKinnon, Mr. Brighthall? Sheâs pregnant with your child, sir, while you invite Charlene to stride into a house that belongs to the both of you as if-â âIs dinner ready?â Brendan suddenly interjected.
She froze. âY-Yes, sir.â âGet Charlene and Deirdre.â
Brendanâs attitude made it clear that he brooked no defiance. It stealthily reminded Mrs. Engel of her position as a mere employee and domestic worker. Thus, the older woman had no choice but to set the food on the table before calling out to the women upstairs.
It did not take Charlene long to show up.
Mrs. Engel looked up and saw-to her surprise as a conservative, aging woman-Charlene was dressed in a thin, flimsy spaghetti dress barring almost too much of her breasts.
Her motive was clear as day.
Charlene swung her hip and sat next to Brendan, whose eyes remained nailed at his documents without ever lifting his head.
Annoyed, she pressed his documents down and said, âBren? No work allowed at the dining table, remember?â
Brendan tucked the papers into his folder and looked up, finally noticing her getup.
His face was as solemn and stoic as ever. It was as if Charlene had put on some normal, oversized T-
shirt. âWhereâs Deirdre?â
Mrs. Engel was quick to answer. âMrs. Brighthall said sheâs not feeling well, so sheâs not coming.â
She felt so bad for Deirdre. How was the young lady supposed to feel well at all? Brendan had brought another woman home! Mrs. Engel was an outsider, and even she felt her own stomach upset.
Brendan did not seem concerned either. âIf her gastric is acting up again, just summon a doctor tomorrow and see whatâs wrong.â âI⦠I hear you, sir.â
Charlene smiled. âItâs just how pregnancy is like, Iâm afraid. You get a little upset here and there every once in a while, and then you lose your appetite. I donât think itâs that big of a problem, though. She could always just come back to eat after sheâs feeling better.â
She raised her head and ordered Mrs. Engel, âRed wine, now.â
The older woman brought a bottle, and Charlene popped it open. She filled two glasses-one for Brendan, one for herself-and pushed it to him, her eyes lascivious.
âIâve been a good girl, havenât I? Iâve done a good job in helping you clean up the mess Miss McKinnon left. Yes, she was the one who pushed me down the stairs, but I wanted you to be free from the publicâs condemnation that I stood by you and spoke for you. I didnât even care if my reputation suffered,â she said, leaning toward him, just right, to exhibit her beautiful curves.
âThatâs enough grounds to enjoy this one with me, donât you think?â
Brendan raised his glass, and his expression actually softened a little. âI agree.â
Charlene smiled, satisfied. They clinked their glasses, letting the shrill ding echo through the hall. She pressed her ruby lips against the brim and sampled half of hers.
Brendan finished his entire glass.
Charlene waited for a moment before leaning her head against his shoulder, her cheeks pink. âAh, the worldâs spinning already? My drinking skill hasnât improved at allâ¦â
She latched her hand on the manâs arm like vines. To Charleneâs greatest glee, Brendan did not show any rejection nor break her hold. It was proof! Proof that Brendan had softened his stance against her.
He did harbor love for her, after all!
âAre my cheeks⦠red, Bren?â She breathed. She inched her body closer, shrinking whatever space there was between herself and Brendan. Before her skin came in contact with his own, though, the door to the first floor suddenly opened.