Horror
Husband plans to kill me Chapter 383
I nodded, "Alright, you stay home and rest. If you need anything, just ask Zola or Grandma."
Briar nodded and continued eating her breakfast quietly.
After dropping Brett off, I came back home to find Briar still sitting on the couch, staring blankly.
Kelly and Zola exchanged glances when they saw me come in.
I knew Briar wasn't close to them and didn't like talking to them.
I walked over and asked softly, "Briar, what's on your mind?"
Briar looked up, her eyes a bit lost, and blinked at me, "Ms. Sharp, I was wondering... when will Dad come back?"
This was the first time in two days she had brought up Leo.
My heart tightened, unsure of how to respond.
Leo's situation was still unresolved, and I didn't know when he would be released.
But seeing the hopeful look in Briar's eyes, I tried to comfort her, "Briar, your dad's situation is still under investigation. Once it's over, he'll be back."
"Don't worry too much, okay?" But even as I said it, I wasn't sure myself.
Briar suddenly lowered her head, her voice choked, "But... I really miss him."
My heart ached, and I gently hugged her, "Briar, I know you miss your dad. He'll be okay. In the meantime, I'll be here with you, alright? You can play with Brett, and there's a park nearby. I'll take you both out to get some fresh air."
Briar leaned into my embrace and nodded slightly.
Holding her small body, my anxiety eased a bit.
She was still just a child. How cunning could she be?
Maybe Leo being detained and Briar staying with us for a few days could be a good opportunity.
Over the next few days, I spent as much time as possible with Briar.
Partly because I was worried about her being at my house, and partly because, as Kathy suggested, I wanted to "win her over."
So I handled most of my work online, focusing on being at home with them.
We made snacks together, watched TV, and chatted. I was constantly trying to make her feel the warmth of a home.
During this time, Brett was also very cooperative, often joining in our activities.
But I could see that Briar's mood was still low. She often stared off into space and sometimes asked me strange questions.
"Ms. Sharp, do you think my dad is a bad person?"
One day, Briar suddenly asked me.
I was taken aback, feeling a mix of emotions, but quickly shook my head, "Briar, your dad isn't a bad person. He's just facing some troubles that need time to resolve. You have to believe in him."
Even if Leo had done something wrong, he was still Briar's father...
I couldn't speak ill of Leo in front of Briar. It would only create more problems.
Briar lowered her head and didn't say anything else.
I felt uneasy, sensing that Briar was hiding something.
But whenever I tried to ask her more, she would avoid the topic or give vague answers.
In this regard, Briar didn't seem like an innocent child.
Watching her play with Brett, I couldn't help but worry.
A few days later, Royce brought news about Leo.
"Caroline, Leo's situation is pretty complicated," Royce said, frowning.
"The police found out he's not only involved in illegal fundraising but might also have ties to some underground groups. Things aren't looking good for him."
My heart sank. I hadn't expected things to get this bad. "So... will Leo be sentenced?"
Royce nodded, "It's very likely. If the evidence holds up, he could face a long prison term. We're trying to argue that he was deceived and didn't know what was going on."
I sighed, feeling helpless and worried. Leo's situation was affecting not just him but Briar too. She had already been through so much, and I didn't want her to suffer more. Not like this.
"Royce, is there any way we can help Leo?" I asked, "At least lessen his punishment? I just feel he wouldn't go this far."
Starting a business was indeed a rash decision, but he and Renee were married. It shouldn't have come to this.
Royce was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Caroline, I know you care about Briar, but Leo's situation is beyond our control. His case is very complex, and we can only wait for the police investigation."
I knew this too. Even Simon had called me, advising me to stay out of it to avoid trouble.
I nodded, feeling heavy-hearted. Although Leo had disappointed me many times, he was still Briar's father. I didn't want Briar to be hurt because of Leo.
That night, I sat by Briar's bed, gently stroking her hair, "Briar, I have something to tell you."
After much thought, I felt she had the right to know.
Briar looked up, her eyes confused, "Ms. Sharp, what's wrong?"
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm and gentle, "Briar, your dad's situation is quite complicated. He needs time to resolve these issues. During this time, can you promise me to stay strong?"
Briar lowered her head, her voice choked, "Ms. Sharp, is my dad not coming back?"
My heart ached, and I quickly hugged her, "He will come back. I'll wait with you."
After comforting Briar to sleep, I returned to my room, exhausted. Kathy called me, and I talked to her about the situation.
"Simon told me it's serious... but I didn't expect it to be this bad."
Kathy sighed but tried to comfort me, also updating me on Joanna and the others. Since Kathy returned, I felt much better. However, reality was still complicated. Briar's situation, Leo's troubles, Alfonso and Aurelia's secret actions, and Brandon's shadow still tangled in my mind.
I told Kathy I was trying to balance everything and adjust my mood.
The next morning, I went to the office. It was a day off, so I didn't need to take Brett to school. When I got home, I brought desserts and milk tea for the kids. I saw Briar and Brett still watching TV in the living room. Briar still had a blank expression, while Brett looked tired, clearly having been forced to watch TV with Briar all morning.