Chapter 121

"Mr. Howell can pay you." Kara turned to Brandon and asked, "Is that alright with you, Mr. Howell?" I braced myself, expecting Brandon to shut her down. But to my surprise, he simply replied, "If she wants to, sure." I was rendered speechless. I winced in pain as Kara pinched my arm and blinked rapidly. She clearly sensed something was amiss. Was Brandon trying to stir things up? How could he have said that? Not wanting Kara to enjoy any gossip, I smiled and responded, "I have enough money. So, I won't be going." "Maddie…" Brandon glanced at me quietly. As we had breakfast, my phone rang. It was Olivia, the landlady across from my house. Thinking she'd resolved the issue, I answered, "Hello, Mrs. Potter." "Sorry to bother you so early, Maddie," she said politely. "No problem, Mrs. Potter. What's up?" I replied before taking a sip of my milk. "I spoke to the tenant about your request, but he refused, even with compensation. So…" Her words sounded oddly familiar, like I'd hea