Don't Call Me Mr. Braxton Anymore Violet still felt uneasy alone with Wayne. "Mr. Braxton, you order." Wayne's brow ticked up subtly, and he called the waiter over. "One truffle mushroom risotto, a slow cooked beef with roasted seasonal vegetables, and a crème brûlée, please." He rattled off the dishes smoothly-all Violet's favorites. "Light stuff for tonight, easier on the stomach. These are their specialties. Try them." Violet's eyes lit up. "Mr. Braxton, you've been gone so long and still remember their signature dishes?" she used to love coming here, an Italian-style café. Wayne smiled faintly. "Eat here enough, you don't forget." Waiting for the food was agonizing. Violet fidgeted with her fingers, then stared at the tablecloth, finally pulling out her phone for distraction. How long you been at that firm?" Wayne asked out of the blue. Violet jolted like a student caught scrolling in class, sitting bolt upright. "Mr. Braxton, I started interning at Monarch Law right after undergrad." he'd skipped grades and graduated early. it twenty-two, fresh out of her master's, this was her fourth year at the firm. Text year, she'd be eligible for the mid-level lawyer exam. Vayne nodded slightly. "The Group used to have some shady connections, people getting business through backdoors. First thing I did when I took over was lean that up." Don't worry-you want a fair fight, you've got it." iolet's heart leapt. "Thank you, Mr. Braxton!" he trusted his word. If he promised, he wouldn't jerk her around. f the contract went to Monarch Law, Victor's team was the obvious pick! Done with work talk. How about something personal?" Moler's stomach dropped, a nervous laugh escaping. "Mr. Braxton, what's that supposed to mean?" Wayne's eyes deepened. "You said you're calling off the engagement with Gavin today?" "You heard?" Violet asked instinctively. Wayne's expression was unreadable, just a soft hum. "Overheard it." Since he knew, Violet laid it bare. "Yeah, I'm not marrying him. I told Clara already. She said Grandpa's health isn't great, so they need time to process." "Only a few days left till the wedding." Violet nodded. "Yup, just a few days." Five years of chasing, undone in these final days. "You sure about this?" Chapter 23 Don't Call Me Mr. Braxton Anymore Her eyes flashed with resolve. "Yes." Wayne's voice was light. "Good." Violet blinked, curious. "Mr. Braxton, you're not gonna try to talk me out of it?" He was a Braxton-why wasn't he persuading her? Wayne's lips curved, almost a smile. "I respect your choice." Then he shifted gears. "But if you're done with Gavin, don't call me Mr. Braxton anymore." Violet's eyes widened, her heart sinking. Harsh, but true. Wayne's smile softened. "Call me Wayne. I'm not that much older than you." Violet was stunned. She almost blurted out "Mr. Braxton" again but swallowed it. Call him Wayne? Wasn't that a bit too informal for someone of his stature? After a long pause, she met his piercing, deep eyes, so sharp they seemed to cut through her. ust as the invisible pressure choked her, his warm, amused voice broke through. "No rush. Get used to it. You can switch later." Violet exhaled in relief, secretly making up her mind that she would never dine alone with this dangerous man. I'm hitting the bathroom." Wayne watched her flustered retreat, amused. The private room had a bathroom, but she bolted for the one outside. He'd pushed too hard-his little bunny was spooked. low and steady, he thought. Violet didn't know why she was running, but the room's vibe had been suffocating. Of course, she'd run straight into Cora at the bathroom sink. Well, well, it was you," Cora sneered. Violet, calm now, shot back with a cold smirk. "What, itching to get splashed again?" Core flinched, her neck stinging like a reflex, and took a step back. Violet didn't hide her mocking grin. Good-let Cora know she wasn't to be messed with. Stay away. Cora's face flushed, her voice low and sharp. "Don't get cocky, Violet Your Mrs. Braxton title isn't locked in yet!" "And you know where Dad was yesterday?" Violet's eyes narrowed. "Spit it out. Stop with the games." Cora's smirk turned smug. "Heh, Dad went to the care home and brought Grandma back!" Chapter 23 Don't Call Me Mr. Braxton Anymore "You better watch yourself. With Grandma home, you'd best play nice with us." "What?" Violet's eyes widened, fury sparking. Sylas had brought Mabel back? Her delicate cheeks burned with anger, her chest tight. "Did Grandma want to come back?" "Of course! Old folks always want to be home. Violet, you think you're the only one who cares about her? Mom and I will take good care of her from now on!" Half threat, half taunt, Cora's words made Violet shoot her a glare before storming off. She'd changed the care home's contact to herself-yet her dear father still wouldn't let her be! Wayne noticed the fire in Violet's eyes when she returned to the room. His brow lifted. "What's up?" Who pissed off his bunny? Violet forced a stiff smile. "Mr. Braxton, sorry, I can't stay for dinner. Something's come up at home-I've gotta go!" Wayne studied her stormy expression, nodding slightly. "Alright, need a ride?" No, I drove. Mr. Braxton, enjoy your meal. I'm out." Wayne didn't correct her this time, just smiled faintly at the dishes he'd served her. hame-such good dishes, wasted. Mabel, back at the Miller Villa after years, squinted slightly. Mabel, your room's still on the first floor-easy for you to get some sun. The staff's right next door if you need them at night," Sienna said, trying to sound houghtful. Mabel's cloudy eyes flicked her way, a half-smile forming. "Thanks for the effort, Sienna. Where's Violet's room? I'd like to see it." After Violet's last blowup, her room's clutter had been tossed, and she'd installed a private lock. Even Sienna couldn't get in. Heh, Violet doesn't like people in her room. Maybe wait till she's back to show you herself." Mabel didn't push, just waved a hand. "Alright, I'm tired. I'll rest." by the time Violet got home at ten, Agnes was still up. Grandma's back?" Agnes nodded faintly. "Yes, Madam Miller returned this evening. She's asleep now." Violet's heart burned with rage and hurt. Mabel was seventy-dragging her back from the care home at night? Sylas was so desperate to control her that he didn't care about Mabel's health. Her chest ached with fury. "Where's Dad? Asleep?" Agnes nodded slightly. "Mr. Miller just got back. Probably not yet." She eyed Violet's angry gaze, worried she'd cause a scene. "Miss, maybe handle this tomorrow?" Violet's eyes flickered, her voice firm. "Fine!" 14:51 10.00 Chapter 23 Don't Call Me Mr. Braxton Anymore Tomorrow morning, she'd settle old and new scores together! (0) ⊙ (0)