Chapter 1533:

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Brandon, already heavily burdened by the turmoil of public opinion, was further unsettled by the sudden appearance of an unknown woman in his house. His face darkened and he looked at the butler with narrowed eyes, asking, ‘What is going on here?’

Noting Brandon’s displeasure, the butler hastily explained, ‘This lady appeared at the mansion gate today, claiming to be your aunt’s daughter. She said she had something important to discuss with you.’

Brandon frowned and looked at the unknown woman with a sharp, unwelcoming tone. ‘You let her in just because she said so? You think anyone can just walk into my mansion?’

Brandon’s intimidating attitude sent a shiver through the room, and a bead of sweat rolled down the butler’s forehead. He lowered his eyes and replied fearfully, ‘I didn’t believe you at first, sir, but you look just like your mother. And with the journalists outside, I feared they might exploit her appearance for their stories, creating more trouble. So I took the liberty of inviting her in.’

The butler’s explanation seemed reasonable, and Brandon decided not to pursue the matter further. With a deeper frown, he asked, ‘Did you notice anything unusual about her?’

The butler considered the woman’s behavior since she had entered the mansion and recalled how she had acted discreetly, neither wandering nor intruding. Shaking his head, he said, ‘I have watched her closely, sir. The lady has behaved well, she has not wandered or meddled in matters she should not. She has been sitting quietly on the sofa, behaving appropriately.’

Brandon nodded, but continued to frown.

His aunt’s daughter? Why didn’t he remember her?

As far as he could remember, his mother had few ties to her maternal relatives. She didn’t know if her mother had siblings, let alone an aunt with a daughter. Even if the girl was his cousin, she was a stranger to him. Besides, with his current predicament, he couldn’t afford to let his guard down. This girl might even be a spy sent to trap him.

Once satisfied that neither he nor his family knew this person, Brandon’s expression turned colder. He fixed his eyes on the girl, who wore a white dress and had a refined and elegant countenance. Her gaze was full of suspicion and impatience.

The young woman on the sofa felt Brandon’s scrutiny. She rose gracefully, and her eyes were calm. Far from looking intimidated, she smiled warmly. ‘Are you Cousin Brandon?’

At her words, Brandon’s impatience intensified. He replied dryly, ‘I don’t recall ever having a cousin. I would advise you not to make such statements lightly.’

The girl’s soft, beautiful smile gave way to a pained look. ‘Brandon, you haven’t even asked me who my parents are. How can you be so sure I’m not your cousin?’

Her pretty face wore an expression of pitiful innocence that might have inspired a protective instinct in others. But she was dealing with Brandon, a man known for his cold heart. No one could get warmth from him except Janet.

Without even looking at the girl, Brandon’s voice was icy as he ordered, ‘Miss, if you have no further business here, please leave. Butler, escort the guest.’

The girl had not anticipated such an indifferent dismissal. As she found herself about to be escorted away by the butler, panic replaced her earlier poise and she shouted, ‘I have evidence!’

‘Evidence?’ Brandon stopped the butler with a wave of his hand. His eyes flashed with subtle menace. ‘If you are trying to deceive me, you will find that Barnes is a difficult place to reside.’

The threat was unmistakable and made the girl flinch. She swallowed hard, but nodded her head determinedly. ‘I really do have proof.’

Brandon looked at her expressionlessly and silently motioned for her to reveal her proof.

‘I… My name is Audrey Larson,’ she stammered, ’and my mother’s name is Alina Larson. She is your mother’s sister.’

As she spoke, Audrey pulled out an old photograph, handling it carefully as she presented it to Brandon. Brandon took the photograph without changing his expression. But as he studied the image, a flash of wonder crossed his eyes.

It was an old black and white photograph. In it, two young women were smiling radiantly at the camera, and the girl on the left was unmistakably their mother.

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